Thanking those who help change minds in UH Law

Todd Epp

If that's what you're looking for, however, then skip to another part of the paper. I write today not to condemn the University of Houston, but to praise at least a part of it. Watch out for the upcoming gushiness!

One year ago, I barely knew UH had a Law Center. I was unhappy in my career as a broadcast journalist, and was yearning for a change of direction in my life. I graduated from law school in 1984 and immediately turned my back on the law in favor of television. Twelve years later, I discovered that was probably a mistake.

The past couple of years, while I searched for a new path, I started hearing things about "intellectual property," "computer law" and "law in a digital age." I had a vague notion about what these terms meant, but as I learned more about them, I became fascinated.

That fascination lead to the nationally recognized LL.M. program in intellectual property law at UH. I cannot begin to tell you how happy I am that the path led here.

My sojourn here at UH has been made possible, pleasant and productive by a number of people. First, I want to thank the UHLC LL.M. admissions committee, who admitted a non-practicing member of the Kansas bar to a highly competitive program. Now that I see the quality of my classmates, I know how competitive these slots are. I am grateful that the committee saw something worthwhile in me and my background.

Second, I want to thank an outstanding full-time and adjunct faculty which has helped me not just to be and think like a lawyer again, but to be and think like an intellectual property attorney. Thank you Professors Craig Joyce, Doug Baldwin, Don Tomlinson, Paul Krieger, Ed Cavazos, Tony Chase and Yale Rosenberg. I have thoroughly enjoyed your classes, your intellects and your good humor. A special thank-you goes to my adviser, Professor Paul Janicke, who has challenged me more than any other professor in my law school experience and assisted me in many big and little ways.

Also, several members of UHLC student services have gone above and beyond to assist me in financial aid, placement and other things. Thank you to Lillian Dixon, Martha Orozco, Deb Hirsch and Steve Smith for your assistance, patience and enthusiasm.

I have found that law school is learned not just by going to class and reading your assignments, but also from your peers. I have been blessed to associate with a bright group of J.D. and LL.M. students who have not just helped to teach me a great deal of law, but have also been supportive and fun. Thanks to classmates Ray Waters, Mike Tan, Susan Olson, Myrna Reingold, Wang Dake, Catherine Jansson, Indrani Purkayastha, Fazal Brohi, Mercedes Meyer, Mary Owen, Philip Vasquez, Eustace Isidore and Rick Graves.

A special thank-you goes to my fellow Dakota LL.M. buddy, Rick Johnson, who has been not just a happy reminder of home, but an adviser, a friend and confidant of the highest order.

From outside the UHLC community, I'd like to give a special thank-you to Professor Ray Ellis, who teaches in the UH Hilton hotel program. Besides being my neighbor and churchmate, he has been a good friend, dinner partner and role model.

And of course, the opportunity to make this redirection in my life wouldn't have been possible without the love and support of my wife Donna, my children Matt and Sarah, my parents Rodney and Belle, and my in-laws Don and Vera. Thank you!

It is said that education changes lives. I know that my experience at UHLC has changed my life dramatically for the better, more so than any other educational experience I've had. And these UH Cougars and Cougar supporters have made my experience all the more educational, enriching and joyful.

Epp is a UH graduate law student.