WBTI appoints Nancy Becker Fellow of PAI By Tiffany Chang Ms. Nancy A. Becker was appointed by Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI) as Fellow of Public Administration Institution (PAI) on May 2, 2000. Nancy received her Juris Doctor degree from George Washington University National Law Center in 1979. She received her B. A. degree with a major of International Relations from United States International University, San Diego, CA. in 1976. She ranked No. 1 in the graduating class. Nancy is now a Justice of Nevada Supreme Court. She is the recipient of numerous honors including the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Woman of Achievement Award, Jurist of the Year Award, the Liberty Bell Award from the American Bar Association, J.C. Penny Golden Rule Award and recognized as one of the top ten businesswomen in the Nation from the American Businesswomen's Association. She received Distinguished Service Award from Nevada District Judges' Association in 1997. She was Distin- guishedWomanofSouthern Nevada, 1990, 1995, 1997, 1998,and 1999. "It is our honor to invite a famous person of Justice Nancy Becker's excellent caliber whose expertise, integrity, and good personal traits will bring to this Institute with a perspective of millennium," said President Dr. Tony Lei of WBTI. "Throughout her distinguished career, she has accomplished a great deal of judicial practices together with social services and has earned a good reputation of conscientious and dedicated professionalism." In 1985, Nancy was appointed by the Clark County Bar Association to be the president of a new program that helped people with family problems cope with the justice system. The Clark County Pro Bono Project is a nonprofit organization that provides legal assistance to people with domestic cases. She served in that capacity for ten years and during her presidency the organization helped close to 50,000 people and provided millions in free legal services. She was elected to the Las Vegas Municipal Court in 1987. That was a history to make her the first woman to serve as a Municipal Judge. In her capacity, Nancy continued to work hard for the improvement of the justice system. While maintaining the impartiality required by the Code of Judicial Conduct, she again worked closely with the Legislature to expand the powers of local judges to combat DUI's and domestic violence. She earned a fame for being a tough, but fair judge. Using common sense, compassion and commitment to tackle the growing caseload in the municipal court gained her the respect of law enforcement and the legal community. As a result of her efforts, Governor Robert Miller appointed her to the District Court bench in 1989. She was the first woman to be so honored. For ten years, she served with distinction as District Court Judge. She continually received high marks for her performance with a 90% approval rating. Judicial evaluations placed her as one of the top judges of that court. Justice Becker has been very happy that she was invited by Dr. and Mrs. Tony Lei for a dinner party at the Center Stage Restaurant of Plaza Hotel in congratulating her birthday (5/23) and appointment (5/02) on May 22, 2000. The Faculty of WBTI joined President Dr. Lei to welcome Justice Becker being one of our famous fellows at PAI with the bright leadership of its Director and Fellow Dr. William Thompson who is now the chair and professor of the Department of Public Administration of UNLV. Following the appointment of a famous professor from Pepperdine University Dr. Roy Adamson as the Fellow of PAI on March 3, 2000, Justice Becker was the third person and first lady who had been honored with such a reputable prestige. WBTI has been founded since January 8, 1996, dedicated to: (1) Inviting achieved and excellent faculty members, (2) Motivating special research projects, and (3) Encouraging good community services. Governor of Nevada Dr. Kenny Guinn is Chairman of the Advisory Board. U. S. Senator Honorable Harry Reid is Vice Chairman of the Board. U. S. Congresswoman Honorable Shelley Berkley is the Executive Director. "Public Administration Institution (PAI) of WBTI has played the role as a private NPO (Non Profit Organization) to promote the study and reseach of public administration and strategy for social and public profit. With the effort of the Faculty and under the brilliant leadership of Dr. Tony Lei, WBTI has accomplished a valueable contribution to the academic research and community service for Nevada. We share a great deal of honor also as what Justice Becker does for her prestige as a PAI Fellow. Her participation to this Institution will enrich and enhance its academic production featured with practicality and adaptability as an efficient "intelligence Tank" through her excellent and fruitful public administration experience and contribution," said thePresident of Seniors United Lillian Wallace. |