In 1883, one woman graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. In 2004, 122 women received Penn Law diplomas.
Wednesday night, five distinguished Penn Law alumnae were honored at a portrait-unveiling at the Levy Conference Center in Silverman Hall. Over 240 guests, current students and alumni alike, attended the cocktail reception, which was the first of its kind.
"We could never have had the progress we've had but for the integrity, intelligence and achievements of these women we are honoring tonight," Law School Dean Michael Fitts said.
Eleventh Circuit Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals Phyllis Kravitch, Constitutional Court of South Africa Justice Yvonne Mokgoro, Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court Deborah Poritz, Third Circuit Judge on the U.S. District Court Norma Shapiro and Third Circuit Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals Dolores Sloviter each had her portrait unveiled.
These five paintings and photographs will now hang on the walls of classrooms in the Law School.
Women have come a long a way in this profession, especially at Penn, thanks to these pioneers who have made an incredible difference in society.
"Not a single law firm would interview me," said Kravitch, who graduated from Penn 60 years ago, along with one other woman in her class. She went on to become the first woman appointed as a federal judge by then-President Jimmy Carter in the Southeast United States. "It's exciting to be here, and I feel very honored," she said.
Kathryn Deans-Schaub, an attorney who graduated from Penn Law in 1982, feels that "it's important to support the women who paved the way for us and future generations. We're very proud and grateful."
Current students say they may be the ones who benefit the most from the accomplishments of their predecessors.
"Seeing the portraits in the classroom for the first time was incredibly refreshing as a woman," said Liz McCuskey, a third-year Law student.
ShaVon Savage, a first-year Law student, agreed. "Walking through Penn Law, you see lots of portraits of old, white men, and to see women up there -- they're just great role models."
Yet the five women honored said they never dreamed of having the impact and influence that they do now.
"Sometimes when you do things, it seems so ordinary," said Mokgoro, who came all the way from South Africa to attend this event. "It is only when you sit back that you realize how important your actions are."
