"This scholarship has meant the world to me. As a seven year recipient, I cannot begin to express my gratitude for the Dr. Terence N. Thomas Scholarship Fund and for Mrs. (Patricia) Pattillo’s (MCJ publisher) support and commitment to young individuals within the Milwaukee Community."
“It has also been an absolute pleasure to meet fellow scholarship recipients and follow along with their journeys. I am already witnessing the difference the fund has made in not only my life, but in the lives of others. I am truly so grateful for the fund and its uplifting presence in my life.“I was one of my graduation ceremony’s commencement speakers. Below you will find my bio highlighting my accomplishments during my time at UW (University of Wisconsin) Law, as well as the link to the law school’s feature on the commencement speakers.
Elise A. Ashley was born and raised in Milwaukee. She received her bachelor’s degree in political science and criminal justice from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. During law school, Elise served as a 1L representative and co-executive Director of the Black Law Students Association. Elise also served as the Senior articles editor for the Wisconsin Law Review and worked as a clinical law student with the eviction defense clinic. She is a member of the Moot Court Board and competed in the New York City Bar Association Moot Court Competition. Additionally, she participated in the law meets mergers and acquisitions bootcamp. In 2022, Elise received the Bruce Beilfuss Memorial Award for outstanding service to the law school and the Gwynette E. Smalley Law Review Prize for special contributions to the Wisconsin Law Review.After graduation, Elise will return to Milwaukee and begin working as a commercial litigation attorney at Quarles & Brady.