Harpole Awards
April 7, 2014
Keeping life sane and stable is a challenge for anyone, but for law students and attorneys, it can seem nearly impossible. Add in healthy doses of family, friends, and community involvement and you’ve got a serious balancing act on your hands. Joyce Ann Harpole ’79 was the rare person who pulled it off, admirably maintaining both a sense of professionalism and a delight for life. Her friends, family, and classmates annually honor her spirit and achievements by presenting a scholarship and an award in her name.
The 16th annual Joyce Ann Harpole Scholarship was awarded to Reza Alavi ’15. Alavi’s friends nominated him for this honor for reaching out to classmates who are struggling with classes or other parts of their lives, for his strong academic and leadership skills, and for always prioritizing his time with his daughter, Tara, age 8. Between classes, Alavi is often seen checking in by phone with Tara, who he says is “the most precious thing on earth to him.” Alavi is involved in several student groups, served as a teaching assistant, and is active in the local Iranian-American community.
This year’s Harpole Attorney Award was presented to Racheal Baker. Baker is passionate about her work at the Bend office of Legal Aid Services of Oregon, but is also “one of those people who knows how to take care of her life,” according to the coworker who nominated her. Baker and her husband have two young children, but between family, exercise, and work, she still find time to chair the Homeless Leadership Coalition in Bend. She is involved in Housing Works and gives presentations to tenant groups about their rights. Baker also mentors children of incarcerated parents. One of her most enthusiastic supporters is her father, the Honorable James Egan of the Oregon Court of Appeals.
The Honorable Rick Haselton was the award event’s keynote speaker. In addition to praising the achievements of this year’s honorees, he offered a touching remembrance of Joyce Ann Harpole and her lasting legacy of integrity and kindness.
-
Joyce Ann Harpole Scholarship recipient Reza Alavi ’15 and Tom Harpole -
Joyce Ann Harpole Scholarship recipient Reza Alavi ’15 and his daughter, Tara -
Harpole Attorney Award recipient Racheal Baker and her father, the Hon. James Egan of the Oregon Court of Appeals -
Members of the Joyce Ann Harpole Scholarship committee -
Joyce Ann Harpole Scholarship recipient Reza Alavi ’15, the Hon. Rick Haselton, and Harpole Attorney Award recipient Racheal Baker
More Stories
From the Dean
Speaking with students is one of my favorite parts of being dean. At Lewis & Clark Law School, I’ve discovered a rare and powerful combination: students who pair fierce dedication to their mission with deep collaboration and a genuine commitment to each other’s success.
A Decade of Dedication:
Professor Lydia Pallas Loren’s Work on the Landmark Restatement of Copyright.
Legal Expertise Supports Migratory Species
Professors Chris Wold and Erica Lyman facilitated a workshop with CMS Parties to discuss the legal contours of some of the treaty’s most important provisions.
Beyond the Bar
Most graduates of law school go on to practice law, working in law firms or providing legal counsel to organizations and businesses. Yet, for some, the lessons of law apply more broadly, and the outcome of their law school education has been a surprising and successful career outside of law. Here are just a few of our alums who followed an alternative route.