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Celebration in honor of M. Minnette Massey
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On the evening of Thursday, October 23, 2008, hundreds of University of Miami School of Law alumni, faculty, students, and friends gathered to pay tribute to M. Minnette Massey (BBA ’48, LLB ’51, and MA ’52), Professor Emerita of Law. Professor Massey retired in April of 2008 after a 57-year teaching career at the Law School. The Honorable Gerald Kogan, JD '55, served as Master of Ceremony, and Law School alumni, administration, and staff toasted Professor Massey for her many accomplishments throughout the years.

During her pioneering career, Professor Massey inspired students, faculty, and administrators with her understanding of and commitment to the law. An outstanding professor and colleague, she was one of the first women to become a member of the faculty at the School of Law, and was the first woman to lead the School as acting dean.

Professor Massey’s leadership extended far beyond the boundaries of the Law School. As an LLM student at New York University School of Law, she served as a Kenison Fellow. She has authored three books and numerous publications on civil procedure and federal jurisdiction, including a leading treatise on civil procedure in Florida. Professor Massey also served as an active participant in the American Bar Association, the American Law Institute, the NCAA Committee on Infractions, and the Federal Judicial Nominating Committee, and coached championship moot court teams.

In 1997, the University of Miami School of Law established the M. Minnette Massey Endowed Chair in her honor. The effort was led by Lawrence B. Rodgers, JD ’67, whose generosity served as the catalyst for the Chair. In 2006, the Law School’s Center for Ethics & Public Service honored her with the distinguished Lawyers in Leadership Award, given to members of the bar and bench who have played an important leadership role in the
public life of the South Florida community. In November, she will be honored as a Legal Legend by the 11th Judicial Circuit Historical Society.

"A teacher first and foremost, Minnette has a gift for transmitting to students her sense of love, joy, and respect for the law," said former colleague and longtime friend, Taylor Mattis, LLB '63. "Her inspiring influence has led many of her students to successful careers in teaching and practicing law, judging, and public and professional service."

The University of Miami School of Law thanks the M. Minnette Massey Celebration Committee members for their dedication and hard work, and gratefully acknowledges the event sponsors:

Related Links

• Local leaders to pay tribute to legendary law professor
• A Life Spent Making, Breaking & Reading the Rules (Power Point Presentation)
• Program Brochure (PDF)