Honoring Legacy: Portraits of Former Deans Christian Johnson and Michael Hussey Unveiled at Widener Law Commonwealth

Widener University Commonwealth Law School celebrated its history and leadership with the unveiling of portraits for former deans Christian Johnson and Michael Hussey in a ceremony on Thursday evening. The event, held at the newly renamed Deans Gallery, honored the two men for their significant contributions to the institution.

Dean andré douglas pond cummings, who began in June, welcomed the crowd with remarks reflecting on the school’s evolution. “When I took this job, I knew the foundation of this school was extraordinarily strong, thanks to the leadership of Christian Johnson and Michael Hussey. It is because of them that we are where we are today,” he said. “They led this law school through significant changes, from being part of a combined law school with the Delaware campus to standing on its own. Tonight, we recognize their leadership.”

University President Stacey Robertson echoed this sentiment, praising both deans for their transformative roles. "As a historian, I know how important it is to recognize where you’ve been and who helped get you there,” she said. “Christian and Michael were instrumental in shaping this institution, caring deeply for its students, faculty, and staff. Their legacy is not just in these portraits, but in every life they’ve touched.”

A Tenure of Leadership and Resilience
Christian Johnson, who served as the inaugural dean of Widener Law Commonwealth starting in 2015, was the first to be honored. Reflecting on his tenure, Johnson shared, “When I arrived in 2015, the school was in the midst of an admissions crisis, but the faculty and staff rallied. Their dedication carried us through some of the toughest years, and I am deeply grateful to them all.”

Johnson, known for his relentless positivity and ability to forge community connections, expressed deep gratitude for the honor. “It’s an enormous privilege to be recognized this way. This law school and its people mean so much to me. These past years have been a partnership in every sense of the word.”

Doug Wolfberg, a trustee of the university and a longtime friend of Johnson, spoke to the former dean’s character. “In a world of hard-driving personalities, Christian’s gentle soul brought people together. His optimism was unbounded, and his joy for life and the law permeated everything he touched. We are all richer for having worked with him.”

The Tenacity of Dean Hussey
Michael Hussey, who succeeded Johnson and led the law school through the global pandemic, was lauded for his commitment and resilience. Assistant Dean of Students Randi Teplitz shared stories of Hussey’s leadership. “Michael was more than just a mentor—he was my partner in ensuring that our students thrived. No task was too small for him. He dished out beans at picnics and taught evening classes when needed. His leadership was always rooted in what was best for the students.”

Hussey’s tenure was marked by a steady hand during tumultuous times, including navigating the challenges of remote learning during COVID-19. In his remarks, Hussey reflected on the importance of community, saying, “We came together during difficult times, always asking how we could do better for our students. That spirit of collaboration is what makes this place special.”

cummings acknowledged Hussey’s mentorship, sharing, “If I have any success as dean, it’s because of the foundation Michael built. He gave me countless hours of his time when I was transitioning into this role. His generosity is rare and deeply appreciated.”

A Legacy Captured in Time
The unveiling of the portraits was the highlight of the evening. The portraits now hang in what cummings officially designated the “Deans Gallery,” a space that will serve as a reminder of their leadership for generations to come.

Teplitz closed her remarks by noting how both deans left an indelible mark on the institution. “These portraits are more than just images; they represent the values, hard work, and commitment of two leaders who guided us through some of the most challenging and rewarding times.”

As the event drew to a close, cummings expressed his excitement for the future. “Following in the footsteps of Christian and Michael is an honor. Their legacy will continue to inspire us as we move forward.”

The portraits now serve as lasting tributes to the leadership of Deans Johnson and Hussey, commemorating their dedication and impact on Widener Law Commonwealth.