Donna Pedro Lennon, M.A. Legal Studies Master’s Degree -1980

Donna chose the Legal Studies Master’s Degree Program at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) for several reasons including her interest in political and legal issues and public affairs. Her husband taught at UIS and she had three children at home while pursuing her Master’s Degree. She thought the Legal Studies Master’s Degree would be a great compliment to her Political Studies Bachelor’s Degree from UIS. Donna states that “the best parts of the Legal Studies Program were the challenging classes, the dedicated professors and fellow students- so I guess it was all ‘best.’” As a Graduate Assistant in the Legal Studies Department, she was able to pursue her research interests in juvenile justice and legislative politics.

After receiving her Legal Studies Master’s Degree, Donna made significant contributions in her professional positions. Critical thinking skills, developed through her Legal Studies courses, gave her the ability to interact objectively with people. She says these skills “aided me when communicating with the legislature, teaching, and selling real estate.” Some of her work experiences include being a legal assistant in IDOT’s Chief Counsel’s Office, a rules liaison to the Illinois Legislative Rules Committee for IDOT’s Hazardous Materials Sections, a lecturer at Lincoln Land Community College and Penn State University, and a real estate professional. Earning a Legal Studies Master’s Degree from UIS enabled her to become well-rounded individual, and prepared to pursue all of her interests; she was equipped with all the skills for success.

Donna advises students to “stick with the Legal Studies Program. It is a difficult program but well worth your effort.” She hopes students realize that there are opportunities to pursue many different career paths. She states, “As you can see from my various professional positions, the degree works well to prepare for a variety of careers.” The Legal Studies Master’s Degree will provide students with the foundation to build fundamental skills necessary to prepare them for successful careers after graduation.