The law is (still!) alive — online

Admitted Students Day
Welcoming a new class of Warriors is always exciting, and this year was no different — aside from it being virtual. On July 15, Wayne Law held its first Admitted Students Day on social media, where our Admissions team, first-year faculty members and student ambassadors welcomed new students and provided insight and advice for entering law school. We also got to know a little more about new students like Rita Karana and Jeff DeLaunay!
Rita Karana headshot and introduction
Jeff DeLaunay headshot and introduction
Rita Karana headshot and introduction
Jeff DeLaunay headshot and introduction
Admitted Students Day
Welcoming a new class of Warriors is always exciting, and this year was no different — aside from it being virtual. On July 15, Wayne Law held its first Admitted Students Day on social media, where our Admissions team, first-year faculty members and student ambassadors welcomed new students and provided insight and advice for entering law school. We also got to know a little more about new students like Rita Karana and Jeff DeLaunay!
Wayne State Mental Health Day logo
Mental Health Day
We all need a break sometimes, especially during a year of changes and challenges like 2020. The university declared Friday, Oct. 30, as WSU Mental Health Day, and we took the opportunity leading up to the day to share resources focused on self-care with students, faculty and staff. Wayne Law faculty and staff highlighted their favorite ways to de-stress, and second-year student Mikaela Armstead took over our Instagram story to share how she prioritizes self-care. Dean Krystal Gardner (pictured) revealed how she unwinds: “I walk four to six miles every day while listening to an audiobook. When I walk, I feel strong, invigorated and free. Walking strengthens my body, and clears and refreshes my mind. Because of this habit, established during the pandemic, I’m happier and healthier — mind, body and spirit.”
Foreground: Wayne State Mental Health Day logo; Background: Krystal Gardner selfie
Mental Health Day
We all need a break sometimes, especially during a year of changes and challenges like 2020. The university declared Friday, Oct. 30, as WSU Mental Health Day, and we took the opportunity leading up to the day to share resources focused on self-care with students, faculty and staff. Wayne Law faculty and staff highlighted their favorite ways to de-stress, and second-year student Mikaela Armstead took over our Instagram story to share how she prioritizes self-care. Dean Krystal Gardner (pictured) revealed how she unwinds: “I walk four to six miles every day while listening to an audiobook. When I walk, I feel strong, invigorated and free. Walking strengthens my body, and clears and refreshes my mind. Because of this habit, established during the pandemic, I’m happier and healthier — mind, body and spirit.”
Top: Lydia Munn portrait; Bottom: Ben VanBarr portrait
#WarriorJD
#WarriorJD SPOTLIGHTS
We have some amazing students, many of whom are involved in organizations outside of the Law School or have had careers before attending Wayne Law. Our #WarriorJD Spotlight series highlights students and their achievements beyond the classroom. We recently featured Lydia Munn and Ben VanBarr.

Munn is vice president of the Black Law Students Association and has been a yoga instructor for more than a year. She teaches through Yoganic Flow, an organization that offers free and accessible yoga in Detroit. VanBarr, 2020-21 editor-in-chief of The Journal of Law in Society, has an extensive background in anti-human trafficking work — a field he hopes to have a legal career in after graduation.

Top: Lydia Munn portrait Bottom: Ben VanBarr portrait
#WarriorJD SPOTLIGHTS
We have some amazing students, many of whom are involved in organizations outside of the Law School or have had careers before attending Wayne Law. Our #WarriorJD Spotlight series highlights students and their achievements beyond the classroom. We recently featured Lydia Munn and Ben VanBarr.

Munn is vice president of the Black Law Students Association and has been a yoga instructor for more than a year. She teaches through Yoganic Flow, an organization that offers free and accessible yoga in Detroit. VanBarr, 2020-21 editor-in-chief of The Journal of Law in Society, has an extensive background in anti-human trafficking work — a field he hopes to have a legal career in after graduation.

WINTER WISHES WITH A TWIST
Twelve families, including seven children and 23 adults, had a brighter holiday season thanks to a virtual donation drive supported by the Wayne Law community. The annual Winter Wishes program is part of a semester capstone project for the Legal Advocacy for People with Cancer Clinic’s designated social work intern through Wayne State’s master of social work program. The goal — to provide $8,000 worth of goods to families — was exceeded for a total of more than $9,500 worth of gifts donated. Since the coronavirus pandemic forced Winter Wishes to go online for 2020, the program relied on curated Amazon Wish Lists and staff host families to receive and store gifts before delivery to the recipients. Significant COVID-19 precautions were taken to ensure the health and safety of all participants. Gift recipients included individuals diagnosed with cancer and their family members. Pictured are Wayne Law staff members Kaylee Place (front) and Jane Warkentin ‘02. They masked up for a physically distanced supply exchange in preparation for the arrival of gifts.
Kaylee Place & Jane Warkentin packing presents in a trunk
Kaylee Place & Jane Warkentin packing presents in a trunk
WINTER WISHES WITH A TWIST
Twelve families, including seven children and 23 adults, had a brighter holiday season thanks to a virtual donation drive supported by the Wayne Law community. The annual Winter Wishes program is part of a semester capstone project for the Legal Advocacy for People with Cancer Clinic’s designated social work intern through Wayne State’s master of social work program. The goal — to provide $8,000 worth of goods to families — was exceeded for a total of more than $9,500 worth of gifts donated. Since the coronavirus pandemic forced Winter Wishes to go online for 2020, the program relied on curated Amazon Wish Lists and staff host families to receive and store gifts before delivery to the recipients. Significant COVID-19 precautions were taken to ensure the health and safety of all participants. Gift recipients included individuals diagnosed with cancer and their family members. Pictured are Wayne Law staff members Kaylee Place (front) and Jane Warkentin ‘02. They masked up for a physically distanced supply exchange in preparation for the arrival of gifts.
Learn More
Follow @waynelawschool on Instagram for community takeovers and spotlights.