PRIOR TO ATTENDING GEORGETOWN LAW
Graduated magna cum laude from the University of Maryland-College Park with a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION
Aspires to a career in prison reform, specifically to implement mandatory education programs

Early in life, Janelle Bruce, L’10, proved her ability to take care of herself and others. After becoming a single mother at age 16, she finished high school and moved out on her own with her son. She cared for him while putting herself through college, eventually realizing that her calling was to work as a lawyer, reforming the criminal justice system.

However, the financial demands of law school threatened to be too much for Janelle, particularly when combined with her high academic standards, her desire to continue working in the community, and her parental duties.

When she was accepted to Georgetown Law, Janelle was awarded the Cogan Opportunity Scholarship, which is given to students with both the highest academic credentials and the most significant financial need. This scholarship has allowed her to limit her work schedule to part-time, freeing up valuable hours for her studies and her son. “Financial aid has been the saving grace to obtaining my law degree.”

Janelle is still busy taking care of others. She participates in the Street Law Clinic, teaching high school students in disadvantaged neighborhoods; is an active member and mentor with the Black Law Students Association (BLSA); worked for the Domestic Violence Clinic; and volunteers at her church working with young people.

Janelle firmly believes that of those to whom much is given, much is required. She is grateful to the alumna whose scholarship has benefitted her in such a concrete way, and plans to one day fund a scholarship of her own. For now, she’s planning her first gift to Georgetown Law, which she will make in celebration of her graduation next year.

When asked what she would tell someone considering a donation to financial aid, Janelle said, “Do it because it makes more of a difference than you realize. It is obvious how financial aid has made a difference in my life, but you might not see how much further the impact really goes. It reaches far beyond just one person.”