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Vermont Law School Receives Gift from Former Dean Jeff Shields

A gift has been given to the Vermont Law School by former dean Jeff Shields and his wife Genie Shields, according to a release from the school found on VTDigger. The gift is in the form of their home in Tunbridge. The announcement was made this week by President and Dean Marc Mihaly. As per the wish of the Shields, the money from any future sale of the home will be an unrestricted gift to the school.

“Jeff and Genie have given to this school in so many remarkable ways over the years—their extraordinary and dedicated service to students, faculty, staff and alumni during Jeff’s tenure as president and dean, their contributions to and relentless fundraising for the Center for Legal Services, and, of course, the establishment of the Shields Prize,” Mihaly and Board of Trustees Chairman Edward Mattes said in a letter to VLS faculty and staff. “The Shields have always led by example. This most generous gift is clear manifestation of [their] philanthropic spirit.”

The home, which was built in 1810, is 3,400-square-feet and is for sale. It is being rented by Vermont Law School students right now. The students will stay in the house for the duration of their lease, but the law school will continue to search for a buyer.

Jeff Shields was named the seventh dean of the law school in August of 2004 after working as a partner at Gardner Carton & Douglas in Chicago.

He earned his BA in economics at Harvard in 1967 and his law degree from Yale Law School in 1972.

Genie Shields is an artist and writer. She is the author of “Fairie-ality: The Ellwand Collection.” She was curator for multiple art events on campus while her husband served as dean of the law school.

Both Shields were awarded with honorary degrees in May during the school’s 39th commencement ceremony.

Jim Vassallo: Jim is a freelance writer based out of the suburbs of Philadelphia in New Jersey. Jim earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and minor in Journalism from Rowan University in 2008. While in school he was the Assistant Sports Director at WGLS for two years and the Sports Director for one year. He also covered the football, baseball, softball and both basketball teams for the school newspaper 'The Whit.' Jim lives in New Jersey with his wife Nicole, son Tony and dog Phoebe.

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