Access to Legal Education and Enhanced Learning in Constitutional Law and Public Policy Secured Through Generous Alumni Gift
content Heading link
Education in Constitutional Law and Public Policy will continue to thrive at UIC Law thanks to two generous gifts received from law school alum William “Bill” D. Stanley (JD ’79.)
With the support of Executive Director of Development Chrissy Brown and Associate Dean and constitutional law expert Steven Schwinn, Bill funded a multi-thousand-dollar pledge split between the William D. “Bill” Stanley Endowed Scholarship Fund and the UIC Law Constitutional Law & Public Policy Fund.
“I’m inspired to support scholarships because I know it can help UIC Law to attract promising students and help alleviate the stress of paying for law school,” Bill said regarding his endowed scholarship fund that supports students with financial need.
Additionally, Bill reevaluated and increased his planned gift, designating a portion to benefit the UIC Law Annual Fund, with the remainder divided between his scholarship fund and the Constitutional Law Fund.
“Bill’s extraordinary gifts will touch countless individuals here at UIC Law and beyond,” Professor Schwinn said. “Already, with Bill’s support we’ve developed and implemented award-winning efforts, including initiatives to promote civics education and civil discourse in our primary schools and civil-society organizations.”
The law school also plans to utilize the funds to grow and expand efforts around constitutional advocacy in the courts and through public policy, to promote decision-making that aligns with our nation’s constitutional values, and to bring new programming to UIC Law.
quote Heading link
“With Bill’s continued support, and with the active leadership of UIC Law students, we’ll develop new and exciting programs and interactive platforms (traditional live and in-person, and virtual) to expand our reach, touching and inspiring countless individuals, including up-and-coming high-schoolers, their teachers, and our civil-society partners in Chicagoland and around the country.”
rest of content Heading link
UIC Law is profoundly grateful for Bill’s remarkable generosity, which began in 1986 and has continued for almost 40 years through his personal giving and his employer’s generous matching program. His enduring support has significantly shaped the futures of our students, enhanced our programs, and highlighted the transformative impact of philanthropy in building a stronger legal community.
Pulling from his own experiences while in law school, Bill highlighted the law school’s premiere location and reputation in the legal industry as leading influences that opened doors to a plethora of career opportunities. He was able to secure a role as a law clerk at a mid-sized law firm in the Chicago Loop that allowed him to experience the “nuts and bolts of the practice of law.”
Since graduating in 1979, Bill went on to see success in the oil and gas industry, taking on the intellectual challenges and international work and travel opportunities as a tax attorney for over 30 years. Bill held numerous positions, advancing to General Tax Counsel and finishing as the head of tax for one of Phillips’ multinational joint venture companies.
Support UIC Law
By supporting UIC Law projects and initiatives like the Constitutional Law & Public Policy Fund, donors at any level can support any of our many exciting and path-breaking efforts to promote our students and to improve the lives of the people and communities we serve.
“Bill’s gifts are a model for anyone who would like to see their support translate into impactful and tangible results for our own UIC Law students and the clients and communities we serve,” Professor Schwinn said. “By supporting UIC Law students, donors at any level can make law school more accessible for our talented and passionate students and for their clients and communities, now and into the future.”
The support the law school receives through outright and planned giving are truly inspiring. Like Bill’s support, donor support for student scholarships and UIC Law projects and initiatives yields impactful and tangible results.
“Donors can see the impact of their contributions on the lives and education of our students and on the clients and communities we serve. What could be more inspiring than that?” Professor Schwinn concluded.