Remarks of Chanel Gray '10 at the Presentation of the 2010 Walter L. Williams Jr., Memorial Teaching Award to Professor Paul Marcus
Good afternoon, my name is Chanel Gray. I have the honor to present this year's Walter L. Williams Jr., Memorial Teaching Award. Every year the graduating class votes for the professor who best exemplifies enthusiasm, warmth, and good humor in teaching, qualities that embody the late Mr. Williams.
We are all here today because of dedication, discipline, and a little bit of luck. This professor is a living example of what hard work, charisma, and a compassionate heart can bring to the practice of law. Not only this year, but in past years, students have praised this professor for his enthusiasm, dynamic teaching style and capability to make complex topics understandable. With this professor the fruit of the poisonous tree became a little sweeter. With him, students are taken back to the times of pen and paper and engaging discussion. There are no computers in this classroom. This is why he received Virginia's highest honor for professors from the State Counsel of Higher Education for Virginia in January 2010.
This recipient is committed to impacting others positively by ensuring the criminal justice system is serving the community. By breaking down stereotypes to put a human face on the incarcerated, this professor makes his teaching unique and long lasting. This commitment to service garnered him the William & Mary Sullivan Award.
His dedication to the pursuit of knowledge makes him a world-renowned scholar whose treatises on conspiracy law and the entrapment defense are considered the definitive works in those areas of law. I know personally this knowledge helped me navigate the treacherous time line of Wong Sung.
For me, this professor has been a steadfast and caring mentor. Whether helping me realize my passion and potential at law school or helping me make amazing connections in the birthplace of jazz, this professor has been my guiding post and now I am proud to say, my colleague. Please join me in congratulating Professor Paul Marcus, the Walter L. Williams, Jr., teacher of the year.