The Law School congratulates Assistant Dean Michael McCarthy, the 2020 winner of the President’s Award for Distinguished Service.
The President's Award for Distinguished Service was created in honor of Roseanne Shaerban, a university employee, "whose qualities and commitment set a standard for distinguished service." The award is a recognition for those who have a transformational effect on faculty, staff, students, and guests. The honorees receive a $1,000 cash award.
Described as a friend and personal mentor during tough times, Michael McCarthy ensures students have the necessary support to thrive in school through one-on-one meetings, planned events and group activities that teach students to alleviate stress and build coping mechanisms.
When COVID-19 struck, McCarthy was instrumental in helping the Student Bar Association launch the law school’s COVID-19 student support fund, and later, a resource-sharing program for students to connect those in need with assistance. He also volunteered to manage the programs so the students would not face extra strain during their adjustment to online classes.
A tireless advocate for diversity, McCarthy is also helping to raise the school’s profile as a welcoming place for LGBTQ students, submitting optional surveys to help raise visibility and awareness about LGBTQ resources and programming at CWRU law school.
As best said by his nominator, McCarthy makes a “transformational impact on the CWRU campus community with his presence, each and every day. We are SO LUCKY to have him in our corner.”