FY 2014-2015 Donor Report - South Texas College of Law

DONOR REPORT Fiscal Year 2014 - 2015

MISSION STATEMENT South Texas College of Law provides a diverse body of students with the opportunity to obtain an exceptional legal education, preparing graduates to serve their community and the profession with distinction.

Dear Friends and Supporters, Thank you for another year of tremendous generosity and for your continued support of South Texas College of Law. Together, you allow us to create a wealth of opportunities for our students to learn, grow, and develop into exceptional lawyers.

In addition to providing a snapshot of the Law School’s strong financial health, the 2014-2015 Report to Donors highlights the legacies of a few individuals and organizations whose significant contributions helped make South Texas what it is today. You’ll also read the stories of students who have been impacted directly by gifts from you and others.

On page 28, we’ll give you a glimpse into the Law School’s Strategic Plan 2016-2021 and how it builds on our past accomplishments to ensure our future success.

Your donations have a radiating effect. They support professors and administrators in bringing innovative ideas to life, in-turn creating invaluable experiences for South Texas students who then use their knowledge to serve and inspire others in the Houston community and beyond.

This is your legacy. And it is a part of our greater tradition of providing excellent, accessible legal education and training graduates who are able and eager to support the next generation of South Texas students.

For that, you have my warmest and enduring gratitude.

Donald J. Guter President and Dean

PRESIDENT ’S LET TER

Sincerely,

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Fundraising Overview New Gifts and Pledges Received in FY 2014-15

Percentage of FY 2014-15 Fundraising Goal Achieved

771

$2,361,777 168% Total Alumni Donors

$1,080

I

f there is one question that shapes every decision we make at South Texas, it is this: How can we provide the best educational experience possible for our students? It is also the question we pose to our philanthropic partners. Whether we are talking to an alumnus about creating a scholarship, to a company about making an in-kind gift of furniture, or to a law firm about sponsoring an on-campus event, providing our future leaders with resources to maximize their long-term success is always paramount.

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In 2015, South Texas saw a wonderful response to the many investment opportunities critical to the Law School’s future.

During the period starting September 1, 2014 and ending August 31, 2015, alumni, friends, and other supporters helped propel the Law School’s fundraising total to pass the $2.36 million mark – an increase of nearly 168 percent over last year’s total.

We are particularly grateful to the Houston Endowment for its extraordinary commitment of more than $200,000 to establish a new Immigration Law Clinic, to the Rockwell Fund for celebrating 50 years of continuous giving to South Texas, and to the late professor Harry L. Reed for providing so generously for the Law

Average Gift Amount

School in his estate plans. We also are thankful for the numerous alumni, law firms, and friends who helped us secure more than $600,000 in new gifts and pledges for the Advocacy Program during the April 2015 Alumni Awards Gala—the most successful fundraising event in the Law School’s 93-year history.

Whether our donors choose to support scholarships, capital improvements, educational programs, or the Law School’s greatest needs, their generosity significantly enriches the experience of all our students and helps South Texas set a new standard for legal education.

While this annual advancement update highlights many encouraging numbers and activities, everything we do at South Texas builds on the outstanding work of those who came before us. The 2016-17 academic year provides an opportunity to celebrate the School’s 93rd anniversary and, as we do so, to honor the past while looking to the future. South Texas has accomplished so much, and much of our past success, as well as our confidence in a strong future, is the result of the time, energy, and resources of the many people who believe in the mission of the School.

1.6%

Faculty/Staff

4%

Individual

12%

Business/ Corporation

1%

<

Parent

1%

<

Current Student

3% Endowed

Scholarships

Capital Improvement

1%

<

10%

Annual Fund Scholarships

Annual Fund Unrestricted

1%

<

11%

Law Library

Named Annual Scholarships

22%

28%

Advocacy

Alumni

21%

26% Foundation

1%

<

2% Law Review

26% Estate

G I F T S O U R C ES

13%

Restricted Scholarships

Clinics

16%

Oil & Gas Law Institute

PU R PO SE

851 $2,435,284

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this document.

