8th Annual UC Law SF La Raza Alumni Dinner Honors Community & Launches Memorial Scholarship

On Friday, April 20, 2018, the 8th annual UC Law SF La Raza Law Students Association (LRLSA) Alumni Dinner was held in the Alumni Reception Center.

Every year, LRLSA honors three members of the UC Law SF community who exemplify the organization’s mission to give back to the community and contribute to the success of Latinos in the legal world. This year’s honorees were Andrew Houston ’07, legal counsel at the University of California’s Office of the President; Rosalida Perez ’12, a deputy attorney general in the California Department of Justice; and Cecilia Moreira, who is employed in the Records Department at UC Law SF. Approximately 75-80 people, including LRLSA students, alumni, faculty, Academic Dean Morris Ratner and Chief Development Officer Eric Dumbleton, attended the event.

The event was especially momentous as it officially launched the Jeanette M. Acosta Memorial Scholarship. Chancellor & Dean David Faigman is leading the campaign to create the Jeanette M. Acosta Memorial Scholarship, which will be endowed and serve to inspire future generations of law students at UC Law SF College of the Law. Jeanette Acosta ’16 passed away on December 18, 2017 after a valiant year-long battle with cervical cancer. Jeanette had a tremendous spirit, and dedicated her life to making the world a more just and inclusive place. At the dinner, Jeanette’s father, Dr. Frank Acosta, spoke movingly of his daughter’s life, and her commitment to social justice.

“Jeanette was blessed with a special unconditional love, kindness, and compassion for her family, friends, and others. She cared deeply about helping the disadvantaged and those who faced discrimination or injustices,” said Dr. Acosta as many attendees were moved to tears.

Enrique Ramirez ’80, an attorney and musician was so inspired by Dr. Acosta’s words, that he surprised the group with an unexpected tribute to Jeanette by singing a beautiful song in her honor, which he composed on the spot. In accepting their awards, the three honorees each spoke of the impact Jeanette had had on their lives.

A special thanks to Karen Martinez ’19 and the board members of LRLSA, for organizing this wonderful event, and thanks also to Dean Faigman for his generous sponsorship.