GW Law Honors Former Dean Paul Schiff Berman with Portrait Unveiling

September 13, 2016
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Former Dean Paul Schiff Berman with Dean Blake D. Morant and GW President Steven Knapp during the official unveiling of Paul Berman's portrait on June 29.

On June 29, 2016, University leaders, distinguished alumni, faculty, staff, and students gathered to celebrate the Law School Deanship of Paul Schiff Berman and to honor his extraordinary career, accomplishments, and impact, during the official unveiling of his commemorative portrait.

Paul Schiff Berman joined GW Law in July 2011, and served over five years—first as Dean and then as University Vice Provost for Online Education and Academic Innovation, where he oversaw more than 100 online degree and certificate programs. In January, he returned to full-time teaching as the Walter S. Cox Professor of Law.

“It's a tremendous privilege to join so many distinguished guests, colleagues, friends, and members of the GW Law community today for this very special occasion," said GW Law Dean Blake D. Morant. "I have known Paul for 15 years and he is well deserving of this honor."

Speakers at the event included GW President Steven Knapp, University Trustee James Humphreys, GW Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Bobby Burchfield, and members of the faculty, staff, and student body, all of whom praised Professor Berman’s dedication to the law school and its students, his innovative spirit, and ability to empower faculty and staff.

Mr. Burchfield recognized many new initiatives launched during Professor Berman’s tenure, including new alumni mentoring programs, the innovative Inns of Court program for first-year students, an expansion of the school’s Pathways to Practice Program to help support students entering the job market, and the creation of a unique interdisciplinary major on the Law and Business of Government Contracting. According to Burchfield, Berman also “reached out energetically to alumni, speaking with over 2500 alumni. This helped the law school raise an historic $11.5 million over a 14-month period, and allowed the law school to balance two consecutive budgets in a very challenging economic environment.”

Speakers emphasized Professor Berman’s incredible dedication to students. Ben Gottesman, a former student, described him as “a student’s dean…believing that the law school existed to serve students not the other way round.”  

"He really empowered the students to have a voice, and he really understood the value that they brought to the institution," said Monica Monroe, former Dean of Students. 

Mary Wells, former assistant to the Dean, added: “I found Paul always to be humble, passionate, and tireless, and I hope this portrait inspires current and future members of the law school to follow Paul’s example and approach their work with humility and authentic self, a collaborative spirit, and a penchant for innovation.”

After listening to the speakers, Professor Berman expressed profound thanks to those in the room and all of the collaborators with whom he worked as Dean. “What I loved about being Dean,” he said, “was creating a space where other people could feel safe to contribute ideas and then building a context where those ideas could take flight. It’s not about implementing my ideas; it’s about empowering others to create a better future together.”

Gavin Glakas, an award-winning Bethesda, Maryland artist whose work hangs in the U.S. Capitol, painted the portrait, which is now on permanent display on the second floor of Stockton Hall.