Sehee Foss
Class of 2007, College of Law
"Having grown up in Iowa, I appreciate feeling like a member of a caring community," says Sehee Foss. "What I enjoy about being a student at the Iowa Law School is not only the top-notch education I've received, but the personal atmosphere of a college where all of the faculty members know my name."
In fact, Sehee has done much to make a name for herself during her years here. Not only is she the co-president of the Iowa Law School Student Bar Association, she also serves as vice president of the Equal Justice Foundation, and was founder and president of the UI Law School's Iowa Campaign for Human Rights, president of the Asian American Law School Association, and the graduate/professional school senator in the UI Student Government.
The third-year law student is grateful for private support from friends and alumni of the college that helped her receive an excellent, well-rounded legal education.
"Private contributions keep tuition lower by making up some of the difference between the cost of coming here and the true cost of maintaining a school of this caliber," she says. "Graduating with a lower debt means I can pursue the field of law about which I am most passionate, rather than the one that yields the highest salary."
Private support also helped provide a stipend that enabled Sehee to work for the local City Attorney's Office and for the U.S. Department of Justice during her summers.
Beyond classroom studies, Sehee has benefited from invaluable hands-on learning, such as participating in the Moot Court program and writing for one of the college's legal journals. Programs like the Academic Achievement Program and the Writing Resource Center also help students get the most out of an Iowa legal education.
Finally, support for faculty helps Iowa's excellent professors carry out important research and outreach projects—and it keeps salaries competitive so that quality faculty members are attracted to Iowa and stay here.
Last year, Sehee helped organize a spring break trip for 45 law students who wished to volunteer legal support to Hurricane Katrina victims in New Orleans, and the college contributed some funds toward the project. Says Sehee, "We learned some unique aspects of law, practiced working with clients, and gained a whole new respect for each other-and for the importance of giving back to the community."
She adds, "Private support has really helped make possible all the best learning experiences I've had at Iowa."
