CASA the Big Winner at Baylor Law's Inaugural Professor Auction

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Some fierce bidding wars broke out at an auction at Baylor Law School, but the big winner was the Waco chapter of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). On Dec. 3, Baylor Law's Phi Alpha Delta chapter held the inaugural Professor Auction in which students and staff bid on unique activities to share with Baylor Law professors. The auction raised more than $2,800 for CASA.

"My mother's sorority actually had something similar when she was in college. When I mentioned the idea to Professor Bates, he told me that Harvard Law also has a similar auction. He was very enthusiastic about the idea," said Ashley Parker, president of Phi Alpha Delta.

Bates' "mystery event" was one of the top sellers of the auction, but the highest priced item was Professor David Guinn's skeet shooting and dinner, which fetched a whopping $380. Jordan Pauluhn purchased this chance to spend an afternoon with the legendary professor.

"This whole auction was about the kids who CASA helps. I know that if I imagine my very worst day in law school, it is nothing compared to what these children have to endure. I don't mind spending the money to help CASA put smiles on their faces," Pauluhn said.

Another top item at the auction was Professor Mike Rogers "Field Trip to Ferrell." Rogers, who serves as Baylor's faculty athletic representative and chair of the NCAA Division I amateurism cabinet, will take the winner to Baylor basketball practice and to meet with Baylor coaches Kim Mulkey and Scott Drew. A bidding war also broke out for "Gumbo, Grits and Gravy," in which Professor Connie Powell will give a cooking lesson followed by a scrumptious dinner in her home.

Other auction items included three-on-three basketball with Professor Brian Serr, a day of shopping and fashion advice with Professor Bridget Fuselier, golfing with Professor Luke Meier, bowling with Professor Matt Cordon, a hike and bike and dinner with Associate Dean Leah Jackson, dinner and a Baylor softball game with Dean Brad Toben, attending the Baylor vs. Kansas men's basketball game with Professor Jill Lens, a Cajun cookout with Professor Fuselier, an outdoor barbeque and campfire with Professor Rory Ryan, and a run and dinner with Professor Ron Beal. Law student Reggie Blakeley served as auctioneer.

"I am so proud of the work of the student volunteers who worked so hard to make the auction such a success," Toben said. "Our students and my colleagues understand, and embrace, the fact that we are privileged to be a part of the profession, and with that privilege comes the obligation to serve."

The auction was another way Baylor Law students participate in community service activities. The Public Interest Society and the Law School recently hosted Adoption Day ceremonies. Law students also took part in Service Saturday, in which they helped renovate a warehouse owned by Habitat for Humanity, and eat lunch once a week with students at an inner city elementary school. For its many service activities, Baylor Law School was awarded the 2010 Law School Commitment to Service Award presented by the Texas Access to Justice Commission.
Contact: Julie Carlson, Baylor Law School, (254) 710-6681