SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Colleges of Law marked a milestone on Saturday with its inaugural 2026 Awards Brunch, hosted at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. The event brought together students, alumni, faculty, and community members to celebrate academic achievement and service.
Keynote address and distinguished alumni
Former Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce Dudley delivered the keynote address. Dudley, a longtime advocate for public safety and wellness, also received the Distinguished Alumni Award, a honor bestowed sparingly by the school. In recognition of her contributions, a statewide wellness initiative was recently named after her.
Dudley shared personal stories that resonated with the audience. She recounted caring for her youngest son, Sam, a firefighter who served during the Thomas Fire and the Montecito Mudslide, while she was in her second year of law school. She also spoke of her older son, Matt, who once brought one of her law books to kindergarten for show‑and‑tell, proudly declaring, “My mommy goes to school, just like me.” Dudley reflected, “We are all role models, those of us who go to law school with kids.”
Faculty honors and memorable moments
Jack Futoran, a distinguished service award recipient, entertained the crowd with a light‑hearted skit performed alongside his brother, drawing laughter from attendees. Professor Steve Feder also received a Distinguished Service Award. He captivated the audience with a story about meeting civil‑rights icon Rosa Parks while working in a Detroit shoe store as a teenager, offering a rare glimpse into her early life.
Ventura County Deputy District Attorney David Barnes was honored as well, though he could not attend in person. His contributions to the legal community were highlighted by students from both the Ventura and Santa Barbara campuses.
Student achievements and scholarships
Top‑performing students from the two campuses were recognized for their academic excellence. Several scholars received scholarships funded by local philanthropists, underscoring the community’s commitment to supporting the next generation of legal professionals.
“I’m so honored to be here, but the big deal to me is I actually get a chance to practice law, a dream I’ve pursued and have been able to use to make a difference in people’s lives,” Dudley said, emphasizing the practical impact of legal education.
Community impact
The brunch highlighted the close ties between The Colleges of Law and the Santa Barbara community. By celebrating achievements, honoring dedicated faculty, and providing scholarships, the school reinforces its role as a pillar of local education and public service.
For more information about upcoming events and programs, visit the college’s website.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
