Andrea Swanner Redding.

Andrea Swanner Redding, the Assistant Dean for Career Services at our law school, died on April 8, 1996. It was an unexpected death. Even several months later it is difficult to believe that Andrea is gone. We depended upon Andrea for so many things. We probably took her for granted. It is often that way with people of unusual competence and unquestioned character.

Andrea had an impact on our school from the day she arrived as a student in the Fall of 1983. There was no doubting that she hailed from North Carolina. Always dressed as bright as the azaleas of spring, Andrea spoke with a beautiful southern accent, her words carefully paced so that there was no doubt as to her meaning. When she offered advice, it was well considered. When she offered help, it was well intentioned. Andrea was a woman of grace and style, of good humor and serious purpose. She has left a void, but also an example of how to live well.

Andrea graduated first in her class. At her class's ten year reunion this summer, I was reminded what an accomplishment that was. She was the academic star among a class of outstanding students. But she was more than an excellent student. By the reports of her classmates, she was number one in heart as well. No doubt most in her class received congratulations when they passed the bar exam; Andrea sent notes of encouragement to all of those who had failed. She was like that.

After graduation, Andrea took a position with Portland's largest law firm, Stoel, Rives, Boley, Jones & Gray. By all reports she was an outstanding lawyer, but a better opportunity came along. In 1990 Andrea became Director of Career Services at her law school. It was an opportunity to help law students pursue their dreams. Andrea understood that dreams are an individual matter. She ran a career services office with that in mind. I always imagined that her motto went something like this: There is a job for each graduate, but not every job is for everyone.

Andrea Swanner Redding will be remembered at our law school. A garden has been planted in her memory, suitably graced at its center by a magnolia tree. A scholarship has been created in her honor and many generous contributions have been made. But more than by these tangible memorials, we will remember Andrea for what she contributed to our lives. Our law school is far better for having had Andrea with us.

James L. Huffman, Dean and Professor of Law, Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College; J.D. 1972, University of Chicago; M.A. 1969, Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy; B.S. 1967, Montana State University.