Alice Vandeven, class of 2011

Mossley, Ontario
Graduating with the Juris Doctor degree

How did you pick your major of study, and why did you choose the University of Windsor?

About 10 years ago, someone suggested to me that I would be a good lawyer. It took a few years before the idea became a possibility and another year for the possibility to become a plan. I was drawn to University of Windsor Law because of the clinic programs, which offered many opportunities for experiential learning.

What were your expectations of university? Has the University of Windsor met those expectations?

I wasn’t sure what to expect beyond having to work hard. I liked that Windsor Law had smaller enrolment and correspondingly smaller class sizes. The clinic programs exceeded my expectations, especially Legal Assistance of Windsor. LAW provided an opportunity for “real world” experience with the security of direct and constant supervision.

What would you say is the most important thing you have learned at university: about yourself, about other people, about your field of study, or about the world?

I have learned to enjoy the journey, to be present in the moment, and to be patient with myself.

What would you say has been the most memorable part of your UWindsor experience?

The most memorable part of my UWindsor experience is being nominated for and awarded the Steven William McGhee Memorial Scholarship.

Please tell us why you are proud to be part of the University of Windsor’s graduating class of 2011.

We are an amazing cohort. I am in awe of the diversity and range of talent and experience of the young adults I have had the good fortune to meet and study with for the last three years. While most of us have highly competitive spirits, in my experience this did not usually affect the camaraderie of the group as a whole. I am truly honoured to be part of Windsor Law’s graduating class of 2011.

Did you have a course, professor or classmate who inspired you?

I beg your indulgence here because there are many people who have inspired me along this journey. From my parents, I learned the importance of integrity, courage and hard work. My daughter, Robyn, always my catalyst for change, inspires me to be the best that I can be. The rest of my family and friends for believing I could do this. Principal Don Macpherson and my colleagues at Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute forced me to see myself in a different way and made possible my application to law school. There are many people who have supported and encouraged me at Windsor Law and I am so grateful to them. I include here professors, office staff and librarians.

I am inspired by Professor Moira McCarney who works harder than her students and by Professor Gemma Smyth for her dedication to the students and the clinic programs.

In the past three years, I have been most inspired by Genevieve Samuels. She is confident, poised, well-spoken and an excellent writer. She is an excellent mooter being a finalist in Law I Moots and Top Oralist in the Zuber Moot. Women and the Law enjoyed a successful year under her leadership. Genevieve is very generous in her support of other students. She was always available to coach first year mooters, to be a judge for moots and for practice rounds, and to work with selected finalists for the Lerner’s Cup. Genevieve also spent time tutoring students for whom English was not a first language. On a personal note, Genevieve challenges my thinking and beliefs on many levels and I am the better for it.

What are your plans following graduation?

I will be articling at KirwinPartners LLP in Windsor.