SJCL Dean Jan Pearson stands before the two-story banner draping the building
Among those attending the pre-party were Clovis Roundup Publisher Donna Melchor, Clovis City Council Member Vong Mouanoutoua (Law '02) and SJCL Director of Admissions Diane Steel.
Deborah Coe (Law '91), Darcy Brown (Law '18) and Professor Justin Atkinson head to the taco bar! 
An artist’s rendering of the future “Darryl B. Freedman Law Library.”
Nearly 100 alumni, officials, and students gathered in the parking lot at San Joaquin College of Law on January 7th for the 50th Anniversary Pre-party. Along with enjoying special “SJCL 50th Anniversary Appetizers” from Mad Duck and a taco bar from Rubios, there was also a major announcement from Dean Jan Pearson: Darryl Freedman (Law ’93) has made a substantial donation to SJCL to help with the acquisition and renovation of the new law library, which will now be named in his honor. The new law library will occupy the space currently used by the Clovis Senior Center.
It took Darryl nearly six years to finish his J.D. because he was working fulltime in the grocery business the whole time in order to support his family. He passed away on December 19th, but his plans to create the library legacy had been underway for a couple of years. He and his wife, Gretchen, wanted to assure those who came after him would have even greater opportunities at SJCL. At his memorial service, Dean Jan Pearson remembered his application. She reviewed his file and says two things caught her eye.
“The first was a truly well-written personal statement – well organized, grammatically correct, even capitals. He said ‘I would receive no greater satisfaction than to acquire the legal tools to assist other persons in dilemmas and legal misfortunes.’ Concern for people. A characteristic that has carried through to the way he conducted his business – client service.
“The second was a reference letter comment from a non-lawyer:
“‘Darryl has continuously held a job since he was 15 years old. When he has a goal and believes in it, he will accomplish it.’ Hard work and commitment.
“Doesn’t this sound like our Darryl?”
Along with admiring an artist’s rendition of the future “Darryl B. Freedman Law Library,” the crowd also admired the two-story banner on the SJCL building and were invited to join the Law School for two more upcoming events celebrating SJCL’s 50th Anniversary:
The May 11th Picnic in the Park and the October 18th party throughout the Law School building.
Fifty years. Fifty bench officers. Sixteen hundred plus alumni. It’s a lot to celebrate!