Each November, the Oklahoma Bar Association (OBA) holds its annual meeting in Oklahoma City. A highlight of that event is the presentation of OBA and Oklahoma Bar Foundation (OBF) awards to students enrolled in the state’s law schools. Three University of Tulsa College of Law students received awards at TU Law’s alumni luncheon on Nov. 10, which took place during the OBA’s annual meeting. The three outstanding students are:
- Matthew Cecconi: OBA Outstanding Student Award
- Trevion Freeman: OBF Chapman Rogers Scholarship
- Matthew Woolslayer: OBF Fellows Scholarship
“Recognition of three of the College of Law’s exceptional student leaders by the OBA and the OBF is so well deserved,” said Interim Dean Elizabeth McCormick. “Matthew, Trevion and Matthew exemplify the commitment to excellence in scholarship and professionalism that is the trademark of TU Law students and alumni. On behalf of all my colleagues, I offer sincere congratulations. We are looking forward to more outstanding contributions from these three to the profession and to their communities in the future.”
Matthew Cecconi
The OBA Senior Student of the Year award from TU Law – the college’s marquee award – was presented to Matthew Cecconi (3L). Hailing from California, where he completed a B.A. at Occidental College, Cecconi is looking forward to a career as a litigator. He intends to focus his professional practice on labor and employment law as well as appellate litigation.
“I am grateful to both the faculty of TU Law and the OBF for this honor,” said Cecconi, who in 2020 was named a Holloway Scholar by the Federal Bar Association. “I owe my success to all the faculty, staff and administrators who have supported me throughout my studies thus far. Specifically, I would like to thank the late Professor Evelyn Hutchison for her support during my first year of law school. Her constant encouragement led me to believe that I belonged in law school and allowed me to excel in all of my courses.”
Trevion Freeman
This year’s recipient of the OBF Chapman Rogers Scholarship is Trevion Freeman (3L), who grew up in East Waco, Texas, and earned a B.A. at the University of Texas at Austin. Freeman’s main areas of legal interest are civil and criminal litigation as well as federal Indian law. In addition to his coursework, Freeman serves as president of the Student Bar Association.
Uncertain at first whether he was suited to the rigors of law school, Freeman credits much of his resilience and success to the many “professors and mentors who embraced and encouraged me at every turn and junction of my time at TU Law.” In particular, he cites the influence of three professors: Robert Butkin, Shena Burgess and Aila Hoss. “These individuals have all been, and continue to be, beacons of light on my law school journey,” Freeman remarked. “I am grateful for their support and for the Chapman Rogers Scholarship Award, which is easing my financial burden.”
Matthew Woolslayer
The proud recipient of the 2021 Oklahoma Bar Foundation Fellows Scholarship is Matthew Woolslayer (2L). After earning a bachelor of science in exercise and sports science at TU in 2017, Woolslayer attended Arizona State University, where he completed a master’s in sports law and business.
Now back at his alma mater, Woolslayer’s main legal interests are general litigation and sports law. After graduation, he hopes to work for a law firm in Tulsa and, one day, open his own agency. “I am very thankful for the people who have supported me on my journey, including my wife, Brooklynne, and other family members. It is an honor to receive this scholarship and I hope to continue the legacy that my grandfather, James H. Payne, imprinted on the Oklahoma legal community.”
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