Dedication and Memorial to Professor Brian A. Freeman

• Author: Steven C. Bahls
• Position: Dean and Professor of Law

On behalf the editorial board of the Capital University Law Review and the students, staff and faculty of the Law School, it is my honor to dedicate this issue of the Capital University Law Review to Professor Brain A. Freeman. Professor Freeman died on February 23, 2002, after a gallant fight with Leukemia.

Professor Freeman was a dedicated teacher, scholar and administrator. He joined the Law School faculty in 1967 as an Assistant Professor of Law and served with great distinction as an Interim Dean in the late 1980's and early 1990's and as an Associate Dean for nine years. Prior to coming to Capital, Professor Freeman was an Assistant Attorney General for the state of Ohio and a Judge Advocate in the United States Air Force where he attained the rank of Captain and received an Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service. He was especially proud of his service as a member and president of the Bexley, Ohio, Board of Education, and his service as secretary and member of the Board of Directors of the Columbus Clippers Baseball Team and Coopers Stadium. He also was a member of the Franklin County Republican Executive Committee and served on the Board of Governors for the Bexley Education Foundation. Professor Freeman graduated from Oberlin College in 1962 and The Ohio State University College of Law in 1965. He was honored this past January as the Association of American Law Schools Teacher of the Year for Capital Law School.

There are few professors who have had the impact that Professor Freeman had on Capital University Law School. Professor Freeman is known to a generation of law students as a great teacher, mentor and role model. He was one of those rare law professors who was tough and demanding in class, yet universally respected by students. Students appreciated how Professor Freeman demanded class preparation and excellence. While students may have felt uncomfortable when called on in class, they were very comfortable when answering constitutional law questions on the bar exam. He personified the lawyer traits of hard work, honesty and character.

Nothing made Professor Freeman prouder than seeing his former students excel. Upon reading of an achievement of a former student, he would often come to my office, ask whether I was aware of the achievement, then, with a twinkle in his eye, talk about his recollection of the distinguished graduate. Professor Freeman truly went the extra mile for students. He was available to...