Submitted by 3L Jennifer Douglas and 2L Nathan Kelly
The National Black Law Students Association recently bestowed the honor of Western Region Chapter of the Year on USC’s BLSA chapter. Doreen Anthony, a second-year student and chapter president, called the award “a pleasant surprise.” The award was presented Saturday, February 17, at the Western Regional Conference.
“We have been working hard all year to increase BLSA’s presence on campus and the local community,” Anthony said.
The award was based on community service, academic initiatives, 1L support, political awareness, professional development, social activities and fundraisers, and the quality of event documentation. Each of the 51 participating chapters was scored by a committee of executive board members from each region.
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| Members of USC BLSA. The chapter was named Chapter of the Year for the western region. |
Regional chapters of the year are considered to demonstrate -- through their events and programs -- dedication to their members’ educational development and academic achievement. A number of USC BLSA’s programs have been geared toward helping the 1L class adjust to a new academic environment. For example, BLSA provides outlines and practice exams for first-year classes. Josi Kennon, the academic co-chair responsible for the programs, says the study aides reduce 1L anxiety.
“The first years can sometimes have trouble adjusting to how they will be evaluated in law school. Offering the outlines and practice exams makes the transition a little easier,” Kennon said.
BLSA also offers a mentoring program so new students have someone who can help them with the transition to law school on an individual basis.
“The 2L and 3L mentors give advice about job opportunities and classes, and they are there if the 1Ls just need to talk,” Kennon explained.
BLSA’s dedication to social awareness and community activism was also considered. In October, BLSA members participated in AIDS Walk Los Angeles and raised more than $200 to help AIDS service organizations provide direct services and prevention education across Los Angeles County. BLSA also collected donations for those suffering in the Darfur region of Sudan. USC students and faculty donated money, school supplies and personal hygiene items to help the victims of the armed conflict. In March, BLSA will co-sponsor a community law fair with the Public Interest Law Foundation.
“The purpose of the fair is to introduce the community to public interest law organizations in the area,” Anthony said. “Our goal is to educate the community about the legal services available to them.”
Other BLSA events and programs considered by the NBLSA committee include an alumni barbecue, bowling night, alumni mentoring and guest speakers. As regional chapter of the year, USC BLSA will automatically be considered for national chapter of the year.
Despite the award, Anthony said she is not content with past achievements and looks forward to more work ahead.
“I hope this award will serve as an encouragement to our members,” she said.
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