College of Law Faculty, Staff show their support for La Verne Law

La Verne Law faculty and staff are deeply committed to the success of the college and its students, and they prove that every day with their dedication to excellence in the classrooms, the library, and the various offices that keep the school running smoothly.

For the last couple of years, Dean Gilbert Holmes has asked the employees of La Verne Law to show their commitment in another tangible way.  As we reach out to the larger legal community and ask them to support the school, Holmes felt it would make an important statement if the people closest to the college were willing to make donations themselves.

Some make gifts to the dean’s discretionary fund through payroll deduction or outright gifts.  A few have joined the $7.5 Million Club and make monthly donations of $100 (when we have 250 alumni and friends participating, the funds raised will be the same as the earnings off of a $7.5 million endowment).  Others donated to the Center for Academic Support and Bar Readiness, or offered to make gifts in kind by bringing in snacks for bar passers.

Several contributed items to be auctioned off at the Public Interest Law Foundation in April, or new books and DVDs for the library.  Some contributed to existing scholarships or planned extracurricular activities.  So far, 97.5% of the faculty and staff have made a gift or pledge to the College of Law.

“It makes a difference when we reach out to our alumni and others in the external community,” says Director of Development Sharilyn Berry.  “Everyone at La Verne Law is really invested in making sure our students have the best possible experience.  Knowing that they already are giving so much of their time and talents – and now their own resources – definitely helps us make a case for why others should also consider supporting this extraordinary school.”