Global interdependence is a fundamental reality of 21st-century life. Our dedicated faculty produce scholarship with an international lens, providing their expertise to global businesses, governments, intergovernmental organizations, and nonprofit organizations. Our international students contribute their invaluable perspectives in the classroom and in our community, while our exchange programs allow students to broaden their horizons abroad. We have alumni in more than 70 countries, working domestically and internationally in numerous matters with international implications. At least six of our graduates have served as U.S. ambassadors: Walter Mondale ’56 (Japan), Sam Kaplan ’60 (Morocco), Jim Blanchard ’68 (Canada), Samuel Heins ’72 (Norway), Tom McDonald ’79 (Zimbabwe), and Scott Delisi ’80 (Eritrea, Nepal, and Uganda). 

As part of our current strategic plan, we seek to leverage our global footprint and connections to benefit our students, faculty, and alumni. I am thrilled that this issue of the magazine highlights the new global reach of our alumni and their work, exploring the diverse ways in which Minnesota Law graduates navigate and engage in the law throughout the world. Whether practicing international law, serving in foreign policy positions, working for NGOs that promote human rights, serving as international business consultants, or advancing corporate sustainability initiatives worldwide, these alums represent the many ways in which our grads make a difference on the global stage. 

Two other stories in this magazine also demonstrate the Law School’s global impact. The first is the feature on our LL.M. program, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. In bringing students from more than 80 countries to join our Mondale Hall community, the LL.M. program has strengthened Minnesota Law’s international ties and broadened our worldwide network of lawyer-leaders. This spring, I will be visiting universities in Iceland, Norway, and Sweden to deepen our ties. The second story is our profile of Professor Fred Morrison, who celebrated his 50th anniversary teaching at the Law School this fall. In addition to being a world-renowned international law scholar and teacher, Professor Morrison pioneered our LL.M. program and has been instrumental to its success. 

The global impact of the Law School is also evident in the meaningful work of our centers, institutes, and clinics, including the James H. Binger Center for New Americans and the Human Rights Center. 

We believe a world-class legal education includes international scholarship, global perspectives, and a diverse community. The world is impacting our law school, and we are impacting the world. 

Garry W. Jenkins
Dean and William S. Pattee Professor of Law