Notre Dame Law School hosts second Affinity Alumni Weekend
Notre Dame Law School hosted its second Affinity Alumni Weekend on March 20–21, 2026, uniting Black, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, and Asian Pacific American alumni along with current students, admitted students, faculty, staff, and friends of the Law School. The event celebrated the legacies of these communities, fostered meaningful connections, and inspired the next generation of legal leaders. It was also the first time that the Middle Eastern Law Student Association joined the three affinity groups for a shared reunion celebration.
Throughout the weekend, attendees participated in a rich lineup of events—from fireside chats to gala celebrations—that honored trailblazing alumni and sparked meaningful conversations about leadership, justice, and community.
Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA)
Fireside Chat Speakers
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Ambris Saravanan ‘22 J.D.
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Agnes Cha Rudinsky ‘04 J.D.
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Claudia M. Tran ‘17 J.D.
APALSA Gala Award Winners
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Judge Edward S. Kiel Alumnus of the Year Award: Tae-Ung Baik ‘00 LL.M., ’04 J.S.D.
About the Award: Presented to a Notre Dame Law AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) alumnus who has achieved a remarkable and exemplary legal journey. The award is named for the Honorable Edward S. Kiel, the first AAPI graduate of Notre Dame Law School to be appointed as a federal judge, whose pioneering accomplishments serve as an inspiration to the legal community. -
Faculty of the Year Award: Katie Takeuchi ‘20 J.D., legal fellow at the Notre Dame Exoneration Justice Clinic
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Alison T. Dang Award of Service: 3L Yuta Inada
Black Law Students Association (BLSA)
Fireside Chat Speakers
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Savalle Sims ‘95 J.D.
BLSA Gala Award Winner
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Alvin McKenna Alumnus of the Year Award: Tia B. Paulette ‘18 J.D.
About the Award: Alvin McKenna was the first African American graduate of Notre Dame Law School, earning his Juris Doctor in 1966. The "Alvin McKenna Alumnus of the Year Award," presented by the Black Law Students Association (BLSA), is named in his honor to recognize alumni who distinguish themselves in the African American legal community in support of BLSA.
Hispanic Law Students Association (HLSA)
Fireside Chat Speakers
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Professor of Law Jimmy Gurulé, faculty director of the Notre Dame Exoneration Justice Clinic
Felipe Merino ’01 J.D., recipient of this year’s Graciela Olivárez Award
HLSA Gala Award Winners
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Graciela Olivárez Award: Felipe Merino ‘01 J.D.
About the Award: Graciela “Grace” Olivárez was the first woman to receive a J.D. from Notre Dame Law School in 1970 and a lifelong advocate for the Hispanic community and those in poverty. Each year, the award is given in recognition of an outstanding Hispanic lawyer or judge who best exemplifies Olivárez’s principles and ideals, including commitment to community service, demonstration of the highest ethical and moral standards, and dedication to justice. -
Student Award: 3L Ava Moreno
Joint Fireside Chat
During the weekend, representatives from each affinity group came together to deliver a fireside chat, which was moderated by Gillian Harris, the director of International and Graduate Programs at Notre Dame Law School.
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APALSA Speaker: Devan Patel ‘20 J.D.
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BLSA Speaker: Cynthia Hardy ‘90 J.D.
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HLSA Speaker: Felipe Merino ‘01 J.D.
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MELSA Speaker: Ayah Sarsour ‘20 J.D.