Judge Derwin L. Webb is the first African-American male Family Court Judge in the history of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. A first-generation attorney, Webb was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, but later moved to Louisville where he has lived for more than twenty-five years. A former standout basketball player at the University of Louisville for Hall of Fame basketball coach Denny Crum, Webb was a captain his senior year, and earned the respect of his peers both on and off the basketball court.

As an undergraduate, he was elected as a senator in the Student Government Association. In this role he represented the interests of the student population and discovered the importance of public service. He joined Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. After receiving his B.S. in Political Science, he attended the Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville. Upon graduation, he began his legal career with the prestigious law firm, Stites & Harbison, where he learned all aspects of business and corporate law.

He then returned to his alma mater to work as an Assistant Athletic Director where he supported the athletic department in areas of compliance, academics, and diversity. He was appointed by the president to serve on the University’s Commission on Diversity and Racial Equality, the president’s chief policy advisor on issues of diversity. He also served on numerous non-profit boards dedicated to improving the lives of individuals within the Kentuckiana region. This work earned Derwin the Business First “Forty Under Forty” Award for outstanding Louisville young professionals.

What if you were in the courtroom when a hazing tragedy went to trial?

In this groundbreaking interactive program, students don’t just hear about the consequences of hazing — they live them. Led by Judge Derwin Webb, the first African-American male Family Court Judge in Kentucky and a former Division I basketball player, participants step into the shoes of everyone affected by a hazing death as described in the news that forever changed the national conversation about fraternity culture and accountability.

Students are randomly assigned real-life roles: prosecutor, defense attorney, fraternity members, university administrators, the family, law enforcement, and the jury. Judge Webb presides over the mock trial, guiding participants through opening statements, witness testimony, and final arguments — all leading to a verdict that the students themselves must decide.

The experience ends with a debrief on what was learned, how easily tragedies like this can unfold, and how leadership, intervention, and ethical decision-making can prevent future deaths.

This isn’t a lecture — it’s a wake-up call.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the Legal and Ethical Consequences of Hazing
Examine how hazing leads to criminal liability, civil lawsuits, and lifelong trauma for individuals and organizations, as well as the legal framework of hazing laws and the real-world implications of “failure to act.”

2. Experience Empathy and Perspective-Taking
Step into the lived experiences of everyone impacted — from the victim’s family to fraternity brothers, administrators, and the judicial system, as well as recognizing how decisions made under group pressure ripple far beyond the chapter house.

3. Apply Bystander Intervention and Leadership Skills
Identify moments where intervention could have saved a life.

4. Connect Fraternity and Sorority Values to Real-World Responsibility
Reflect on how the ritual values of brotherhood, sisterhood, and service demand integrity in practice.

Perseverance in the face of repeated setbacks, such as being dismissed from law school, failing the bar exam three times, and losing elections, requires immense strength and determination. Each of these obstacles can feel like an insurmountable barrier, yet they also offer opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Being dismissed from law school may initially seem like the end of a dream, but it can also be a chance to reassess your goals and reignite your passion for the law. Repeated failures at the bar exam can be disheartening, but they teach the importance of resilience, persistence, and the value of learning from mistakes. Losing elections before finally becoming a judge demonstrates that the path to success is rarely linear and that perseverance is key to overcoming challenges. This journey underscores several important lessons:

• Resilience: Setbacks are not the end of the road but rather a part of the journey; persistence through failure is essential for ultimate success.
• Growth Through Failure: Each failure provides valuable lessons and opportunities for improvement, pushing you to develop greater skills and knowledge.
• Patience: Achieving your goals may take longer than expected, but patience and continued effort can eventually lead to success.
• Self-Belief: Even when others doubt you, maintaining faith in your abilities and vision is crucial to persevering through challenges.
• Long-Term Vision: Keeping sight of your long-term goals helps you stay motivated and focused, even in the face of repeated setbacks.

The transition from being a high-profile college athlete to becoming a "normal" person after a sports career ends can be both liberating and daunting. After years of intense training, competition, and public attention, many athletes find themselves grappling with the loss of their athletic identity and the need to redefine their purpose. This transition often involves navigating a new career path, building relationships outside of sports, and adjusting to a lifestyle without the structured schedules and constant physical demands. Additionally, former athletes must manage the psychological aspects of leaving the sport, such as dealing with a sense of loss or the pressure to find new success. For student-athletes, this phase underscores several important lessons:

• Identity Beyond Sports: Developing interests and skills outside of athletics is crucial for a fulfilling post-sports life.
• Career Planning: Early preparation for a career after sports, including education and networking, can ease the transition.
• Mental Health: Prioritizing mental well-being during and after a sports career is vital to navigating the emotional challenges of retirement.
• Financial Planning: Managing earnings and planning for long-term financial security is essential, especially after the athletic income ends.
• Lifelong Learning: Embracing new opportunities for education and personal growth can help redefine success in life after sports.