History
The Law Firm Challenge was established in 2003 to encourage alumni involvement with the law school and increase alumni giving. Over the course of its six year history, the Challenge has seen significant growth and success thanks to the dedication of many volunteers.
In 2004, seventeen participating firms kicked off the program at their firms. In the first year alone $34,584 was raised and 40 percent of alumni at participating firms made a donation. In 2006, the law school began working with Challenge volunteers to coordinate a breakfast or lunch with the dean of the law school at their firm or organization. These gatherings provided, and continue to provide, alumni with a unique opportunity to hear updates on the law school from the dean directly and also to ask their questions.
As more firms and organizations became aware of the Challenge’s existence and the benefits to their organizations and the law school, the numbers and success of the program increased. Today, twenty one firms and organizations with four hundred alumni participate in the Challenge. In spite of a tough economic year for many, alumni showed their incredible dedication to the growth and success of the law school, by making 2008-2009 the Challenge’s best year yet. More than $69,000 was contributed and more than 55 percent of alumni at participating firms made a donation, resulting in an average gift of $450 per donor. Additionally, thanks in part to outreach through Challenge volunteers, the law school saw an increase in alumni volunteers and event attendance.
