calendar of events - Strake Jesuit College Preparatory
calendar of events - Strake Jesuit College Preparatory
calendar of events - Strake Jesuit College Preparatory
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s494_r1.qxd 3/8/2002 5:01 AM Page 11<br />
John Coselli ‘70<br />
Judge since 1999.<br />
Undergraduate:<br />
Loyola <strong>of</strong> New Orleans<br />
Law School:<br />
University <strong>of</strong> Houston<br />
Wife: Carolyn Coselli<br />
Children: Four Sons (ages 8-13)<br />
Interests: Family, sons’ sports &<br />
Establishing Peer Mediation<br />
Programs in Houston area<br />
schools<br />
here is that I am trying to make<br />
a difference in the lives <strong>of</strong> the<br />
people I come in contact with.<br />
So that everyone who has<br />
contact with the Court can see<br />
their lives changed in a positive<br />
way.”<br />
“Having the contact with<br />
people, hoping you make a<br />
difference,” echoes Judge<br />
Walter on the motivation in his<br />
work. “It is difficult sometimes,<br />
because you don’t see the<br />
results, but you must be<br />
confident that you are doing the<br />
right thing. Nobody wants to be<br />
here (in Municipal Court); these<br />
people have been charged with<br />
<strong>of</strong>fenses–traffic, alcohol-related,<br />
or criminal. This may be the<br />
first contact many people have<br />
with the Court and the system.<br />
It is important that I project a<br />
positive image <strong>of</strong> the Court and<br />
the system. It’s a great<br />
opportunity to positively impact<br />
people.”<br />
Judge Mizell concurs.<br />
“You get to have a positive<br />
impact on people’s lives. It is<br />
rewarding to work hard to<br />
achieve a right result.”<br />
And they all agree on one<br />
<strong>of</strong> the lighter benefits <strong>of</strong> being a<br />
Judge: those cool judge license<br />
plates.<br />
Tripp Walter ‘76<br />
Judge since 1997.<br />
Undergraduate:<br />
University <strong>of</strong> Houston<br />
Law School:<br />
Texas Tech University<br />
Wife: Kim Walter<br />
Children: One Son, Thomas<br />
Interests: I used to play a little<br />
s<strong>of</strong>tball, but now I have a two<br />
year old son!<br />
Judge Frank Rynd ‘70 Seeks Justice for Children<br />
“It takes a special kind <strong>of</strong> person to be involved in family court,” remarks Judge<br />
Tripp Walter. “Those cases are so different from the ones heard by civil or municipal<br />
courts.”<br />
For the uninitiated, here is a distinction among those courts in a nutshell: Civil<br />
District Courts hear matters involving money or property, as well as suits to compel or<br />
prohibit wrongful action (injunctions). Municipal Courts judge people who have been<br />
charged with <strong>of</strong>fenses–traffic violations, alcohol-related, or criminal. Family Courts hear<br />
matters involving paternity and divorce, including child support, property division and<br />
child custody. They also hear matters relating to child support and custody, even if it is not<br />
part <strong>of</strong> a divorce.<br />
If there seemed a perfect fit for a man and a career, it would be Frank Rynd ‘70 in<br />
his current position as Judge <strong>of</strong> the 309 th District Court <strong>of</strong> Texas (Family Court). Both in<br />
his pr<strong>of</strong>essional and personal life, Judge Rynd has been a tireless advocate for children.<br />
Judge Rynd’s interest in children’s causes stems from his years in Dallas when he<br />
became involved in adoption work with the Buckner Baptist Benevolences; he later served<br />
as an ad liten, representing children in litigation. Upon his return to Houston, he became<br />
a board member <strong>of</strong> Big Brothers Big Sisters <strong>of</strong> Houston. After many years <strong>of</strong> service, he<br />
is now an honorary board member. It was also during this time that Judge Rynd<br />
volunteered on a project with the Salvation Army to provide shelter for the homeless. “It<br />
was a tremendous personal experience. I really came to realize the enormous needs not being met,” he recalls.<br />
In 1999 he received the Shirlee Tracy Anderson award for long and distinguished service to BBBS <strong>of</strong> Houston, and in 2000<br />
he chaired the kick <strong>of</strong>f breakfast for the Interfaith Ministries Children’s Campaign.<br />
Judge Rynd served as general legal counsel for the Houston Astros for seventeen years before beginning his career as an<br />
associate judge (in 1999). Reflecting on his decision to enter public service, he echos the sentiments <strong>of</strong> his fellow alumni judges<br />
in the civil and municipal courts. “Anyone practicing before a judge has some desire to do this and to know how it works. I<br />
believe I have a sense <strong>of</strong> fairness and a sense <strong>of</strong> public service. This (the judiciary) allows me to give back to the community.”<br />
And like many <strong>of</strong> his fellows, he credits Fr. Chris Billac’s influence on his life–“You can live a life for others.”<br />
A graduate <strong>of</strong> the University <strong>of</strong> Texas and the UT Law School, Judge Rynd is a devoted uncle to two nieces and two<br />
nephews, one great-nephew, and mentor to eight god-children. An avid historian and advocate <strong>of</strong> historical preservation, he is<br />
also active in the Diocese <strong>of</strong> Galveston-Houston. But after all is said, his greatest interest is in people, as evidenced by his<br />
innumerable friends. And it is reflected in his comments on the best part <strong>of</strong> his job: “It’s about making a positive difference in<br />
people’s lives.”<br />
Judge Rynd’s name appears on the ballot on March 12, as he faces an election challenge in the Republican primary.<br />
Crusader Chronicle a 9