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Saint Louis University School of Law was founded in 1843 when there were fewer than 20 law schools in the nation. For nearly 175 years since, SLU LAW has graduated highly capable lawyers who serve as leaders of the legal profession. To commemorate this tradition of excellence, the School of Law established the 1843 SCHOLARS PROGRAM, awarding FULL-TUITION SCHOLARSHIPS to a distinguished group of exemplary applicants for their outstanding academic achievements, demonstrated leadership abilities and commitment to service.
“We’re not simply awarding these tremendous scholarships to students with amazing undergraduate records and strong LSAT scores,” said Michael Kolnik (’94), assistant dean of admissions. “We want to know who they are, what drives them and what they’re passionate about. We’re selecting people who we think will be student leaders and will fit in well in the SLU LAW community. The interview component of the application process has always allowed us to go beyond what we learn in their applications and get to the heart of who the students are and hope to become.”
Since the inaugural group (members of the Fall 2000 incoming class), more than 150 SLU LAW students have received the distinction of being an 1843 Scholar. Having the ability to award this high honor to students allows the admissions team to remain competitive in bringing in strong candidates that share in the Jesuit mission. Sixteen years later, the impact these scholarships have on students remains profound. “The 1843 Scholarship has no doubt changed my future for the better,” said first-year law student Caitlin Fagan. “Deciding to go to law school was a huge decision, primarily because of the financial burden. The scholarship gave me the opportunity to receive a great legal education with much less stress.”
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