What People are saying about ACHLS
(from Pulitzer Prize Winners to State representatives)

 

JOSEPH J. ELLIS
Winner of both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award for his work on American history:

"I have agreed to serve on the Board of Trustees for the American College of History and Legal Studies because it strikes me as a truly original idea that is quite likely to influence the future shape of American higher education.

By focusing on the last two years of the undergraduate experience, the ACHLS provides an attractive and affordable next step for community college graduates. And by insisting on the educational connection between history and the law, the ACHLS establishes an institutional recognition - the first of its kind in the United States - between two longstanding and overlapping ways of organizing knowledge and seeing the world.

This is an exciting new venture, and I am pleased to be aboard at its launching."

   

NEIL L. LYNCH
Associate Justice (retired) Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court:

"One of the most serious obstacles facing students desirous of obtaining bachelor and graduate degrees is the high cost at major universities. This cost can exceed $40,000 a year. As a result, many otherwise qualified individuals are deterred from obtaining the academic requirements necessary to pursue graduate and professional degrees. The American College of History and Legal Studies offers an exciting innovation to help alleviate this problem. By offering those with associate degrees a study path that provides the opportunity to complete the requirements for entry into law school and other graduate programs economically not only benefits the students but the professions and society as well."

   

WENDY ESTRELLA, ESQUIRE
Graduate of the Northern Essex Community College (1995)
Graduate of the Massachusetts School of Law (2004):

"The American College concept is certainly an unique and exciting one. Coming from a community of minorities with great potential and the desire to become educated and successful, I am confident The American College of History and Legal Studies will be the perfect bridge to obtain a goal many feel impossible… a law degree. Entering law school gave me the key to my success and helped me reach my ultimate goal of becoming an Attorney. As an Attorney, I have been able to achieve great success in the Latino community. I am active in the community I practice in and I have been recently appointed by the Governor as a Trustee of Northern Essex Community College. The American College of History and Legal Studies will help others like me reach their goals."

   

BRIAN KNUUTTILA, ESQUIRE
Former Massachusetts State Representative, 2nd Worcester District, (1997-2005)
Graduate of the Massachusetts School of Law (1995):

"I have always been a keen student of early American history, with a particular focus on the 'critical period' of 1783-1789 and the federalist triumvirate of Hamilton, Madison and Jay. This interest later assisted me greatly in law school, most especially with courses in Constitutional law. I am truly convinced that without this strong foundation in American history, I would not have graduated law school, passed the bar and achieved those many successes later in life. The American College of History and Legal Studies (ACHLS) will give America's future leaders the needed tools to be successful in their careers and in life, and will help make America the country it was and will be again!"