On Friday, April 10, the Western New England University School of Law community gathered for the 26th Annual Celebration of Alumni and Students of Color. Hosted by the WNE University School of Law Alumni Association in partnership with the Office of Alumni Relations, this year’s event centered on the theme “Rooted and Rising: Honoring the Past and Inspiring the Future.”

More than a celebration, the evening served as a powerful opportunity to highlight the School of Law’s community and legacy. The event recognized the meaningful ways in which law alumni and students of color continue to shape both the legal profession and the University, while honoring the paths that made their achievements possible and those still being forged.  

The event featured inspiring speeches from our young alumni speaker, Attorney Tasha Marshall L'16, and from the Honorable Tracy E. Duncan L'88, recipient of the third annual Law Alumni Luminary Award and keynote speaker. The evening also included Taylor Harding, as master of ceremonies; Alexis Serra as the student speaker; and remarks of gratitude from School of Law Dean, Zelda Harris. 

The evening began with Serra reflecting on the event's theme through her own journey. After overcoming personal challenges, she rebuilt her life through family support, motherhood, and the sense of belonging she found at the School of Law. Serra emphasized the importance of a strong foundation, and highlights how mentorship, friendship, and leadership shaped her experience. Ultimately, she had one message for her fellow students of color in the room, "Our rising is an act of reclamation. We are the answer to the prayers of those who were never allowed to lead within a courtroom. Our roots are deep, our resolve is tempered by fire, and our branches are destined to reach heights that were once thought impossible."

This year's young alumni speaker, Attorney Tasha Marshall L'16, drew on her own professional experience to remind those in the room to stay committed to their values as they practice law. She explained how small compromises and external pressures can lead attorneys away from their original purpose of helping others. Marshall reminded the audience to, "stay rooted in your morals, not just the law." 

For the third consecutive year, the Law Alumni Luminary Award was given to a WNE University School of Law alumnus who has inspired others through her distinguished legal career that spans over 30 years. Judge Duncan was recognized for her work that began in juvenile court during the 1980s and expanded to the United States District Court in 2023. After unanimous confirmation by the Governor’s Council, she now serves as an associate justice of the Superior Court for Western Massachusetts, becoming only the second person of color in state history to do so. In 2023, she also received the Distinguished Bar Advocate Award for her work in criminal defense.  

In Springfield, Judge Duncan is an active and respected community member, mentoring students at S.T.E.M. Middle School for their moot court competition and participating in the Springfield Chapter of Links, Incorporated; the Springfield Chapter of Girl Friends; and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.  

During an impactful keynote address, Judge Duncan reflected on her journey from growing up in Springfield to becoming a respected legal professional and judge. She spoke passionately about the lessons she learned throughout her career and the mindset that sustained her success, emphasizing the need for resilience, adaptability, and courage. Judge Duncan also underscored the importance of representation in the legal system, urging future lawyers, especially from underrepresented backgrounds—to step into roles where they can make a difference and ultimately lead.  

Concluding her remarks, Judge Duncan encouraged the room of current and aspiring legal professionals to stay grounded, stating, “Never forget where you came from. I am so proud to represent the city of Springfield and this University every time I walk onto that bench.” 

For 26 years, this event has served as a reminder that representation, and community matter, while highlighting the lasting impact that students, faculty, staff, and alumni of the School of Law continue to have on the legal profession and each other.

View event photos.

WNE law alumni are encouraged to stay connected to the WNE University School of Law and fellow alumni—by sending in class notes, reading the alumni newsletters, volunteering, mentoring a student or young alum, sharing news of employment opportunities, making a gift to the School of Law, and more. Learn how to get involved at alumni.wne.edu.