One million-dollar planned gift endows scholarship fund

Planning for a better world

Among current and graduating students at Emory Law, you’ll find one student who assisted in the implementation of new educational policies in Ecuador through the Peace Corps, another who is a decorated intelligence officer in the US Air Force, and a third who founded an organization that works to increase the availability of affordable housing in Asheville, North Carolina.


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Each of these students seeks to take on global challenges and to create a better world — and each of them benefits from a merit scholarship from Emory Law. 

Scholarships can help Emory Law attract the best students in the nation, and in other cases, to recruit and retain world-class scholars and instructors. Thanks to a $1 million planned gift, an anonymous donor will establish an endowed scholarship fund and make a big impact. 

As the third largest individual commitment in the law school’s history, tied with one other, this scholarship fund will provide financial support for Emory Law students in good standing, with a preference for underrepresented socio-economic groups at Emory and in law practice. The donor, a Cuban refugee, wanted to create a scholarship that provided near full tuition for high-performing students. 

“As Emory recruits the best and brightest to continue the law school’s legacy of service, merit scholarships are critical to attract students whose contributions to both the Emory community and larger legal landscape will transform the world through the power of law,” said Ethan Rosenzweig 02L, associate dean for enrollment management and student services. “We seek students who will excel academically, who will lead on campus, and who will have an impact while attending Emory Law —and after. Scholarships like these are a vital part of continuing our strong tradition of excellence.” 

A planned gift is a way that any donor can make a lasting impact at Emory Law. These gifts are arranged in the present to be allocated at a future date, and can establish funding for programs, create scholarships, or meet other charitable goals. Planned gifts can be a part of a donor’s will or living trust, or can include charitable trusts, retirement plan gifts, and gifts of real estate or other assets. 

Increasing access to legal education has long been a priority for the school. Historically, Emory Law has had one of the most diverse student bodies among the nation’s law schools.

In addition to providing financial support for underrepresented socio-economic groups, the donor also wishes to provide recipients with mentorship, complementing other activities already established at Emory Law. Student organizations like the Latin American Law Students Association, the Black Law Students Association, and OUTLaw, a group for LGBTQ+ students, already offer events and resources to promote the visibility of underrepresented groups and to provide opportunities for professional advancement in the predominantly white legal field. Recipients of this scholarship fund may also receive additional support to help promote success both in and out of the classroom. They may receive one-on-one guidance from a senior-ranked faculty member. They may also be introduced to the nation’s foremost legal advocates and jurists, participate in unique travel opportunities, and receive guidance and supervision relating to highly competitive internships, externships, and career opportunities. 

“This scholarship, when realized, will greatly enhance our efforts to build a diverse class of talented students,” said Dean and Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Law Mary Anne Bobinski, “We appreciate the donor’s willingness to include Emory Law in their estate planning.”

Gift planning allows donors to make a lasting impact on Emory Law, while also providing donors the tools they need to meet their financial needs both now and in the future. For specific information about planned giving and/or naming opportunities at Emory Law, contact Courtney R. Stombock, Associate Dean of Advancement and Alumni Engagement, at 404.727.9172 or courtney.stombock@emory.edu. 

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