UC Law’s Class of ’78 endows scholarship, pays it forward

A recent gift from the University of Cincinnati College of Law’s Class of 1978 will help expand access to the law school.  Members donated $67,750 to fund the Class of ’78 Endowed Scholarship.

Class members exceeded their original goal of $50,000, thanks to UC’s recent, highly successful Day of Giving,  going $17,750 above the initial target. 

“I’m so pleased that our alumni rallied behind this exciting class campaign,” said Verna Williams, dean and Nippert Professor of Law at the College of Law. “The combination of dedication to the College of Law, competitive spirit, and extensive communication is a model for us all. We’re so grateful to this exceptional group of people for providing another financial resource for our students.”

UC Law alums Candi Taggart, David Cook, and Doloris Learmonth led the volunteer class committee. The trio secured a $25,000 gift from a donor who requested the funds be utilized to match every gift at $500 or above. In less than a week, another member of the class donated $20,000. Both members of the Class of ’78 elected to give anonymously.

 “We are grateful to everyone who participated,” said committee member Candi Taggert. “We believe that your relationship with your law school does not end with the acceptance of your degree.  Our class has remained firmly vested in the future of UC Law through continuing to give time and resources. I am so proud of the individuals that made this possible. Rest assured, this remarkable effort will not be the last you’ll hear from the University of Cincinnati Law Class of 1978.”

The Class of ’78 Endowed Scholarship was one of several choices the law school featured as part of the second annual Day of Giving. The university’s 24-hour online, social-media-driven fundraising effort promoted philanthropy to alums across the country. Directed by the University of Cincinnati Alumni Association, the event ran midnight to midnight on Tuesday, April 2.  

“We chose to highlight the energies of the Class of ’78 in our Day of Giving activities,” explained Williams. “This scholarship will not only help students today, but also stands as an excellent example to future alums. This group created an avenue to maintain lifelong connections to the College - and each other - through their giving.”

As the fourth oldest continuously operating law school in the country, Cincinnati Law has a rich history. Its distinguished alumni include a U.S. president, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and six governors. The College cultivates an intimate learning experience with a 9:1 student to faculty ratio and offers a wealth of resources, such as more than 40 student organizations, five journals and seven centers and institutes. For more information, please visit www.law.uc.edu.