May 11, 1998
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL Bill Walker 757/221-2624
Thomas Jefferson IV To Graduate From College of William and Mary
(WILLIAMSBURG, VA) -- Thomas Jefferson IV will graduate from the College of William and Mary next week, 236 years after his famous forebear completed his studies at the nationπs second oldest institution of higher learning. A candidate for a law degree, ≥Jeff≤ Jefferson is a direct descendent of the Presidentπs uncle, Field Jefferson, and the young Richmond native bears more than a passing resemblance to the legendary Man from Monticello.
≥People do say that we look alike,≤ said Jeff, whose profile is strikingly similar to that of the Founding Father. But the similarities are far more than skin deep.
Like his forebear, Jeff is an outstanding student of the law and an excellent writer. And like the young Jefferson -- who was elected to the Virginia General Assembly when only 24 -- Jeff is off to a fast start.
≥Iπll be clerking for a judge on the U. S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Erie, Pennsylvania,≤ Jeff explained when asked about his post-graduation plans. With characteristic modesty, he neglected to mention the prestige attached to the appointment.
≥Getting a clerkship in the U. S. Court of Appeals is next to being a clerk in the U. S. Supreme Court,≤ explained James Moliterno, William and Mary professor of law. ≥The appointment certainly indicates that he has great promise.≤
Jeff credits much of his success to the intimate size of the William and Mary school of law, with its small classes and opportunities to work closely with professors: ≥The facultyπs availability to meet and work with students, one-on-one or in small groups, demonstrates their dedication. I took a class on judicial review this fall with only four other students.≤
As an example, Jeff cites Moliterno. Much as law professor George Wythe led the young Thomas Jefferson through the intricacies of English colonial law, Moliterno has both taught Jeff in class and supervised his work as a teaching assistant in William and Maryπs legal skills program, a year-long course that helps entering law students acquire basic skills needed for law practice.
≥Jeff was one of only two students selected after his first year in law school to serve as teaching assistants in the program. He is incredibly conscientious and quite low key,≤ said Moliterno.
Much of the effort of teaching assistants is spent in helping first-year law students improve their writing -- a skill that Jeff shares with his famous forebear who wrote the Declaration of Independence.
≥Thatπs a standard Iπll never live up to,≤ Jeff declared when reminded of his ancestorπs legendary writing ability. But he has worked hard to hone his skills, not only through his class work, but also by serving on the staff of the William and Mary Law Review.
With a reserve akin to his famous ancestor, Jeff says that he has little interest in elective politics, but his record does indicate a commitment to public service. Before entering law school, he proofread new legislation in the Virginia General Assembly, and as a law student, he has volunteered his services to Williamsburgπs Housing Partnership, Inc., and to the schoolπs Public Service Fund.
Jeffπs prime philanthropy at the moment, however, is the William and Mary law school. He has served on the Graduating Class Gift Committee that raised $45,000, double the amount raised by any previous graduating class.
≥Iπm quite grateful for what this school has done for me, and I want to do anything I can do to advance it,≤ said the law student.
Although Jeff clearly avoids trading on his Jeffersonian heritage, he says that the familial relationship has been fun throughout his life. He particularly relishes the time that he worked in the General Assembly with an Andrew Johnson, and most fittingly, he once found himself neck-to-neck in a bicycle race with John Adams.
Jeff is not the only Jefferson expected to graduate from William and Mary this week. Jeffπs wife Teresa has completed requirements for a masterπs degree in education, and will also be receiving her diploma on Sunday. She is preparing for a career as a school psychologist.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION: William T. Walker (757) 221-2624
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http://www.wm.edu/news/commencement
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