Widener Law Commonwealth’s Law & Government Institute Marks 25 Years of Impact
Widener University Commonwealth Law School is completing the celebration of its Law & Government Institute with the release of a special report highlighting the institute’s history, leadership, programs and lasting influence on students and alumni who’ve gone on to shape law and public policy across Pennsylvania and beyond.
Founded in 1999 by John L. Gedid, emeritus professor, the Law & Government Institute has become one of Widener Law Commonwealth’s signature programs, offering students unmatched opportunities to study at the intersection of law, policy, and public service. Over the years, the critical work of the institute has expanded to include four specialized certificates, the Patrick J. Murphy Law and Government Fellowship, and signature events such as the annual Evening at the Capitol and the John Gedid Lecture Series.
The 25th anniversary report, available online, also details recent milestones such as the creation of the new government contracting certificate, the launch of a mentorship program linking students with certificate alumni, and survey results showing that two-thirds of certificate alumni work in careers connected to their institute training. The 25th anniversary report covers events and activities through the end of the 2024-25 academic year.
“From its founding to today, the Law & Government Institute has been a cornerstone of the law school’s mission to educate lawyers who understand how law and policy intersect to serve the public good,” said Robert F. Teplitz, adjunct professor and the current director of the institute. “The impact of this program can be seen in the many graduates serving in leadership roles in all forms of public service.”
Reflecting on the institute’s evolution, Professor Jill E. Family, former institute director and current faculty advisor, said, “The Law & Government Institute serves as a hub for important conversations about government law. Over the years, the institute has brought national and state leaders to campus to engage our community. These programs not only promote meaningful dialogue, but also provide professional development opportunities for our students and alumni.”
“Our alumni are shaping the commonwealth and beyond,” said andré douglas pond cummings, dean and professor of law. “Widener Law Commonwealth graduates are leading in all three branches of state government, and that’s no coincidence. The Law & Government Institute has cultivated a deep understanding of public service that continues to define our graduates’ success and the influence they bring to Pennsylvania’s legal and policy landscape.”
The 25th anniversary was commemorated with a kickoff reception featuring Pennsylvania Secretary of Policy and Planning Akbar Hossain, a symposium on judging and administrative law, and the introduction of a new Public Service Impact Award honoring and supporting students pursuing public service careers.
