Cardozo School of Law is pleased to announce that 3Ls Trystan Edwards and Andrew Ricks have been selected as the 2026 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 he was a student at Cardozo, to celebrate his joyous spirit and vitality.
“The committee received many wonderful nominations for the scholarship this year, which were an absolute joy to read,” said Jenn Kim, Dean of Students. “We are fortunate to have so many committed and engaged students at Cardozo who care for one another and help keep the legacy of Mark Whitlock's spirit embedded in our community. Both Trystan and Andrew have clearly demonstrated the characteristics identified by this scholarship, and I know I speak for many when I say it has been a privilege and joy getting to know them through their time here at Cardozo.”
Trystan Edwards's positivity, enthusiasm, and commitment to the Cardozo community are well-known around campus, most notably through his work as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Moot Court Honor Society, Co-President of the Black Law Students Association , and Ambassador for the Gates and Martinidez Scholars Program. Trystan has served in all his leadership roles with generosity and inspiration. As one nominator writes, “Trystan is an incredible leader in the Cardozo community. He is warm and welcoming and always there to help if you need it ... Trystan inspired me to do more and participate in the school in meaningful ways”. Another nominator writes, “Trystan really inspires me to have gratitude for being at Cardozo and in law school in general, even on the hardest of days.”
Andrew Ricks’s energy and dedication to the advancement of the Cardozo community are widely known on campus. Andrew has worn many hats as a student leader, most notably as the Managing Student Ambassador for the Office of Admissions, Treasurer of the Student Bar Association (SBA) for two consecutive years, and Staff Editor of the Cardozo Dispute Resolution Competition Honor Society. Andrew has led with great care and heart for the Cardozo community. As one nominator states, “Andrew has truly given his all to Cardozo ... he has gone above and beyond to help current Cardozo students feel welcomed and part of the community.” As another nominator writes, “Andrew always has a kind smile or friendly word for people and has truly made my time (and countless others’) at Cardozo a better one.”
The Mark Whitlock Scholarship recognizes outstanding, third-year J.D. students who, through individual effort, energy, spirit, and initiative, contribute to and/or expand, strengthen, and enrich student life and community at Cardozo. This is the fourth year the scholarship has been awarded to two students.