Kathy Palacio, 1L

Contributor

On September 16, 2009, the Greenberg Center for Student Life was filled with conversation, excitement and anticipation as the Yeshiva University President and Cardozo’s Board of Directors and faculty welcomed Dean Matthew Diller. Diller is the sixth dean leading Cardozo as the public face of the school.

Before the formal program, Dean Diller was all smiles and very welcoming. He mentioned how everyone at Cardozo Law School has made his transition very warm and pleasant.

The program commenced with welcoming remarks from Kathryn O. Greenberg, Co-Chair, Board of Overseers, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Leslie E. Payson, the other Co-Chair of the Board of Overseers introduced the President of Yeshiva University, Richard M. Joel, who spoke about his vision of the school and was enthusiastic of Dean Diller’s appointment.

Dean Diller addressed his family, friends, former colleagues, new colleagues and Cardozo alumni. He spoke about how Cardozo was a new school, but well accomplished with its IP Program, Innocence Project and all of the other diversity programs that is a reflection of a great school. As dean, his goal is to “carry forward an underlying ambition into the future.” Dean Diller recognized the law school as being a part of a diverse community which embraces all walks of life. He spoke about building networks and his goal of connecting with alumni in order to expand the network outward.

Judge Robert Katzmann of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit attended as a special guest. Judge Katzmann worked alongside Dean Diller at the Immigration Clinic. According to Judge Katzmann, “Matthew Diller has the energy and the dynamics of a great dean.”

After the formal program, Dean Diller’s former colleagues from Fordham Law School spoke fondly of him and felt bittersweet about his departure from Fordham, but wished him much success in his new endeavors. Three out of the five former deans of Cardozo Law School were also in attendance. The most recent former dean, David Rudenstine, said he had confidence that Dean Diller was an asset to the school and would achieve its mission.

The Dean’s Reception was a taste of how the law school pulls together in shaping its future. Appointing Dean Matthew Diller to lead Cardozo Law School carries on a mission of social justice and is a foresight of great things to come.