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���ϲ����� School of Law received philanthropic gifts from across its community during the previous academic year in what administrators describe as an “outstanding” show of support for the institution and its students.

By May 31, 2024, yearlong efforts to build support in student scholarships and experiential learning opportunities resulted in:

• 203 total gifts (an increase of 60%)
• For the second consecutive year, more than 30 gifts placed benefactors into the ���ϲ����� Society, ���ϲ�����’s most devoted and generous donors
• $18,000 raised on ���ϲ����� Day 2024, an increase of more than 100% over ���ϲ����� Day 2023
• ���ϲ����� Law featured its first-ever matching gift during ���ϲ����� Day through the generosity of Ronny Lancaster P’08 LP’12, Hank L’14 and Tara Harrawood L’14, Ben ’14 and Johanna Snyder L’14, Andrea Harrell L’09, and Hunter Amos L’17
• The dedication of the Jetton & Meredith, PLLC Student Lounge, named in honor of a lead gift by Mark S. Jetton Jr. ’06 L’09 and Eric S. Meredith L’09 to name the Dean Emeritus George R. Johnson, Jr. Memorial Law Scholarship.

At the same time, ���ϲ����� Law Dean Zak Kramer and Assistant Dean Scott Leighty ‘09 have established a regular series of communications and events tailored for alumni that have helped reengage dozens of graduates with their law school alma mater.

“Meet the Dean” events in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Wilmington welcomed several alumni with interest in reconnecting to ���ϲ����� Law. Alumni have also been regular attendees at virtual quarterly updates hosted by Kramer.

Kramer and Leighty collectively met in person with 187 constituents during the academic year, which helped to nearly double the participation rate of alumni who made a gift to ���ϲ����� Law in 2023-2024.

“Philanthropy is critical to our plans for the future,” Kramer said. “The outstanding levels of support from our alums, parents, friends, staff, and faculty tells me we’re on the cusp of something big. I’m excited to see where our alumni help take us as we launch the ���ϲ����� Law Flex Program in Charlotte and as we identify new opportunities to enhance student learning in Greensboro.

“We’re in the dream-making business here at ���ϲ����� Law. I love that so many others want to be a part of that mission.”

Alumni Reflections on Making Their First Gift to ���ϲ����� Law in 2023-2024

ShaKeta Berrie L’16
Assistant Public Defender, Guilford County Public Defender’s Office 

“I’ve felt more connected to ���ϲ����� Law since I’ve started working as an adjunct and since I’ve met with new administrators who reminded me that I was able to matriculate with a merit scholarship made possible by the kindness of others. Somebody was generous! I now feel like I’ve reached a place in my career where I can afford to give, and I like the direction I see from the school. Its dedication to inclusion and diversity not only among students, but also in the faculty and trying to work toward increased representation, is important to me. We had a lack of that when I was a student. Speaking with people, and getting the sense that it’s important to them, too, has been good.”

Jim Grant L’12
Assistant Appellate Defender at North Carolina Office of the Appellate Defender

“My gift this year was maybe the first time I donated to ���ϲ����� Law. I’ve always felt that direct alumni engagement matters, and I’ve realized that giving, even modestly, is another important way in which alums can better the school. My gift was also in recognition of changes that are visible from the outside looking in. Dean Kramer has done a great job identifying areas within the school for improvement, he’s putting a vision into place, and the early returns are very good. My gift, in essence, reflects not just my belief in the mission of the school but also a statement that it’s headed in the right direction.”

Kelly B. Robinson L’09
Partner, MacCord Mason, PLLC

“I was blessed with a scholarship while I was at ���ϲ����� Law, and it was very, very important. My son was five years old at the time and the assistance it provided made possible the opportunity for me to flourish. There are some brilliant attorneys who came out of my class. I now want to encourage folks to engage with the law school to create the kind of opportunities for today’s students to develop much like we did. Giving back and helping ���ϲ����� Law with its programs and its scholarships is how I want to be a part of continuing its success.”