FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Graduate-Professional Student Congress has named third-year law student — and now recent graduate — Samantha Warren as the inaugural honoree for the organization's School of Law Excellence in Leadership Award.

The Graduate-Professional Student Congress created the new award this year to recognize a J.D. or LL.M. student who has demonstrated through word or deed exceptional leadership and service on behalf of law students and/or the broader community through the practice and study of law. 

"All graduate and professional students work tirelessly in the pursuit of their post-baccalaureate degrees," said J.D. DiLoreto, GPSC president. "However, the grueling work required to earn a Juris Doctor is a unique pursuit and we wanted to ensure that hard work was fully acknowledged."

Annae Imhoff, a first year law student, nominated Warren, and her nomination was voted on by the seven GPSC law school representatives. 

"Samantha has worked tirelessly to ensure that law school students have a platform to express their concerns and maximize their opportunities for professional and academic development despite the effects of the COVID-19 virus," said Hannah Lundry, chair of the GPSC committee that chose the honoree. "She has served as a mentor and a friend for many of the students throughout the year."

The GSPC awards are typically presented during its inauguration in early May. The group continued to recognize students despite being unable to meet in person. Warren will receive a certificate and award, and her name will be added to a perpetual plaque that will be hung in the graduate student lounge in G. David Gearhart Hall when students return to campus. 

"We all appreciate Samantha's service to our organization, the Law School and the entire campus community," DiLoreto said. "We are truly fortunate to have worked with her."