Law Alumni Weekend Ignites Carolina Law’s Future

Carolina Law’s momentum drew hundreds of alumni back to Chapel Hill November 15-16, 2024 for Law Alumni Weekend, igniting connections between past, present, and future. 

“It was a thrill to celebrate our top 20 law school over a beautiful fall weekend,” said Brian Meacham ’03, president of the Law Alumni Association. “The weekend drove home what makes Carolina Law so special – its people.” 

Friday evening, seven pillars of the Carolina Law community took center stage. T.C. Homesley ’58 and Richard A. Vinroot ’66 received Lifetime Achievement Awards, while S. Elizabeth Gibson ’76, Elizabeth L. “Betty” Quick ’74, and Robert A. “Bob” Wicker ’69 earned Distinguished Alumni Awards. Kandace Davis Farrar ’12‘s impact earned her the Emerging Leader Award, and beloved Professor John V. Orth received the Professor S. Elizabeth Gibson Award for Faculty Excellence. 

Building on this spirit of excellence, Dean Martin H. Brinkley ’92 energized Saturday’s crowd with his Game Plan address, affirming that Carolina Law now stands at its strongest position in school history. “This place runs on love,” he emphasized, outlining how expanded scholarship opportunities strengthen the school’s ability to attract exceptional talent despite resource limitations. 

The celebration spilled outdoors as the UNC Clef Hangers filled the air with Carolina classics during the family tailgate. While children zigzagged between balloon artists and face painters, generations of Carolina Law graduates reconnected over Sutton’s fare and Maple View ice cream. The day culminated with 140 alumni flooding into Kenan Stadium, their shared pride palpable. 

As the Clef Hangers’ harmonies faded and the weekend drew to a close, one truth rang clear: Carolina Law’s legacy lives in its people – and in their commitment to lifting up the next generation of legal leaders. 

Ready to be part of Carolina Law’s future? Visit our alumni page to learn more.