LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Judge Elizabeth Allen White, a UCLA alum who traces the start of her legal career to earning a paralegal certificate from UCLA Extension, will be the featured speaker and special honoree at Extension’s annual certificate graduation ceremony on June 29 at Royce Hall.
The ceremony occurs at a time of increased enrollments in certificate programs across the United States and showcases continuing education’s importance in the competitive business environment.
“The quest for knowledge and career development is growing stronger in today’s global economy, and university-based institutions like UCLA Extension are providing the tools for success through structured certificate programs,” said Cathy Sandeen, Dean of UCLA Extension and Continuing Education.
More than 2,400 students will receive professional certificates from UCLA Extension in 2012, an increase of nearly 700 over last year. The growth confirms a recent national study that certificates are the fastest growing form of postsecondary credentials in the U.S.
However, it was more than 30 years ago that White recognized – with the prodding of her grandmother – that a certificate was the better option to land a paying job with a bright future. While earning an undergraduate degree from UCLA in French literature, White decided to also earn a paralegal certificate.
“My grandmother asked, ‘what does one do with a French literature degree?’,” White said. “She knew about Extension and I always listened to my grandmother. She had it right. Extension gave me the tools for a lifelong career in law.”
White is a judge with the Los Angeles Superior Court, where she handles general civil trial matters. Among her notable cases are the recent wrongful termination lawsuit brought by former “Desperate Housewives” actress Nicolette Sheridan, a suit brought by the actors in the “Happy Days” show regarding merchandise licensing and a claim by a participant in the Dr. Phil show that she suffered trauma when exposed to a naked man during an episode of the show.
White, who earned her law degree from Loyola Law School, also will receive Extension’s Professional Achievement Award at the June 29 graduation ceremony. Just like last year’s featured speaker and achievement award winner, White also has made it a point of giving back to the institution by being a paralegal course instructor and had previously been honored as an Extension Distinguished Instructor. She also conducts education programs through the Superior Court for newly licensed attorneys, was adjunct faculty for Loyola Law School from 2002-2005 and teaches at the USC Law School’s summer law and English program.
“Judge White is a shining example of how UCLA Extension changes and enriches lives,” Sandeen said. “Judge White also knows the value of giving back – that teaching means both sharing your knowledge and expertise with others while offering the instructor the opportunity to grow and learn as well.”
Sandeen points out that this year’s certificate graduation ceremony also highlights continuing education’s growing global importance. Among this year’s certificate recipients are hundreds of international students from countries including Russia, Switzerland, Thailand, Cambodia, Argentina, Ireland and Japan.
The pop-jazz vocal group M-PACT is scheduled to perform at the ceremony.
About UCLA Extension
UCLA Extension is the continuing education division of the University of California at Los Angeles. UCLA Extension offers evening, weekend, and online courses and certificates for professionals in business, management, engineering, information systems, entertainment studies, public policy, public health, the humanities and many other fields. Find out more at uclaextension.edu.