Tribute to a Legend

Dr. Kenneth Street

The Kenneth W. Street Advocacy Courtroom was dedicated during Homecoming 2015, honoring the longtime faculty member whose name has long been synonymous with law and public service preparation at Austin College.

The campus community and alumni from many decades gathered for the standing-room-only event. Jacqui Cooper ’73, Dennis Gonier ’83, Tom Hall ’78, Curtis Henderson ’84, and Alex Lazar ’90 offered comments in tribute to Street and to the impact his teaching and preparation had upon their lives—and hundreds of other alumni. Many alumni made gifts to fund the courtroom project.

Audrey Rose ’18, co-captain of the Austin College Mock Trial team, also acknowledged Street’s legacy. “I am a direct beneficiary of your passion and vision,” she said. “The experiences gained in the Advocacy Program extend far beyond this courtroom as we test the waters to see if law is our calling. Beyond the practical exposure, this offers us a place to hone skills that will serve us well, no matter our career path.” The Advocacy program began in Fall Term 2014.

In her comments, Sheila Amin Gutiérrez de Piñeres, vice president for Academic Affairs, said that she began hearing Dr. Street’s name upon arriving at Austin College and that it didn’t take long for her to realize the amazing foundation his teaching and leadership provided. “This man could have accomplished anything in his career; he chose to spend 40 years at Austin College, pouring his life into young people,” she said.