Honoring Impact: AUWCL Faculty Recognized at The Faculty Scholarship and Teaching & Service Awards
In a powerful display of pride and gratitude, American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL) honored the achievements, dedication, and impact of its faculty at the 2025 Faculty Scholarship and Teaching & Service Awards. The event brought together colleagues to recognize not only the year’s award recipients but also retiring faculty whose legacies have helped shape the law school’s identity.
Interim Dean Heather Hughes opened the ceremony with heartfelt congratulations and appreciation for the faculty and selection committees, setting the tone for a program rich with accolades.
This year’s Scholarship Awards honored faculty for their exceptional academic contributions. Professor Jayesh Rathod was recognized with the Pauline Ruyle Moore Award for his article Fleeing the Land of the Free (Columbia Law Review). Professor Charles Duan received the same honor for On the Appeal of Drug Patent Challenges (American University Law Review), while Professor Christine Farley was awarded the Edwin A. Mooers Award for Trademarks in an Algorithmic World (Washington Law Review). Professor David Snyder was also honored with the Mooers Award for his book Contracts for Responsible and Sustainable Supply Chains.
Teaching and service awards followed, including the Excellence in Teaching Award for Professor Duan and the Outstanding Service Award for Professor Elizabeth Cavanagh. Professors Elizabeth Rylander and Asha Scielzo received the Adjunct Teaching Award, and Professor Elizabeth Keith was recognized with the Innovation in Pedagogy Award. Professors Angi Porter, Anita Sinha, Tracy Kepler, and Brandon Weiss were also commended for their excellence in teaching and service.
The law school also recognized the retirements and emerita/emeritus appointments of Professors Angela Davis, David Hunter, Diane Orentlicher, and Juan Méndez—each lauded for decades of scholarship, advocacy, and mentorship in fields ranging from criminal law to international human rights.
Faculty promotions were also celebrated, with Professors Porter, Faraz Sanei, and Thomas Williams advancing to Associate Professor. In a special highlight, Professor Rebecca (Bec) Hamilton was named American University’s 2024 Scholar/Teacher of the Year, a prestigious recognition of her global impact on human rights and unwavering dedication to students. Additional honors included an honorable mention from CLEA for Professor Rathod; Hastings Center Rising Star recognition for Professor Williams; and AALS Teachers of the Year awards for Professors Porter and Sinha.
In a special milestone, Professor Walter Effross was honored for 30 years of distinguished service to AUWCL.
As Dean Hughes concluded, “We would not be the Washington College of Law without everything that you all do for this wonderful school, our students, and your faculty colleagues.”
Congratulations to all the honorees! See photos from the award ceremony here.