Growing up in a first-generation Italian household, 3L Stella Capparelli learned perseverance and grit from her parents, who immigrated from Italy. From an early age, she understood that not everyone has the opportunity to attend college or law school, and she was determined to make the most of the opportunities she had.
Westchester County Honors Dean Horace Anderson as a “Trailblazer”
Elisabeth Haub School of Law Dean Horace E. Anderson Jr. was honored at Westchester County’s annual 2024 Trailblazers Awards Ceremony last week for his professional accomplishments and community efforts. “Trailblazers: Preserving our Legacy” was hosted live at the Gateway Center at SUNY Westchester Community College, as part of the County’s Black History Month celebration.
Dean Anderson received the Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. Award for Civil Rights created in honor of Vernon E. Jordan, Jr., a legendary and influential civil rights attorney and activist. The distinguished award demonstrates Dean Anderson’s leadership and commitment to the surrounding Westchester community through initiatives such as Haub Law’s Access to Justice project, civic education programs for youth, and expanded legal services for the community through the Law School’s centers and clinics.
Also honored was Commissioner Deborah M. Norman who received the Betty Shabazz Award for Civic Engagement and the late Drs. Kenneth and Mamie Clark, recipients of the Humanitarian Award for their historic contribution to school desegregation.
The awards were presented by Westchester County Executive George Latimer and Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins, along with the Westchester County Board of Legislators and the Westchester County African American Advisory Board.
“The Trailblazers Awards Ceremony was created more than 20 years ago as way to honor outstanding individuals in the name of other heroic predecessors, so as not to forget their struggle and sacrifice,” said Ken Jenkins. “Tonight’s honorees have had extraordinarily successful careers along two very different paths, but they both made it a point to help guide, mentor, inspire and give back to others who followed in their footsteps.”
Watch the ceremony, including a video presentation featuring Dean Anderson: