| Dean Judy Mender |
May 18, 2017 - After serving 22 years at Cardozo - the past 16 of them as Dean of Students - Judy Mender will retire on August 1, leaving behind a vibrant legacy of valued service, thoughtful counsel and deep concern for students.
In her time as head of the Office of Student Services, Judy counseled untold numbers of Cardozo students, supporting them and helping them cope with the challenges and demands of law school. In return, seven Cardozo classes awarded her with the "best administrator of the year" award or "best service to students" award at commencement. Through it all, Judy’s kind and calm manner was a constant, and students, faculty and staff are deeply appreciative for all she has given the community.
Judy’s career in higher education came after several years as a teacher and director of a music program and then as a lawyer. A New Jersey native, she brought a wealth of experience to her work at the law school. She earned her bachelors degree from Williams College, a Master’s in Education from Columbia Teachers College and a J.D. from Fordham University. Judy began her career at Cardozo in 1995 as a counselor in the Office of Career Services, a role that combined her interests in law and education. She took on the role of acting director of students in 2000, and soon after was promoted to her current position as associate dean.
Judy’s service and counsel to the Cardozo community has been extremely meaningful and we all owe her a great debt of gratitude.