Rougeau Recognized As Influential Black Lawyer by OBABL

Despite obstacles, Rougeau has achieved significant individual success, publishing multiple books and serving previously as a professor of law  and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Notre Dame. He graduated magna cum laude from Brown University in 1985 and received his J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1988.

When asked to give advice to students hoping to learn from his achievements, he said, “Work as hard as you can. Do not doubt yourselves. You have what it takes to reach your goals, because there’s never been a better time for people of color to reach their goals and dreams, when so many barriers have fallen away.”

Due in part to de facto segregation, the environment where Rougeau grew up offered much fewer resources, particularly in terms of mentors, a deficiency for which he now works to make up for in the lives of others. “We don’t know everything, but we can at least share what we’ve learned. Sometimes students underestimate just how many people are available to them.” He urges all to take advantage of the unique opportunity that their time at BC presents.