Courtroom Dedication

Over 600 students, alumni, faculty and friends jammed the South Texas Atrium on November 11, 2003 to witness the dedication of the new T. Gerald Treece Courtroom. Joining the celebration were the justices of the Texas Supreme Court, with Chief Justice Thomas R. Phillips serving as the guest speaker. Commending the South Texas Advocacy Program, Phillips characterized the college's then 82 national advocacy championships as "a record that's more than unmatched—I don't see how it can be approached in the future."

Also speaking at the event were Board Chairman Harry Hutchens '56, Dean Jim Alfini and Treece himself, who, looking out into the crowd of advocates past and present, testified that "my students are like my children." Built to support the efforts of these students, the courtroom and its two adjacent spaces—the O'Quinn, Laminack & Pirtle Hall of Champions and the Advocacy Center—were opened for tours following the dedication ceremony. This offered a first-time look at the striking new facility.

The next morning, the Texas Supreme Court honored the college further by becoming the inaugural users of the new courtroom. Within its majestic walls, the justices heard oral arguments in three cases. Appearing before the court in the third case were South Texas alums, Keith Grady '92 and Pete Schneider '94. A lucky group of students witnesses the morning's proceedings firsthand from within the courtroom, while numerous other spectators watched the arguments in Garrett-Townes Hall and the Student Lounge via live video feeds.

At the close of the court's sessions, Chief Justice Phillips delivered these parting remarks" "The court has been privileged to sit in this beautiful facility at South Texas and pay tribute to Dean Treece. We wish you good use in it for many years to come." The justices then joined selected students, as well as alumni and faculty members, for lunch in the college's Emilie Slohmn Dining Room.