News Article

A team of Gonzaga University students captured second-place at the annual American Mock Trial Association’s Intercollegiate Mediation Tournament — nosed out of the top honors by four-time national champion Boston University.

The tournament was held Nov. 3-5 at the John Marshall Law School in Chicago. This was the first time these GU students competed in a mediation competition. A field of 22 teams from 11 states competed in the tournament, and the judging was done by professional mediators. After three long rounds of competition over two days to resolve heated disputes, Gonzaga was one of four undergraduate teams to advance to the National Championship Mediation. Gonzaga’s strong performance left the students’ coach pleased, but unsurprised.

"These Zags are all dedicated, competitive scholars who know how to adjust to new situations — they take a lot of pride in what they do," said their coach, sociology and criminal justice Assistant Professor Matthew Bahr.

Named as All-American mediators were junior Cory Campbell, sophomore Gina Cervino, and seniors Dan McGivern and Jill Quinn; all were members of the team that won runners-up honors.

In addition, the attorney-client team of Quinn and Cervino won first place as an attorney-client pair in the first round of the competition.

For more information about the event, contact Bahr at (509) 323-5952 or by e-mail at bahr@gonzaga.edu