Jose Ordonez

My name is Jose Don Ordonez, and I am a second-year law student. Originally, I am from Woodland, Calif., a growing city just outside of Sacramento. I attended the University of California at Davis and majored in Spanish and economics.

Prior to law school, I served as an AmeriCorps participant for the Yolo County Children's Alliance, connecting low-income families with local resources. I also interned for my county's state senator, and I served as a regional director for my fraternity, Lambda Theta Phi.

Many people ask how I ended up in the Midwest and/or why I stayed. I was selected as a Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO) Fellow in 2010, where I was introduced to the Midwestern states. After hearing more about KU Law, I decided to apply and later accepted an invitation to attend a distinguished law school.

Initially, what caught my eye was the "Top Value School" ranking, the "Best Clinical Opportunities" ranking, and "The Best College Town" ranking. While headlines like those are attractive, there is so much more at KU Law behind those achievements.I soon got to know the professors, students and the staff at KU Law. They helped me comfortably transition to my new home in Kansas. The Latin American Student Law Association quickly adopted me, and the KU Chess and Boxing Club introduced me to students that use their mind at the table and lose their mind in the ring. In short, KU Law has a welcoming community fostering academic excellence and lifelong friendships.

I hope that I can show you the greatness that I found in KU Law when you come to visit. Please do not hesitate to contact me at jordonez@ku.edu.