Ramon Alvarado Scholarship Fund for UW LEO Program
About Ramón
This fund has been established in loving memory of Judge Ramón Alvarado, a beloved friend, colleague, and warrior for justice. In July 2020, after complications resulting from treatment for acute myeloid leukemia, Ramón died at age 41. He positively influenced the lives of so many with his bright smile, calm demeanor, and ever willingness to lend a hand.
Ramón's death not only touched us — fellow 2005 graduates of University of Wisconsin-Madison's Law School — but it was a true loss for the legal community. Ramón was an exceptional person with deep-seated beliefs in equal justice and humanity, and this passion undoubtedly led to his success after graduation.
From 2005 to 2006, Ramón worked at the Georgia Public Defender’s Office in Coweta County. Then, after a short stint in private practice, Ramón was inspired to start his own practice in 2008. He spent 10 years in private practice, primarily representing indigent clients in criminal defense matters. Thanks to his limitless heart, Ramón was deeply invested in his cases, and he was profoundly affected by the relationships he established with clients and their families.
In January 2019, he achieved his long-time goal of becoming a judge. Ramón became Gwinnett County, Georgia’s first Hispanic judge; he was also the county’s first full-time judge of Korean descent.
In his application for the position, he wrote:
My decision to go to law school was driven by my desire to help people. I find it fulfilling to assist people as they navigate a difficult time, and I have been fortunate to do that for the past 10+ years.
Ramón's swearing in was January 7, 2019, and he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia four short months later on his 40th birthday, May 7. As he endured rigorous chemo, Ramón continued to go to work as much as he could — probably too much! Though Ramón's time on the bench was much too short, his influence was significant and will live on through the lives he enhanced.
About the Scholarship
We have set up this scholarship fund in honor of Ramón and the good he did in this world — plus the immeasurable love we have for him. While at UW Law, we were brought together by the LEO Program (Legal Education Opportunities Program), where we created many great memories.
To honor Ramón and advance his everlasting passions of justice and human equity, we're creating a scholarship in his honor for a LEO student. LEO describes itself as "a thriving program for the recruitment, retention, and success of law students of color." Particularly, LEO aims to recruit and retain students of color and from other traditionally disadvantaged groups. (https://law.wisc.edu/leo/)
Constituent groups include:
- Black Law Students Association (BLSA)
- Latino/a Law Student Association (LLSA)
- Asian Law Student Association (ALSA)
- Indigenous Law Student Association (ILSA)
- Middle Eastern Law Students Association (MELSA)
Please consider contributing in honor of a remarkably selfless and compassionate man. Ramón's top priority was helping others, and he would be honored to know that his legacy enabled a deserving LEO student to pursue a legal education.
Additional Reading
Read a tribute from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: https://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta-news/ramon-alvarado-first-hispanic-judge-in-gwinnett-county-dies-at-41/IR5VGWHQERHA5JOLW2V6IEIFJY/
Read his obituary: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/tucker-ga/ramon-alvarado-9272673