The School of Law celebrates its 20th anniversary as Minneapolis begins to emerge from the chaos of overlapping crises: the COVID-19 pandemic, and the death of George Floyd and resulting trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. For a law community that places a premium on authentic personal engagement, this year’s challenges of distance learning, isolation, civil unrest and political polarization have been difficult. As we leave our homes and come back together, we have a rare opportunity to consider how we want to exist in relationship to each other within our beloved community. AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT By GLORIA MYRE ‘07 J.D.
Weckman Brekke (second from right) has been a member of the Shakopee Rotary Club for several years and is active in the club’s community service initiatives. Photo by Sheila McNeill.
At St. Thomas, legal education has always been about more than learning statutes, caselaw and rules; it is about relationship building and civil discourse. Graduates seek to serve the common good as professionals and as community leaders. We caught up with three alumni who told us what it means to be servant leaders and what it’s like trying to build bridges across differences.
Weckman Brekke said that elected officials, county leadership and staff, citizens and other stakeholders must work together to find positive solutions to the biggest issues facing their community. As a county commissioner, Weckman Brekke focuses on the common good and the impact of the law on individuals and communities, which was also her focus during law school. Weckman Brekke believes that
ENGAGE DEEPLY IN COMMUNITY
BarbWeckman Brekke ’05 J.D. is a second-term Scott County Commissioner; a founding attorney of Brekke, Clyborne & Ribich L.L.C., located in Shakopee, Minnesota; and the mother of a current St. Thomas Law student. Weckman Brekke’s interest in and excitement about county government started in her teens and has continued to grow as she serves the cities, townships, businesses and families in her large and quickly developing district.
Barb Weckman Brekke
Page 14 St. Thomas Lawyer
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