Building on a legacy of excellence

It’s 1967, and John Arthur Propstra is a student at the Arizona State University College of Law. He was one of 117 students taking a chance on a brand new law school in Arizona. One that didn’t yet have a reputation or an alumni network. 

“I remember feeling focused and ready for a new challenge,” Propstra recalled. “Law school was not something to feel too nervous about; it was something I got to work on. I knew I had a lot to learn, but I was ready for it.”

Now it’s 1970, and he’s crossing the stage, graduating as a member of the law school’s inaugural class.

“It was a tremendous honor,” Propstra said. “We knew we were paving the way for future generations, and being the first class meant we carried the weight of setting the standard.”

The law school he once attended has come a long way. In 2006, it was renamed the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University in honor of the late Supreme Court Justice with Arizona roots, and it was relocated from Tempe to Downtown Phoenix in 2016. Today, ASU Law is nationally recognized and has graduated more than 8,000 students. 

Among the newest generation to walk the building is Propstra’s grandson, Alexander Propstra, who just completed his first year of law school.

“There were three reasons why I applied to ASU Law,” Alexander said. “The first reason was the opportunity to pursue a law degree in my hometown, which will hopefully allow me to serve my community. The second reason was the major impact that ASU Law had on my grandfather. The impact he had on the Phoenix community inspired me to follow a similar path. The last reason is that ASU gives me the best opportunity to achieve my dream of working in sports law.”

Alexander is pursuing both his JD and a master’s degree in sports law and business through the Bud Selig Master's in Sports Law and Business Program. His passion for sports law came late in college during his final semester as a sports management major.

“I had no interest in law, but I chose to take a business law class as an elective to broaden my horizons,” he said. “I enjoyed the class immensely and wanted to know more about the law, as I realized it was a great way to help others.”

Alexander credits his grandfather with showing him the kind of career that blends service and leadership. John spent his career practicing personal injury and family law in Phoenix before retiring. 

“It is pretty special to have my grandfather as my role model,” Alexander said. “The work he has done with the Thunderbirds and others by giving back to the Phoenix community is something I hope to accomplish myself one day.”

John still lives in Phoenix, and the two enjoy spending time together golfing or going out to dinner when Alexander isn’t hitting the books. Watching Alexander follow in his footsteps, he said, is deeply meaningful.

“It makes me incredibly proud,” John said. “There’s no greater feeling than seeing my grandson carry on the legacy and build on what we started.”

Stories like the Propstras’ are a testament to what ASU Law was built to do: create opportunities, inspire and foster a legacy of impact that spans generations. From a brand new law school in 1967 to one of the nation’s leading institutions today, ASU Law continues to pave the way for students to follow their passions and, in some cases, walk paths once taken by those who came before them.

Written by Crystal Jimenez