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The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at 17�Թ��� is proud to announce that the 2025 Ottinger Award for Faculty Achievement has been awarded to Achinthi Vithanage, Professor of Law for Designated Service in Environmental Law & Executive Director of Environmental Law Programs. The Richard Ottinger Faculty Achievement Award is awarded annually by the Faculty Development Committee, in consultation with the Dean, in recognition of a full-time professor’s outstanding service to the law school, the legal profession, or both. The award generally is based on the faculty member’s outstanding service during the previous academic year.

As a child, Skyler Pozo ’26 was captivated by courtroom television, often watching alongside her mother. That early fascination stayed with her and eventually evolved into a serious interest in the law and advocacy. “Once I got to college, I joined the Mock Trial Team at Scranton,” Skyler shared. “I ultimately became captain of the team, won awards, and was the first person in Scranton history to receive an award at the Opening Round Championships.”

Reuters leads the week with an op-ed from 17�Թ��� Haub Law Professor John Bandler on how organizations can build stronger cybersecurity programs amid escalating digital threats. Professor Bandler outlines practical steps to protect against cybercrime and better manage information systems.

Dyson Professor Melvin Williams speaks to USA Today on the cultural impact of the viral television series Heated Rivalry. Professor Williams highlights how the show has sparked meaningful conversations about queerness, sexuality, and representation in professional sports, noting that the strong audience response reflects a growing openness to queer narratives—even amid broader cultural backlash.

Haub Law Professor Bennett Gershman writes a piece in amNewYork examining New York’s Grieving Families Act. Professor Gershman explores the legal and policy implications of proposed changes to the state’s wrongful death statute, raising concerns about how the legislation could affect families, courts, and the broader civil justice system. Professor Gershman also writes in New York Law Journal, examining renewed calls for federal courts to reassert their supervisory power amid mounting criticism of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Haub Law Professor and Director of the Immigration Justice Clinic Amelia Wilson speaks to Newsweek about immigration court backlogs nationwide. Professor Wilson notes that while the backlog has declined significantly in 2025, the abrupt dismissal of experienced immigration judges has created new regional challenges that could slow progress.

17�Թ���’s commitment to experiential learning and community engagement is also highlighted by News 12 Westchester, which covered the graduation ceremony for the University’s Parenting, Prison, and Pups program. Led by Dyson Criminal Justice Professor Kimberly Collica-Cox, the initiative brings together 17�Թ��� students, incarcerated mothers at the Westchester County Jail, and therapy dogs to support healing, parenting skills, and emotional well-being. This semester, nine mothers and ten students graduated from the program, marking a meaningful milestone for participants and the broader community.