Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 28, 1948.  Rutgers University, 1972, B.A. in History,  Magna Cum Laude;  J.D. University of Denver: School of Law, 1975; Texas Christian University: Harris School of Nursing, BSN, 1998, Summa Cum Laude, Golden Key National Honor Society; Reigistered Nurse, Texas Board of Nurse Examiners, License# 658780, "inactive status".   American Jurisprudence Awards in Evidence and Land Transfer & Finance, Invitation to Law Review declined for study abroad with Notre Dame School of Law, Internship at public interest law firm in Washington, D.C.; Licensed to practice in State of Texas, U.S. District Courts for the Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court.  Honorary fraternities include Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Alpha Theta (History) and Sigma Theta Tau (Nursing).