The University Law School lost one of its most prominent alumni late Tuesday night when Sen. Edward Kennedy, Law School class of 1959, passed away after a long struggle with brain cancer.\nKennedy became known as the "Lion of the Senate" during his U.S. senatorial career, which began in 1962. He sponsored more than 300 bills and was known for being "warm hearted and a good leader," according to former Law School Prof. Mortimer Caplin, class of 1940.\nCaplin taught both Kennedy and his brother Robert when they attended the Law School, and noted that though Edward Kennedy was "as a paper student ... average," he also was an "exceptionally good speaker."\nCaplin recalled that Edward Kennedy developed a friendship with classmate John Tunney, who later became a U.S. representative and senator for California. The two future senators went on to win the William Minor Lile Moot Court Competition during their third year as law students.\nCaplin remarked that Kennedy very much enjoyed his time at the University and that "he was very proud of being an alumnus of the law school."\nJames Young, director of the University's Miller Center's Kennedy Oral History Project, said it was during Kennedy's preparation for the competition that he honed many of his skills that would become famous for in the Senate. It was one of Kennedy's first experiences learning "how to use evidence to win according to the rules." His thorough preparation was one his characteristics that would help him win the respect of his fellow Senators during his career.\n"He was one of our most famous graduates," Law School Dean Paul Mahoney said. "His ability as an advocate was honed at the Law School and he became one of the most prolific legislators of our time."\nCaplin said Kennedy's death will significantly impact the flow of national politics, noting that his endorsement of President Barack Obama during the 2008 Democratic primary was a decisive moment in the campaign. Moreover, his absence will be noted in the Senate.\n"They lost a great leader," Caplin said. "I think that had he been on the scene with the health care bill, it would be in much better shape than it is."\nDuring his career in the Senate, Kennedy was known for "reaching across the aisle" to advance legislation primarily in the health care, financial and educational arenas.\nKennedy stood up for his causes with remarkable consistency during his lengthy career, Young said, but will more so be remembered for "winning fair and square, and never denigrating his opponent"
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