UTA’s Pre-Law Center opened the Adelfa B. Callejo Courtroom on campus earlier this year thanks to generous funding from the Callejo-Botello Foundation. The courtroom honors the legacy of Adelfa Callejo, a lawyer who advocated for increased educational opportunities, particularly among low-income and marginalized students.
“Adelfa came from humble roots in South Texas and cared deeply about the lives of others, particularly those who were marginalized,” says Monica Lira Bravo, chair of the Callejo-Botello Foundation Board. “One of her favorite quotes was, ‘Education is the great equalizer.’ It really speaks to her sense of personal purpose and her desire to help others succeed.”
Amber White, director of the Pre-Law Center, concurs.
“Adelfa was a woman who refused to accept limitations. That’s what we want our students to embody.”
The courtroom allows students to simulate mock trials and moot court proceedings. White hopes to add even more advances to the space, bringing the program to the next level.
To break in the new courtroom, UTA hosted the American Mock Trial Association’s Regional Mock Trial Tournament for the first time. This year, UTA’s team improved their performance from the previous Regional Mock Tournament, which was held in Dallas.
