What’s your fondest BLSA memory?
Bringing my wife, Dr. Anastasia Williams (UVA Medicine 1998), and children, Kiara (UVA Law 2015 & UVA Undergrad 2011) and Sanford (UVA Undergrad 2013) to many BLSA events and having my classmates treat them like family. Kiara and Sanford were 4 and 2 when I started Law School and they had a great time in Charlottesville in great part due to my BLSA classmates (and other classmates and professors) who are lifelong friends. Our youngest child, Nia (UVA Undergrad 2021) missed out on the BLSA fun, but this celebration gives me a reason to tell her stories about my time in BLSA and at UVA Law. :)
What does BLSA mean to you?
BLSA is a source of support and strength, a well of encouragement whenever something negative or disappointing occurred.
How has BLSA contributed to your personal and professional development?
BLSA has contributed to my development as a source of inspiration and networking.
Are there any other accomplishments or memories you’d like featured on the website/ social media pages?
My daughter Kiara was a UVA BLSA member while she was in Law School, in great part because she fondly remembered attending BLSA meetings and functions and hanging out with me and BLSA members when I was a student. That legacy is truly a blessing and a joy for me. My nephew, Mike Butler, is a current 1L, and I hope he has the same transformative experience at UVA Law and in BLSA that I had.