If an error or omission has occurred, please contact Sarah Suarez at (713) 646-2937 or ssuarez@stcl.edu so that we can correct our records. Contributions made by two or more individuals with different surnames are listed alphabetically by one of the surnames; please check under all related surnames to find the acknowledgement.

Total Number of Scholarships Awarded in FY 2014-15

Total Scholarships Awarded in FY 2014-15

F UNDRAISING OVERVIEW

The support of our generous donors makes possible all that we do at South Texas. The honor roll on the following pages acknowledges all contributions to the Law School in fiscal year 2014-15, including active pledges and gifts made from September 1, 2014 to August 31, 2015. On behalf of the South Texas community, we thank you â&#x20AC;&#x201C; our friends and supporters â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for helping make South Texas a state leader in legal education.

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1923 Society

T

he 1923 Society recognizes an elite group of donors who demonstrate a heightened commitment to supporting South Texas College of Law in its mission. Established in 2013 to commemorate the year South Texas College of Law was founded, the 1923 Society honors those alumni, donors, and special supporters of the Law School who have made cumulative gifts of $25,000 or more.

Crystal Members

Platinum Members

Houston Endowment Inc. Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation

Virginia M. Alexander Susan Anderson and Richard H. Anderson Jr. ’82 Barbara Jordan and Donley D. Jordan ’69 John M. O’Quinn Foundation Mabel R. Parks and Fred Parks ’37 Rockwell Fund, Inc.

Donors of $10,000,000 and Above

Donors of $1,000,000-$9,999,999

Randall O. Sorrels ’87 Ann Parks Stallings Texas Access to Justice Foundation

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Giving Legacies:

Houston Endowment

In fall 2015, South Texas established a new Immigration Clinic thanks in part to a grant of nearly $200,000 from the Houston Endowment.

Gold Members

Donors of $500,000-$999,999 Jack Baldwin ’85 / Scott Baldwin Jr. ’83 / Baldwin & Baldwin, LLP The Cullen Foundation Richard N. Laminack ’87 Betty Reed and Professor Harry L. Reed Estate of Emilie B. Slohm

Silver Members Donors of $250,000-$499,999 MD Anderson Foundation Anonymous

Wayne Fisher / Fisher, Boyd, Johnson & Huguenard, LLP J. Weldon Granger ’74 / Jones & Granger Nez Gross and H. Michael Gross ’71

John M. O’Quinn / The O’Quinn Law Firm

The Clinic, part of the Law School’s Randall O. Sorrels Legal Clinics, will focus on helping immigrants with basic benefits such as naturalization and green cards as well as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals DACA) cases. South Texas already is home to the Asylum and Human Trafficking Clinic, which handles more complex immigration issues.

“This really is a win, win, win,” Associate Dean Catherine Burnett said. “First, this new clinic responds to a tremendous demand in the Houston area. It also will give our students who are interested in immigration law the valuable tools they need to begin their own practices after they graduate. Finally, the Clinic will provide other students with important volunteer opportunities, which we believe is critically important to the law school experience.”

“Instilling a sense of commitment to service is a key value of the legal profession and essential to our mission here at South Texas,” she said. “We want public service to be part of our students’ professional identity.

Through this clinic – and others – we walk the walk.”

Williams, Kherkher, Hart & Boundas, LLP Estate of John H. Winborn ’69

DONOR HONOR ROLL

Thomas W. Pirtle ’90 and Ryland Pirtle Molly Ann Smith and Ed A. Smith Yvonne Stern and Jeffrey M. Stern ’82 U.S. Department of Education Vinson & Elkins LLP

The General Immigration Clinic’s mission is to provide quality and free legal assistance to the underserved immigrant community by working with the region’s legal service network. In addition, the Clinic seeks to build on its existing program to expertly educate and train students in immigration law.

