Wolverine Wednesday: Alexandra Klass
10/21/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
Oct. 21, 2015
Alexandra Klass
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Each Wednesday, MGoBlue.com will highlight alumni from the first 39 years of Michigan women's gymnastics. Our first Q&A is with Alexandra Klass '88.
Klass was a two-year letterwinner for the Wolverines, graduating in December of 1988 with a degree in political science and French.
Q. What are some of your favorite memories from attending the University of Michigan?
A. Spending time with friends, taking advantage of cultural opportunities on campus (concerts, museums, speakers) and all the academic and athletic resources.
Q. What was the best thing about attending the University of Michigan?
A. The resources and opportunities (academically and otherwise) and the diversity of the students and faculty.
Q. What are some life lessons you took away from being at Michigan?
A. Recognize opportunities when they are presented and don't be afraid to meet new people, try new activities, and expand horizons.
Q. What has your career path been like since graduating from Michigan?
A. I went to law school at the University of Wisconsin Law School. I worked for a federal judge in Madison, Wisconsin, and then started private practice with a large law firm in Minneapolis (Dorsey & Whitney) where I was named a partner and practiced for 10 years. I then began a career in legal academia and am now a Distinguished McKnight University Professor at the University of Minnesota Law School. My research expertise is in energy law and environmental law and I also teach in those areas. I was a visiting professor at Harvard Law School in 2015 which was a wonderful experience.
Q. What do you enjoy in your personal life?
A. I have been married to Steve Warch for 22 years (we met in law school) and have two daughters -- Helen who is 19 years old and Zoe who is 16 years old. I am now part of a tennis family as Steve played college tennis, Helen plays tennis for Wesleyan University, and Zoe is also a national level tennis player. I also play tennis regularly now although not nearly as well as the rest of my family! We live in St. Paul, Minnesota. I also run regularly, cycle and practice yoga.
Q. What doors, if any, has being a Michigan graduate opened up for you?
A. I am always amazed at the level of respect very esteemed lawyers, judges, academics, and others have for the fact that I was a Division I athlete, and particularly a gymnast. They immediately realize how difficult it is to be a student-athlete at a place like the University of Michigan.
Q. What advice would you give to current Wolverine gymnasts?
A. Spend time with non-athletes and take advantage of academic and cultural opportunities the University provides. I didn't seek those out nearly as much as I should have while at U of M and wish that I had. Luckily, I had time to do that when I was in law school, but not everyone goes to graduate school, and there are so many resources at U of M if you look for them.
