On April 22, 2025, the Conviser Law Center hosted the Chicago-Kent Public Interest Awards. The event celebrated the contributions of students and alumni to public interest law.
Joseph Strom, a graduating student, received the 2025 Vivien C. Gross Pro Bono and Public Interest Award for his significant contributions in this field. "Oftentimes these days it can feel like hope and courage are scarce," Strom remarked. "But in this room, with all of you, I see it overflowing."
Michelle Vodenik, director of the Public Interest Center, highlighted volunteer efforts by Chicago-Kent students over the past year. Approximately 75 percent of incoming students took a Pro Bono Pledge to complete at least 50 hours of service during their studies—a 36 percent increase from fall 2023. Additionally, there was an 8 percent rise in student volunteers.
Throughout the academic year, several awards were presented to recognize volunteer achievements. Thirty-six students earned certificates for completing at least 50 hours of service, while eight received the Dean’s Distinguished Public Service Award for over 250 hours of volunteering. Four students—Colleen McCormack ’26, Denis Milchev ’26, Dulcie Xue ’25, and Joseph Strom—received the Dean’s Exemplary Public Service Award for surpassing 400 hours.
Christopher Lazare was awarded the Pro Bono Student Leader Award after contributing more than 1,058 hours primarily with Cook County's felony division. He plans to join Washington D.C.'s Public Defender Service after graduation. Reflecting on Martin Luther King Jr.’s words about greatness through service, Lazare expressed his commitment to public defense work.
Matthew T. Jenkins received the Alumni Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award and praised Michelle Vodenik's efforts at Chicago-Kent: “I am a proud alum...so keep it up.”
Emma Renken ’27 and Nicole Hentges ’26 were named Justice John Paul Stevens Fellows for securing unpaid summer positions at public interest organizations.
Ivana Bailey-Muñoz ’26 joined PILI's Alumni Network Leadership Council while Clayton Kovich ’25 served as a student intern representative on its Board of Directors.
Strom secured a Skadden Fellowship with Equip for Equality post-graduation; Xue will work as an immigrant justice corps fellow with Northwest Immigrant Rights Project.
The Cook County Public Defender’s Office won the Ronald W. Staudt Public Interest Partner Award for its contribution to public interest law education opportunities at Chicago-Kent. Accepting on behalf was Sharone R. Mitchell Jr., who commended his colleagues’ dedication despite limited recognition: “You know you’ll never get the flowers that you deserve...but you do it anyway.”