Law Schools

Law School May Receive Name Change After 'Historic' Charitable Donation

How many millions does it take for a law school to change its name?

By  
on

Money bag icon on blackboard with handHow much does it cost to slap your name on a law school? The cost may vary, depending on the school, but at the Southern Illinois University School of Law, the price was right at $10 million.

John Simmons, an SIU board of trustees member and founder of the Simmons Hanly Conroy law firm, as well as his wife, Jayne Simmons, recently made a historic donation of $10 million to the law school. Pending approval from the SIU board of trustees in April, the school will become known as the Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School. Law.com has additional details:

“The SIU university system has provided me with many opportunities to better my life,” John Simmons said in a statement. “A thriving law school will help support others in southern Illinois who are working hard day-to-day to improve their own lives.”

“SIU holds a special place for me,” he continued. “We would really like people to look at Simmons Law School as an attainable place where they are welcome, they belong and they can thrive.”

Dean Camille Davidson of SIU Law told Law.com that the Simmonses’ “transformational gift” coincided with the school’s 50th anniversary. “We will continue to honor our rich history and we look forward to a bright future as this generous gift empowers us to advance our mission on a larger scale and with an even greater impact,” she said.

Congratulations to everyone at what will soon be known as the SIU Simmons Law School.

SIU Law School Looks at Name Change With $10M Donation [Law.com]

Sponsored

Staci ZaretskyStaci Zaretsky is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Twitter and Threads or connect with her on LinkedIn.

Sponsored

Topics

, ,