Messages to Professor Nanda from some former students.

Ian B. Bird, JD '76

DJILP Managing Editor 1976

Dear Ved,

It is no small task to remind you of the impact you have had on so many lives. One can point to the enormous body of your scholarly work, your influence on decision-makers the world over, or your impact on human rights law, environmental law, and so many other substantive areas of law. Your vision has created and sustained the world class international law program at DU's College of Law where your teaching has informed, and formed, thousands of students over a couple of generations. You founded the Denver Journal of International Law & Policy, which has for four decades given voice to scholars, practitioners and students in many areas of international legal practice. And these are but the tip of the iceberg with respect to your global influence.

And yet, these fantastic accomplishments are only part of the story of your impact. Perhaps your most profound influence has been on your students. That is certainly true in my case. Forty years ago, I arrived at DU knowing only that I wanted a career in "international law" without much understanding of what that might mean or how to achieve that goal. Through you I learned about both. Of course, you taught me what I needed to know about the law. But more, you convinced me that it would really be possible for me to spend my life in the international arena. Your encouragement over the years has helped me achieve my goal. Throughout my years at DU, and in the many years since, you have been a mentor, counselor and friend, offering kind words, sound advice and a warm smile through times of personal and professional challenge.

Since returning to Denver after many years away, it has been deeply gratifying to assist you in developing and implementing plans for the Ved Nanda Center for International and Comparative Law. In a small way this lets me return some measure of the great gifts you have given me over the years. Your legacies are many, varied and significant. It is truly my honor to be one of many partners in advancing this one.

This milestone anniversary of the DJILP is the perfect occasion to celebrate you and your myriad contributions to the global community. It is also the perfect occasion to offer a simple "thank you" for being such a good and great friend.

With the greatest affection, I am

Yours sincerely, Ian

Sharon K. Black, JD '95

DJILP Editor-in-Chief, 1994-1995

Alumni Excellence Award Recipient, 2010

Most of us--at one time or another--have met someone who impressed us and positively impacted our lives. Ved Nanda does that every day--for many people.

Many of us also know Professor Nanda as someone whose life and work has made a true difference in the world--benefiting all citizens of Earth. Those of us in Denver are fortunate to call him "one of our own," to be able watch his example daily, and to have the pleasure of learning from him.

I have known Ved for more than 20 years, since 1991, and seen him work his "magic" in international law. As Editor-in-chief of the Denver Journal of International Law and Policy (1994-1995) and a practicing attorney in international telecommunications law in Colorado, here is some of what I have learned from him over the years:

1. Live with a purpose. Ved lives the words: "Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope ... and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance."--Robert F. Kennedy

2. Be gracious and treat all with respect. Talk softly and treat everyone you meet with kindness and caring. Ved does this so well. All who know him have experienced it.

3. Live your message. Be proactive and dive into the "tough" stuff. Where the world is unjust, Ved works to change it. When he sees a need, he doesn't wait for other leaders, but rather asks those he knows to join him, person to person, to find an answer. He lives the phrase: "You must be the change you wish to see in the world."--Mahatma Gandhi. If everyone joined him in fighting injustice we would make real progress toward humanity.

4. Start now--even if you don't feel you are ready. Ved lives that: "Nobody needs to wait a single moment to start improving the world." Anne Frank, and that: "There is no time like the present and no present like the time."--James Durst.

5. Know that everyone...