In Memorium

This academic year brought losses to the Georgetown University Law Center’s community. On January 4, 2019 Professor Norman Birnbaum passed away. On March 10, 2019 3L student died in the crash of Ethiopian Airlines flight ET302. In their own unique ways Professor Birnbaum and Mr. Asiavugwa embodied the ethos of Georgetown Law – intellectual rigor, service to others, and sincerity in action.

Throughout his lengthy career as a political scientist and sociologist Professor Birnbaum continually interacted with, and challenged, the discourse on politics and social movements in the United States, all the while maintaining an engaged, curious, and waggish mindset. Despite his youth Mr. Asiavugwa’s impact on his world was immense. He was a father and fiancé and was the primary source of support for his family in Kenya. At Georgetown he was known not only for his legal scholarship and warmth as a colleague, but also for his work at Campus Ministry, where he was a residential minister. After completing his combined JD/LLM program Mr. Asiavugwa planned to return to his home country, to continue his work providing support to refugees and students.

Read Professor Birnbaum’s remembrance in The Nation. Learn more about the life and work of Mr. Asiavugwa.

Professor Birnbaum

Mr. Asiavugwa

Photos: Georgetown University Law Center