Law School Mourns Loss of Special Alumna

Los Angeles -- This past week, Loyola Law School – more, the world, lost an angel, a hero, an inspiration. Jenine Meltzer (1982 graduate) passed away from congenital heart failure at the age of 47. Her worn out body has been laid to rest, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of every single person that ever had the immeasurable fortune to meet Jenine. Jenine was born with no arms or legs to speak of, and her internal organs were often disfigured, or never properly performed, but she was born with a spirit, heart, mind and soul so expansive that her physical impediments were all but immaterial. With the love and devotion of her mother Anne as her rock and rod, Jenine took on every challenge, every goal, and by God, she almost did it all.

Jenine attended law school when folk in wheelchairs didn’t go outside so as not to offend, but she wasn’t about to let that get in her way. Jenine took notes for herself, by herself, using nothing more than her mouth to write. Jenine sat in class enduring incredible pain, and loved every moment of it.

Jenine had a secret weapon against obstacles, her indestructible spirit and charm. You couldn’t help but love Jenine upon meeting her, if nothing else, you had to admire her unrelenting enthusiasm and effort. Once you met Jenine, you wanted to help her because she had helped you. Jenine helped every single person she met, simply by being there, right in your face. Some found new tolerance, some found inspiration, some overcame fear and insecurity, but all found respect.

Former Professor Michael Lightfoot said that Jenine was a great student but more importantly was “the most courageous person I’ve ever met.” Professor Lightfoot went on to say, “She was a hero; knowing her put everything into perspective.” Professor Chris May said of Jenine, “She had the consistent ability to remain cheerful and non-self-pitiful in the face of all her adversity. She endured every day with a smile on her face. When you asked her how she was, she always turned the conversation to how you were.”

After graduating Jenine prepared for the bar exam. Her first few attempts at the bar failed due to insufficient time, as writing with her mouth was so taxing and time consuming she could never finish the bar. Eventually, she became too ill to attend any more sittings and let her dream pass. Jenine trekked on to start and help run the Los Angeles Individual Living Center, which helped the disabled and handicapped live better, less dependent lives. The organization did not survive but it will be resurrected this November, in large part through Jenine’s efforts up until her last day. This is just concrete example of Jenine’s effect on the world.

Jenine will never be forgotten, and her legacy will live on forever. Humble, honest, caring, brilliant, and funny; she was. It is not every day an angel steps onto Earth.

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