News Article

Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, 2004 Democratic vice-presidential candidate, will deliver the Gonzaga University School of Law’s annual Luvera Lecture at noon Tuesday, Jan. 10 at The Columbia Tower Club in Seattle.

Established in 1990, the Luvera Lecture Series features the nation’s brightest minds, and is designed to inspire Gonzaga University Law School students and alumni. The series is underwritten by Seattle attorneys Paul and Lita Luvera, Gonzaga Law School graduates and partners in The Luvera Law Firm. Lita Luvera also serves on the Gonzaga University Board of Regents.

While the event is sold out to Gonzaga students and alumni, Edwards’ presentation will be broadcast in its entirety on TVW, a Washington state public affairs broadcaster. The broadcast time is to be determined, but will be available on most Washington cable systems, and on the Web at http://www.tvw.org.

Edwards’ presentation, titled “America, The Land of Opportunity,” will illustrate his belief that opportunity is the birthright of every American.

He also will discuss the importance of providing quality education to children, combating poverty, and strengthening national security. Edwards believes that it is the responsibility of society to offer options to help every man, woman, and child attain the “American Dream.”

Traditionally held in Spokane, the Lecture is being held in Seattle this year to help showcase the Law School’s programs to Western Washington.

“Both Lita and I believe that a good law school offers law students much more than an education; it offers them an opportunity to study and examine issues important to our society,” said Paul Luvera. “That is why we are so excited about having Senator Edwards come talk to the Gonzaga students and alumni. These programs help showcase Gonzaga’s commitment to empowering students to be more than lawyers, rather to help them become the next generation of leaders in law and in community service.”

Earl Martin, Gonzaga Law School’s new dean, sees the Luvera Lecture Series as an example of the dedication to community enrichment that Gonzaga strives to instill in its Law School graduates. “Law, as an avocation, is based on service to others. If we instill that idea in our students, it will influence their lives as they go forward in the practice of law,” Martin said.

Martin praised the choice of Edwards as a speaker. “Senator Edwards’ message of opportunity for all is a perfect fit with our strong commitment to social justice and personal responsibility.”

About Gonzaga University School of Law
Gonzaga University School of Law was established in 1912 and accredited by the American Bar Association in 1951. The Law School is committed to providing its students with an excellent legal education informed by its humanistic, Jesuit, and Catholic traditions and values. In the best of the Jesuit tradition, the Law School strives to educate the whole person so as to impart to its graduates the ethical values, substantive knowledge, and practical skills they need to become effective advocates and compassionate counselors.

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