Meet Newly Inducted Members of the McAuliffe Honor Society

Last week, students, faculty, and administrators gathered in Zief Law Library to celebrate the newest members of the McAuliffe Honor Society. The Honor Society is named after USF alumnus Florence M. McAuliffe, a founding partner of the San Francisco law firm Heller, Ehrman, White, and McAuliffe LLP. Each year, top-performing first-year students are inducted into the Honor Society and receive a scholarship, in addition to faculty mentorship and access to special events.

Meet two of this year’s inductees:

Gabe Adrane

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With a background in music, what inspired you to study law? How are the two disciplines related or similar?

Many of the classes I took while studying music business were taught by lawyers working in the music industry. Seeing how these lawyers advocated for artists' rights and protections in the sometimes predatory industry inspired me to want to study law. I find the process of making music similar to legal research and writing because reaching dead ends or weak arguments happens as often as creating a piece of music that sounds terrible, and you have to be willing to scrap everything and start again. Being quick-minded and open to re-writing constantly are skills that overlap between music and legal writing. 

What made you choose USF Law?

I wanted to come to USF because of the emphasis on diversity, ethical practices, and exploring relationships between social justice, policy, and law.

Any experiences with USF professors that stand out for you?

There was one time during office hours with Professor Duane Rudolph where, towards the end of our substantive law discussion, we had a conversation about nervousness in cold-calling and feeling overwhelmed with schoolwork. Professor Rudolph talked about his own difficulty dealing with anxiety in law school, and sympathized with us. He heard us out and it made all of us feel less alone in the law school experience. 

Melitza Ortega

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What inspired you to study law?

Growing up in Nogales, Arizona, a town on the U.S.-Mexico border, I witnessed the harsh realities of the border and immigration crisis firsthand. At twelve, I began volunteering at a local humanitarian aid office, providing food, medical care, and shelter to recently arrived undocumented immigrants. However, I quickly realized how severely restricted we were—even offering a glass of water to someone in critical need could have legal consequences under Arizona’s strict immigration laws. Seeing dedicated volunteers blocked by legal barriers opened my eyes to the power of policy and the transformative impact of a law degree in driving real, tangible change across all forms of advocacy.

You graduated from USF with a bachelor's degree - why stay for law school? What made you choose USF Law?

USF undergrad provided me with every resource I needed to thrive—both academically and personally. It exposed me to diverse cultures, traditions, and viewpoints, fostering a learning environment that embraces and nurtures individuality, unlike any other institution I’ve been part of. More specifically, USF’s faculty took the time to get to know me personally.

The students USF attracts are among the kindest, most intelligent, and passionate individuals I’ve had the privilege of learning alongside, allowing me to build a strong personal and professional community that continues to shape my growth. I had no doubt that USF Law would offer me the same enriching experience—a belief I am happy to confirm.

Tell us about your professors.

Professor Eugene Kim has been an exceptional mentor and teacher. His passion for legal research and writing makes the class both engaging and focused. He goes above and beyond—not just for his students, but for the entire school. I am incredibly grateful to have him in my corner and know he will remain a mentor throughout my legal career.

During the job application process, he was an invaluable resource, helping me draft, revise, and refine my materials. He continues to support my growth in legal research and writing, fostering an environment where mistakes are embraced as learning opportunities, allowing us to become stronger, more confident students.