Justice Leroy Hassell

We learned today that Virginia Supreme Court Justice Leroy Hassell has passed away. As a law school community we are grieving with Justice Hassell’s family and friends. The former chief justice has been a dear friend and a vital member of this community. For many years he has served as a jurist-in-residence and on our board of visitors. He regularly spent time on this campus and took great joy in engaging with our students.

Justice Hassell was a man of tremendous accomplishment: graduated from UVA and Harvard Law School; partner in McGuireWoods; youngest-ever chairman of the Richmond School Board; began serving on the Virginia Supreme Court at age 34; first justice to be selected chief justice by his colleagues.

More important, Justice Hassell was a man of tremendous character. Despite all of his accomplishments, the former chief justice was a humble man who loved God deeply. He demonstrated an uncompromising commitment to excellence, integrity, and service to others. While many people knew that he had been a law firm partner and school board chairman, far fewer knew that he was a hospice volunteer.

This school is about training leaders. I am so thankful that Justice Hassell was a vital part of that training. Yes through his words. But especially through his character.

We will miss him deeply.

Perseverance and Super Bowl XLV

I need to disclose something up front. I am a lifelong Green Bay Packer fan. I grew up in Wisconsin where many things are optional, but being a Packer fan is not. It is part of my DNA.

While I was too young in the 60’s to follow the Lombardi-era Packers, for nearly 40 years I have cheered for every Packer team since. The 1983 half-team—unstoppable offense; invisible defense (best exemplified by its 48-47 Monday night track meet victory over Washington). The crazy 1989 team led by the aptly named Don “Majik Man” Majkowski. The fun and powerful Brett Favre/Reggie White-led teams of the 90’s.

Of all the Packer teams, though, my favorite is the one that won the Super Bowl last night—the 2010 Packers. I don’t know if they are the most talented. But they certainly have the most heart.

Sport, like life, is filled with unexpected challenges and adversity. It is in those moments—or seasons—that character is revealed. The individuals and teams who persevere despite adversity become champions.

The 2010 Packers were all about perseverance. They were popular Super Bowl picks in the preseason. And then one-by-one key players went down to season-ending injuries. Rushing leader Ryan Grant. Leading receiver Jermichael Finley. Starting linebacker Nick Barnett. Three other starters and a total of 15 players went on injured reserve and were lost for the season. Packer players missed a total of 180 games to injury.

After each key injury, commentators concluded that the Packers’ playoff hopes were gone. But each time a starter went down a fellow team member (sometimes an undrafted and unknown free agent) stepped up. And he did so with the confidence of his coaches and teammates. The team won five straight must-win games to make the Super Bowl. All three playoff games were on the road. Yet the team got better and more cohesive.

Last night’s game was just a microcosm of the season. Three more starters went down to injury, including 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Charles Woodson, who broke his collarbone. But even as the momentum shifted to Pittsburgh, the team refused to give up and came up with clutch plays.

I am a life-long Packer fan. Of course I am really excited about this team. But I am proud of them too. They stand as a reminder that life isn’t always about straight paths and easy victories. Sometimes it is filled with adversity. In those times, true success comes to those who persevere and overcome.