Regent University School of Law Students Honored for Highest Marks at Ronald L. Fick Book Award Ceremony

During Fall Semester 2017, Regent University School of Law (LAW) students who earned the highest marks for their spring semester courses received what’s known and revered within the law community as a book award at the Ronald L. Fick Book Award Ceremony.

And though the book award honoring academic achievement for law students is longstanding, the tradition at Regent began just a few years ago, when Ronald Fick, father of Allison Fick ’14 (LAW) and shareholder and attorney at Dunwody White & Landon, P.A. in Palm Beach, Florida, discovered that no such recognition for students existed in the school.

“[Fick is] a great friend of the law school and the university; he’s been a supporter of the school for years…and he’s also been a great advisor to me,” said LAW dean Michael Hernandez. “Most important, he’s a committed believer who integrates his faith with his practice – and he embodies exactly what Regent Law is about.”

Fick, who was present for the ceremony, offered his congratulations to the winning students. As an attorney, he explained he knows first-hand the hard work it takes to earn a book award throughout a semester.

“I hope you each take justified satisfaction in all of your academic accomplishments,” said Fick.

Fick explained that as attorneys, those who’ve received book awards for their courses will have a “significant influence on society.”

“My prayer is that you’ll use that influence wisely,” said Fick. “Each of you has a God-given destiny, and I hope each of you will fulfill it.”

He’s a proponent of the axiom “to whom much is given, much is required.”

“Don’t ever forget that while you’re going through law school – then, while you’re practicing law,” said Fick.

Fick urged students to remember that simply earning a lot of money shouldn’t be a catch-all motivator for those aspiring to practice law.

“Enjoy what you’re doing,” said Fick. “I enjoy what I do. I love it. The fact that I make money is a blessing. I can’t imagine I get paid for what I’m doing because I love it so much. You weren’t called to make money. You were called to make a difference for the Kingdom and I hope you will.”

Jana Nattermann (’18), the book award winner for Juvenile Law, began her law journey in 2013. She recalls learning about the book award ceremony and making a mental note that winning an award for receiving the highest marks in a class was a great goal for “other people.”

Prior to serving as assistant director for Regent’s Office of Human Resources, Nattermann spent more than 10 years working in inner city communities with high school students. She said learning about juvenile law was her greatest motivator in coming to law school in the first place.

“This is what I know, and this is what I’m most passionate about,” said Nattermann. “Receiving this award was overwhelming, and it was never something I expected to receive. It was such an honor.”