Rams Juris Doctor

RAMS JURIS DOCTOR

Created by College of Liberal Arts alumni in 2009, Rams Juris Doctor (Rams JD) is a group for any and all CSU alumni who have entered a legal career. The group fosters networking, professional development, and passion for law by providing connections between members.

Rams JD meets formally once a year for a networking and fundraising event to benefit the Rams Juris Doctor Scholarship. Since 2014, more than $25,000 has been raised for this scholarship and so far, it has benefited seven deserving students who plan to enter law school after graduation from CSU. In addition, Rams JD annually recognizes two alumni who have contributed significantly to their fields with the CSU Career Distinction in Law Award and the Bill Ritter Public Service Award.

For more information about Rams JD or to get involved, please contact Kelly McDonnell at (970) 491-0227 or kelly.mcdonnell@colostate.edu.

Rams Juris Doctor Networking Event

The Rams Juris Doctor Steering Committee and the College of Liberal Arts invite you to a networking and fundraising event that supports CSU students planning to attend law school.

Event Details

Thursday, April 2
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
University Club
1673 S. Sherman St.
Denver, CO 80203

Event Schedule

4 p.m. – Guided tour of the Ralph L. Carr Judicial Center by the Honorable Judge Gilbert Roman and the Honorable Judge Craig Welling
5:30 p.m. – Networking Reception with delicious hors d’oeuvres, beer, and wine
6:30 p.m. – Program featuring keynote speaker CSU President Joyce McConnell and presentation of the CSU Career Distinction in Law Award to Gerald P. McDermott ‘64 and the Bill Ritter Public Service Award to Luke Ragland ‘08

Register for the Rams JD Networking EVENT

Special thanks to our presenting sponsors who make the 2020 Rams Juris Doctor event possible.

Campbell Killin Brittin & Ray, LLC | Attorneys at Law
Davis, Graham, and Stubbs

Governor Bill Ritter Public Service Award

This award recognizes an outstanding Colorado State University alumnus in public service or private work who has demonstrated exceptional service to the community, embodying the commitment to outreach and professional integrity inherent in CSU’s land grant mission. The recipient shall:

  • Have a history of undertaking significant pro-bono work, bar association work, or public service to the people of the State of Colorado (or similar volunteerism)
  • Have been a practicing attorney for at least 3 years

CSU Career Distinction in Law Award

This award recognizes an outstanding CSU alumnus who has a history of compelling and distinguished service to the law profession. The recipient shall:

  • Have practiced law for a minimum of 20 years
  • Have received high-level recognition by professional peers as an attorney of note, operating with high levels of professional integrity and excellence

2020 Award Recipients

CSU Career Distinction in Law Award

Gerald P. McDermott (’64)

Bill Ritter Public Service Award

Luke Ragland (’08)

Past Award Recipients

CSU Career Distinction in Law Award

2019       Bill Leone (’78)

2018       Hon. Dennis Graham (’68)

2017       Gary Eliasen (’61)

2016       Jim Walker (’82)

2015       William Neighbors (B.S. ’61, M.S. ’62)

2014       Russell George (’68)

2013       Phil Parrott (’78)

Bill Ritter Public Service Award

2019      Christen Glickman (’02)

2018      Franz Hardy (’96)

2017       Hon. Craig Welling (’95)

2016       Dave Bower (’03)

2015       Susan Blanco (’00)

2014       Terry Miller (’04)

2013       Ashley Pollock (’03)

2019-20 Steering Committee Members

Gene Lang, Chair ( '75)

Katie Gleeson ('08)

Dennis Graham ('68)

Bradly Holmes ('77)

Robin Nolan ('96)

Mike Nosler ('69)

Phillip Parrott ('78)

Nancy Rodgers ('94)

Rich Spilde ('95)

Jim Walker ('82)

Tadd Wilson ('95)