Cardozo School of Law is pleased to announce that Samantha Harberg and Rebecca Malek have been selected as the 2025 recipients of the Mark Whitlock Scholarship.
The Whitlock Scholarship was established by the friends and family of Mark Whitlock ‘10, who passed away from brain cancer while a student at Cardozo. It is awarded to outstanding third-year J.D. students who, through individual effort, energy, spirit and initiative, contribute to and/or expand and strengthen student life and community at Cardozo, in honor of Mark's joyous spirit and vitality. This year marks the third time the scholarship has been awarded to two Cardozo students.
“Both Sam and Becca have clearly demonstrated the characteristics identified by this scholarship, and I know I speak for many when I say it has been an absolute privilege and joy getting to know them through their time here at Cardozo,” said Jenn Kim, Dean of Students. “We hope you will join us in congratulating them.”
Samantha Harberg’s enthusiasm and commitment to the Cardozo community are well-known around campus, most notably through her work as Editor-in-Chief for the Dispute Resolution Competition Honor Society. As one nominator writes, “Sam’s leadership is emblematic of the qualities that Mark possessed—she is dedicated, enthusiastic, and operates with much goodwill for her fellow students, outside judges and coaches, and the Cardozo administration.” In addition to serving as Editor-in-Chief of the ADR Competition Honor Society, Sam participated in the Cardozo Mediation Clinic, worked as a Research Assistant for Professor Andrea Schneider, and can often be seen giving tours of the school as an Ambassador for the Office of Admissions, sharing information to prospective students with her trademark warmth and enthusiasm. As another nominator writes, “Sam is dedicated to Cardozo and is perennially good-natured while working hard to improve the Cardozo experience for all.”
Rebecca Malek’s dedication to the advancement of the Cardozo community is widely known on campus. Becca has served as a Gates Scholar mentor and Ambassador, Executive Editor of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Competition Honor Society, Academic Chair for the Black Law Students Association (BLSA), Ambassador for the Office of Admissions, and Teaching Assistant to Adjunct Professor Michael Wildes, and participated in the Divorce Mediation Clinic. Through all of her commitments, Becca has served as a mentor and leader to many with great kindness and humor. As one nominator writes, “as a mentor, she is inclusive, strong, encouraging, and empowering, always striving to bring out the best in others.” As another nominator writes, “whether she’s giving advice, helping with outlines, or being there for a friend who needs support, she’s the type of person who lifts others up…she embodies everything this scholarship represents- passion, dedication, and a genuine desire to strengthen the Cardozo community.”