On November 13th and 14th, Temple Law celebrated ‘Friends and Family Days.’ Our 1L students were invited to bring their loved ones to campus, and for some, this meant returning to their alma mater. Two of our part-time evening students and their fathers, also former evening students, shared their thoughts on returning to Temple Law.

Brittany R. Clarke (center) with her father and sister

Gerald Clarke LAW ’00

As an alumni of the evening program, it was a thrill to come back for Friends and Family night as a parent of one of the evening division students. I was struck by the friendliness of my daughter’s classroom. It was exciting to come in as a spectator and observe the class from a perspective that felt different than the tension you feel as a student. It is obvious that the building blocks coaxed by this dedicated professor will positively benefit these future lawyers.

Brittany Clarke LAW ’21

Being a legacy is one of the main reasons I decided to attend Temple Law. I was eight years old when my dad graduated from Temple, and I remember hoping that I could do the same when I got older. Seventeen years later, sitting next to my dad at Friends and Family night felt very surreal. This event helped me to feel re-energized and excited about law school, which can be very challenging in the midst of the first semester.

Alyssa De Treux (far right) with her family

Walt De Treux LAW ’87

It was a great experience to return to the law school for Family & Friends night.  Thirty years after my own graduation, the place looks very different and much better.  But what was most striking was the energy, enthusiasm, and camaraderie of Professor Monroe’s Torts class.  Truly an inspiring group of students — smart, focused, and totally engaged — led by a teacher who truly embraces the subject and motivates her class.

I remember law school as something of a tough road to navigate — working full time, going at night, with many other responsibilities and distractions.  Very much worth it, but only after a bruising journey.  I didn’t see that attitude from the L1 Evening Division.  They are experiencing law school with “clear eyes, full hearts.”  They no doubt have their ups and downs; but as was evident [that] night, they are embracing and relishing the challenges.  I am grateful I had the chance to witness and share that classroom experience.

Alyssa Detreux LAW ’21

One of the many reasons I chose Temple Law was because of my family connection to the school. Being able to bring my Dad back to Temple Law for Family and Friends night 30 years after he graduated was a great experience. I was excited to show him how the school has transformed and expanded over the last three decades.

Being an evening law student can be very challenging, especially while trying to balance school, work, family, and friends. I think I can speak for my class and say that we would not be able to succeed in school without the support of the people in our lives. It was nice to be able give our family and friends a little glimpse into the evening law school journey that we’ve all chosen.