The School of Law was pleased to join forces with individual donors and the UGA Foundation to create 10 new funds to benefit students and professors. These nine scholarships and one named professorship are helping the School of Law to redefine what it means to be a great national public law school – offering a world-class, hands-on, purpose-driven educational experience while never surrendering its commitment to accessibility.

School of Law graduates associated with the scholarship funds are:

• The late Judge Clarence D. Blount (LL.B.’50)
• Jonathan S. Hightower (J.D.’04) and his wife, Devon
• The late David E. Ralston (J.D.’80)
• Eric L. Roden (J.D.’12)
• F. Chase Simmons (J.D.’97)
• Reginald R. “Reggie” and Leigh M. Smith, both members of the Class of 1987
• Jason M. Tate (J.D.’04) and his wife, Amanda
• Valinda Barrett Wolfert (J.D.’84) and her husband, Steve
• Laura E. Woodson (J.D.’90)

The Jane W. Wilson Professorship in Business Law was initiated by an anonymous donor. It is designed to support scholars who are leaders in business law and who are engaged in a combination of teaching, research and public service.

“I want to thank the school’s graduates and friends for their support of these endowed funds that will make a legal education more affordable for scores of students well into the future as well as help attract and retain talented professors,” Dean Peter B. “Bo” Rutledge said.

“I also want express gratitude to the UGA Foundation, under the leadership of Trustee Chair Neal J. Quirk Sr. (J.D.’87), and UGA President Jere W. Morehead (J.D.’80) for their support of these new funds and the law school’s vision,” he added.

Other key donations received this past academic year include:

• David G. Perryman (J.D.’86) and his wife, Kirsti, created a scholarship for students with a degree or background in biology, genetics, chemistry, neuroscience or similar area.
• Thomas J. “Tom” Harrold Jr. (J.D.’69) contributed to the International Law Student Development Endowment, which provides grants for international law summer experiences/fellowships.
• W. Pope Langdale III (J.D.’92) established a scholarship to benefit students from South Georgia.
• A U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia cy pres settlement paved the way for the creation of a Civics Education and Business Ethics Support Fund to help teach practical legal skills and topics to vulnerable community members.