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With champagne and cake, Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law celebrated its 125th anniversary Tuesday evening, recognizing the institution’s accomplishments as well as its alumni and faculty.
Dean Andrew Klein raised his glass to toast the Indianapolis law school’s impact on the city, the state and the nation, and to look forward to “another 125 years of excellence in legal education.”
The anniversary event brought together alumni, faculty and friends of the law school for an evening that included food, speeches, and conversation. Since the celebration coincided with Constitution Day, the law school began its anniversary commemoration with a presentation by retired Indiana Supreme Court Justice and IU McKinney professor Frank Sullivan. He spoke about the precedent set by “the most famous (U.S.) Supreme Court case from Indiana,” Ex parte Milligan, 71 U.S. 2 (1866).
Following Sullivan’s lecture, the law school’s alumni association presented the professor with the 2019 Honorary Alumnus Award. Paul Kruse, president of the association, said Sullivan’s work has “significantly enhanced the reputation and excellence of the school and fostered its continued growth and development.”
Sullivan was visibly moved as he accepted the award.
IU McKinney traces its roots to the Indiana Law School, which opened in Indianapolis in 1894. During the Great Depression 42 years later, it merged with the Benjamin Harrison Law School in 1936 before becoming part of Indiana University in 1944.
In 2011, it gained its distinctive name after Indianapolis attorney Robert H. McKinney made a landmark gift of $24 million to the school.
Earlier Tuesday, the law school celebrated with its students, offering them doughnuts and asking them to write on a Post-it Note what they liked best about IU McKinney. A white board, covered with red, black and white Post-its, was on display at the anniversary reception with the students praising the diversity of the school, the professors, their classmates, and “a state full of proud alumni.”
Also, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett issued a proclamation declaring Sept. 17, 2019, as Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law Day in the Circle City.
IUPUI Chancellor Nasser Paydar noted the anniversary comes as legal education is now in a time of great change. Law schools now must consider what skills future lawyers will need as the job market and global landscape shifts. Faculty, he said, are key to successfully navigating this sea change.
“We are fortunate that McKinney has had an outstanding faculty,” Paydar said. “I want to commend the McKinney faculty for all that they have done to ensure McKinney Law remains an outstanding school for our students and the center of cutting-edge legal public service.”
Chair of the IU McKinney Board of Visitors Mary Beth Ramey highlighted the law school’s graduates who have held public office and leadership positions across the country. IU McKinney alumni have been elected to Congress and the Indiana General Assembly, selected to serve as judges on state and federal courts, and chosen to lead businesses and nonprofit organizations.
“It is amazing to me the impact this particular law school has had on this particular state as well as the nation,” Ramey said.
Carrie Devine-Ransom, IU McKinney student bar association president, reminded everyone the law school is continuing to teach tomorrow’s attorneys.
“While it is fun to think about where we started, where we’ve been and we are today, it’s even more fun to think about where we’re going,” she said. “… I’m confident that regardless of the path chosen by the IU McKinney graduates, they will continue to enter the world and influence it in a positive manner.”
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