Turning Tragedy into Legacy
UND School of Law graduating class
dedicates class gift to professor’s family
By Lauren Vetter, UND Alumni Association
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in the
Summer 2018 issue of the UND Alumni Review.
Every year, the graduating class of the University of North
Dakota School of Law gives back to their new alma mater
with a gift, usually in the form of a bench, tree, artwork,
or another item to be used by the future students of UND
Law. The Class of 2018, however, wanted to do something
unique.
“Trees are great. Benches are great. But we wanted to
do something that would have a lasting impact and be
meaningful to the school, the students, and our class,” said
Kate Drechsel, ’18.
UND School of Law Professor Julia Ernst, her husband Rich Clement, and their
Kate and her classmate, Ashley Bukowski, talked through
daughter, Cossette, with 2018 Law School students Ashley Bukowski, left, and Kate
a way their class could do that and also honor their
Drechsel, right.
professor, Julia Ernst, who had tragically lost her 14-year-
adoption agency if he was eligible for adoption, and they said yes,
old son, Shuwang, in a drowning accident the previous summer. So,
but we had to adopt him before he aged out on his birthday, Feb. 14
the Class of 2018 created the Shuwang Ernst Clement Memorial
(2016).”
Scholarship endowment, which will be awarded each year to a first
year law student, with preference to students who reflect Shuwang’s
The papers came through the day before the family left Minnesota to
compassion for others and who will enhance diversity within the
travel back to China in late January.
UND School of Law.
The life of Shuwang
Julia and her husband, Rich, went to China with their daughter,
Cosette, in the summer of 2015 on a heritage tour to learn more
about the history
and culture of the
country where
Cosette was born.
Part of the tour
was visiting the
orphanage where
they adopted
her. While there,
the family met
Shuwang. “He just
pulled at our heart
strings,” Julia said.
“But it was a race
against the clock.
When we got
home, we asked our
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THE GAVEL
That spring was the first time Julia taught the Class of 2018, and
they had to rearrange their Constitutional Law I class schedule so
she could go on the adoption trip. “She was very open about the
adoption,” Ashley said. “The whole class was so excited for their
family and even more excited to meet him over the next year.”
That year, Shuwang and Cosette met the Class of 2018 at the UND
Homecoming Parade, various Law School events, occasionally in
class, and when the family hosted students at their home for dinners.
During that time, they got to know Shuwang, who had a passion for
trying new things and living life to its fullest. He loved playing ping
pong, golfing, fishing, singing, and much more.
After hearing about Shuwang’s death, the Class of 2018 wanted to
do something special for Julia and her family. “Professor Ernst creates
an environment where everyone feels welcome, and her kids are the
same way, so welcoming,” Ashley said.
Kathryn Rand, former Dean of the Law School, appreciates
that Julia teaches her students lessons inside and outside of the
classroom. “Julia is one of our faculty stars. She’s excellent at