"You’ve created a pipeline of lawyers who will follow in your path" -Barbara A

Dear Vanessa,

One doesn’t have to spend a lot of time with you - minutes perhaps? - before your passion for, and commitment to helping others becomes readily apparent. You’ve enriched the law school with that commitment as head of the Immigration Justice Clinic. You’ve not only helped countless members of the immigrant community, but as a law professor, you’ve created a pipeline of lawyers who will follow in your path.

One of the stand out moments for me (which I shared with you a few months ago) was when you were being honored by Cabrini Immigration Services. Cabrini was honoring you for your work, and your remarks included a version of this Bible verse:

“For I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me. . . . Whatever you did for the least of these you did for me.”

The generosity of spirit reflected in this passage is in your DNA, Vanessa. I know I’ve felt it in the support you’ve given me, and the same is undoubtedly true of your clients and students. If we all had a little more of that concern for others, the world would be a better place. You’ve set an example for us to aspire to, and hopefully we won’t disappoint. I’m so grateful that you’ve enriched my life and the life of so many others. You are the best!

Love,
Barbara A