Mary Emery was Dean of Admissions at the University of Santa Clara School of Law since 1985. She was one of the first three women to graduate from the law school, completing her degree in 1963.

You can read a very nice tribute to her in the San Jose Mercury News.

While I was a student at the school, she awarded me a scholarship helping defray the large cost of tuition.

I first met Dean Emery through her admin Patti. Patti’s brother Jeff was best man at my wedding. With my career “wandering in the wilderness,” Patti suggested I meet with Dean Emery about attending law school.

It was Dean Emery, with Patti’s help, who provided me a path into law school, who encouraged me when things were tough, and who remained my friend after graduation as well.

She will be missed.