Distinguished Honors 2007

Since 1973, Lewis & Clark Law School has set aside an evening to celebrate the accomplishments of its graduates and to acknowledge the generosity and commitment of munificent individuals. This year, the Law School will recognize Stella Manabe ’92 as its distinguished graduate during a special awards banquet on Saturday, October 13. The Law School will also recognize Paul Casey as an honorary graduate.

Stella Manabe '92

Since 1998, Stella Manabe served as the Administrator of the Oregon State Bar’s Affirmative Action Program. Manabe received the 2003 American Bar Association “Spirit of Excellence” Award, for her development of “Opportunities for Law in Oregon” (OLIO), a three-day retreat held each fall that introduces entering first year minority law students, from all three Oregon law schools, to second and third year law students, new and experienced lawyers, and judges.

Manabe was honored with the Oregon Women Lawyers Mercedes Deiz Award, for her tireless efforts promoting ethnic minorities in the legal community. The award was presented at the OWLS Roberts-Deiz Awards dinner, held March 11, 2005, at the Portland Hilton.

The Judge Mercedes Deiz Award honors an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to promoting women and minorities in the legal profession.

Paul Casey

Paul Casey, nephew of the founder of UPS, has been a friend to the law school for many years. Through his generosity, four scholarships are given annually to students in business and public interest law. The student scholars form the Casey Society of Fellows and this year they will begin meeting as a society of graduates as well as student members.

Paul’s family has a tradition of philanthropy and community support. In 1985, Paul’s father, Henry J. Casey and his sister, Margurite Casey gave generously to create a professorship that would honor the memories of their brothers, Jim and George Casey. A legacy to Henry Casey’s commitment to the highest ethical business standard, the professorship is intended for a faculty member who brings expertise to the study of law, business and integrity. The Henry J. Casey endowed chair of law is held by Professor Ed Brunet.

Paul reconnected with Lewis & Clark law school after his father set up the endowed chair. After meeting Dean Jim Huffman, Paul set up the scholarships to support students. Another inspiration for Paul was Chet McCarty. Paul is very honored by the school’s recognition of his philanthropy and inspiration and states the award is “very kind”.