CUA Law 3L, Brian Connor, won an essay contest sponsored by the CUA Center on Global Aging (COGA). Brian wrote about the growing need for attorneys to work with the elderly poor.

The essay contest was designed to encourage social work, nursing, and law students to pursue research and careers in aging. Students were asked to submit an op-ed of no more than 750 words that addresses the unique perspective of their disciplines on aging. In commenting on why he was drawn to this topic, Brian said, "Those of us who have the privilege to be professionals have a responsibility to do work that makes a difference in the lives of other human beings, especially those in vulnerable circumstances."

Brian added, "One of the reasons I chose to come to Catholic is that there is a great emphasis on service to others, and my experiences here have more than exceeded that expectation coming in. My experiences in the Civil Practice Clinic have been especially important to me in that regard."

The Award was given out during the annual Bill Bechill and Daniel Thursz Memorial Lecture on October 8. The featured speakers were Rob Hudson, Boston University of School of Social Work, and Dr. Percil Stanford, Kind Corporation, Folding Voice LLC. They spoke on "Exploring the past and Future of the Great Society Programs, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Older Americans Act."

COGA is one of eight CUA research centers. It promotes research, education, networking, advocacy, and practice in aging. Representatives from the schools of law, social work, and nursing comprise the advisory board.