The University of Chicago Law School has some of the most generous alumni among law schools, and most generous of all is David M. Rubenstein, 73, who has renewed his $10 million 2010 gift for scholarships with another $10 million gift, allowing about 60 full tuition scholarships for full-ride education. The scholarship has allowed the university to attract some of the brightest and most promising students in the country, and freed up resources to help other students as well.
“The University of Chicago is committed to bringing together a wide variety of perspectives and experiences, which enriches the exchange of ideas at the core of our mission,” said President Robert J. Zimmer, as the University of Chicago publication reported. “David’s generous gift plays a key role in achieving that goal at the Law School, by providing opportunities to outstanding students without regard to their means. We are deeply grateful that he is building on this important initiative.”
“David’s generosity is absolutely extraordinary and his gift has been transformative,” said Michael H. Schill, Dean of the Law School. “Three years ago when David proposed this idea we all hoped that it would enable us to attract the top law school applicants in the nation to Chicago. With three years of experience under our belt, I can say without hesitation that it has succeeded magnificently. The Rubenstein Scholars are extraordinary young men and women. They have performed just as we hoped at the Law School and are already on the path toward becoming leaders in law, public service and business.”
Rubenstein was inspired to donate to the school after himself receiving a full-ride scholarship at the university. He said graduating debt free gave him the freedom to pursue his political interest, and as he joined Jimmy Carter’s Presidential campaign, he had a West Wing office at the age of 27 – something that would never have happened if he left law school straddled with debt and had to take the quickest job possible to repay it.
Rubenstein said, “Our goal was to attract the best students in the country to Chicago Law and we believe we have done that. When scholars graduate without debt they are free to apply their skills and labor to pursuits they might otherwise have bypassed, such as public service. I am excited to see the great things these students do in their careers over time.”
With other donations such as a gift of $4 million from Debra Cafaro, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ventas, helping the school, the facility is well prepared to help attract the best students, and to help those students, once they join the program.