Distinguished Alumnus Michael Gassner Celebrated at Special July Reception

After setting a strong example throughout the legal community for more than three decades, Michael Gassner was given a well-deserved evening of acclaim and recognition when La Verne Law honored its distinguished alumnus at a special reception on July 24.

Speakers included Professor Bob Knell, Judge Teresa Bennett, Vice President of University Advancement Myra Garcia, and La Verne Law Dean Gilbert Holmes. More than a dozen judges were in attendance, joining alumni and current and prospective students at the festive celebration.

“Mike Gassner represents many of the histories and traditions of La Verne Law.  He is a double La Verne graduate – undergraduate and law – and comes from a family of La Verne graduates, said Dean Holmes. “He has dedicated his life to public interest and community service, and he is humble and effective in making a difference. It is with tremendous pride that we honor him.”

A Commissioner with the Superior Court of California, San Bernardino County, Gassner graduated from the University of La Verne in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in history and earned his Juris Doctor from the College of Law in 1981. He has served in the San Bernardino County Superior Court since 1996 and was appointed as the supervising family law bench officer in the Central District from 2004 until 2006, a position he now holds in the West District.

Gassner chairs the Family Law Committee for the Superior Court of San Bernardino County and serves on several local court committees.  He is a member of the Family and Juvenile Law Advisory Committee and a member of the California Center for Judicial Education and Research Family Law Curriculum Committee. He previously served as member of the Elkins Family Law Task Force and participated in the development of the Family Law Resource Guidelines.

Earlier this year, Gassner received the Distinguished Jurist Award from the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Southern California Chapter. In 2001 he was named Judicial Officer of the Year by the California State Bar Family Law Section.

A member of the men’s soccer team at La Verne, Gassner has remained involved with youth soccer throughout his life as a coach and trainer with American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO).

Gassner’s family represents one of the earliest legacies for La Verne Law – his mother, Beverly, graduated in 1977, and brother Steve is a 1994 graduate.  His daughter Alena is in her junior year at the La Verne campus.