Mary Catherine "Katy" Cunningham has been awarded a scholarship dedicated to the memory of a former University of Memphis law graduate.
Cunningham, a first year law student in the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law has received the 2004-2005 Amy Elizabeth Spain Scholarship, named after a celebrated and honored lawyer who died in a car accident in 1995.
"It was a tragic end to a remarkable life," said Monique Beals, one of the scholarship founders and former friend of the late Spain.Beals, an associate of the Memphis office of Bass, Berry, and Sims, said that this scholarship was devised to recognize someone of Spain's caliber.
"She handled some high profile cases beautifully and had the respect of her colleagues," Beals said. "She lived a spectacular life."
The student honored with the Spain scholarship, which was started by Spain's family and friends, has to be successful in academics, service, leadership, and integrity, Beals said.
The Spain scholarship is very prestigious and competitive, accounting for $2900 in merit based financial aid, according to SueAnn McClellan, the asst. dean of admissions, recruitment, and scholarships for the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law.
"We have an honor and awards committee that comes together to make the selection for the candidates," McClellan said. "All law students are considered, but not all have the qualifications, Cunningham obviously did."
Cunningham graduated with an English degree from the University of Tennessee before pursuing a law degree from The U of M. She was also voted "Best All Around Intern" while serving as a legislative intern in 2003.
Spain graduated with her Juris Doctorate in 1989 before serving as a law clerk for U.S. District Court Judge James D. Todd. Later in 1990, she became an assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.
While at The U of M, Spain was involved in the Moot Court, a mock trial scenario presented before law students."We served in the Moot Court together and that is how we met," Beals said.
Spain's other accomplishments during her life included positions on several community and civic boards and law review features. She also served as an adjunct professor of legal methods and writing at The U of M.
"She was just one of those people who was involved in everything," Beals said.
After her death, Spain was honored by former U.S Attorney general Janet Reno and won a prestigious award titled the Sam A. Myar Jr. Memorial Award. The Myar award is given once annually to a lawyer under the age of 40, who has demonstrated outstanding service and the potential for continued service to their profession and their community.Spain left behind her mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. Billy Spain, who remain in her hometown of Jackson, Tenn. and her brother who is a doctor.
"She came from a family that was respected by all" Beals said.
