long with the new department of politics, philosophy and legal studies comes the newly-created alumni group called the Blue Jay Barristers (BJB). This interest-based advisory allows attorney alumni and legal professionals to network in that field.
While this group enriches alumni’s current careers, it also creates an opportunity for students at Elizabethtown College to develop relationships with alumni. The new group originated when alumni John Bayard ‘07, and Joseph Denlinger ‘91, discussed the benefits of networking earlier this year. After further planning, they approached Dr. Kyle Kopko, assistant professor of political science and director of the legal studies major and the pre-law program, and Mark Clapper, director of alumni relations. With their enthusiastic approval, the Blue Jay Barristers alumni group was established.
Bayard and Denlinger hope that this group will facilitate many connections in the future, not only between alumni and students, but also between Blue Jays and other influential people in the field. While they all hope that the group is successful in its first year, they aren’t setting unrealistic goals.
With plans for the spring semester already set in place, the BJB will base its growth on the needs of the program.
Its founders also acknowledged the challenges of fast-paced increases in membership. For now though, that’s a smaller concern. The group’s main purpose is to introduce professional attorneys to aspiring attorneys and offer mentoring to current students. The first meeting for BJB is during homecoming, where it plans to recruit alumni for its upcoming programs.
The BJB will hold different events and have opportunities for alumni and student interaction. Alumni will be invited to the College to talk about their profession, give presentations, speak to classes and even participate in panels on campus. There also will be chances for one-on-one matches and further facilitating pre-law mentoring. Profiles will be built on the alumni to see where they will best be matched and have the best experience.
The BJB welcomes all Etown students who are interested in Pre-law, as well as alumni who have graduated with a related degree. Even though many alumni aren’t local, they are still encouraged to participate through different forms of technology. Current students who are interested in the BJB may contact Kopko at kopkok@etown.edu for more information.