Continued next page…

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… continued Donor Honor Roll.

Bronze Members

Founding Members

Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Friend William K. Anderson Sr. ’64 Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, LLC Ruth R. Bettes Charitable Foundation LuAnne Bozeman and Commander Steve Bozeman Sr. The Brown Foundation, Inc.

Ad Hoc Legal Nikki Agosto and Bernardino Agosto Jr. ’95 Carol Alfini and Dean James J. “Jim” Alfini Andrews Kurth LLP Anonymous Anna Robertson Atkins

The Fondren Foundation Don Godwin / Godwin Pappas LLP Darlene Greco and Mac A. Greco Jr.

The Honorable Spurgeon E. Bell Virginia B. Bell Katharine Gregg Belton

Donors of $100,000-$249,999

Ernest J. Browne Jr. Daniel S. Cartwright ’83 Croley & Steinberg Professor Sandra L. DeGraw and Kimberly H. Williamson Laurie Echevarria and Michael Echevarria ’83 George M. Fleming / Fleming | Nolen | Jez, LLP

Connie Hays and Michael S. Hays ’74 / LeClairRyan Noelle Hirschfeld and Neal W. Hirschfeld ’80 Jane Hogan and Richard P. Hogan Sr. ’61

Emelda N. Mbah and Harry P. Hutchens Jr. ’56 Joseph D. Jamail Jr. / Lee & Joseph D. Jamail Foundation Carole and Ronald D. Krist / The Krist Foundation Sally J. Langston ’91

Donors of $25,000-$99,999

Baker Botts LLP Bank of America Lisa Blue Baron ’80 Charles T. Bauer Foundation Marsha Cross and John S. Beeson ’65 Beirne, Maynard & Parsons, LLP

E. Trey Bergman ’80 Marleen Myers Bergman ’80 Bracewell & Giuliani LLP

Deborah Brown and Samuel J. Brown III ’68 Valerie Burman and Darryl M. Burman ’83 The Honorable Jay W. Burnett ’73 and Associate Dean Catherine Greene Burnett

Jan Mullins and Terrell S. Mullins / The Willard & Anne Levin Foundation MacDonald-Peterson Foundation

Marlyse Burton and Professor Bruce W. Burton Professor Elaine A. Carlson ’79 and Robert Carlson Bernard F. Clark Jr.

James R. Moriarty / Law Offices of James R. Moriarty Diane Murray and Ted S. Murray ’80

ConocoPhillips D. Maxine Cook

Marine Insurance Seminars, Inc.

Norton Rose Fulbright LLP

Evelyn Morris Roberts ’45 Susan Rusk and Jeff E. Rusk ’83 / The Rusk Law Firm, PC Shell Oil Company Foundation

Vivian L. Smith Foundation Andrew B. Sommerman ’86 South Texas College of Law Alumni Association George Fred Rhodes ’54 / Stutz Partners, Ltd. James B. Sullivan ’69 David Towery ’79

Patricia Nowak Turner ’84 and Thomas Turner Elizabeth P. and Harold R. Williams Foundation

Clark, Love & Hutson, GP

Florine Cornelius and Simon C. Cornelius ’58 Nancy Beck Deane and John H. Deane Sara F. del Pozo and Ephraim del Pozo ’97

Linda Dudensing and W. Carl Dudensing ’61

Fran Dunn and Charles Robert “Bob” Dunn ’65 Carol East and Professor W. David East Equal Justice Works ExxonMobil Corporation ExxonMobil Foundation The George Foundation

Goforth Easterling LLP Grady, Schneider & Newman, LLP

Patricia A. Guter and Dean Donald J. Guter Continued on page 8…

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Giving Legacies:

Harry L. Reed

H

In his bequest, Reed gave a meaningful gift to South Texas that significantly contributed to the establishment of the Law School’s Oil and Gas Institute, which was dedicated in his honor last year.

Reed, who taught as an adjunct professor for more than 30 years while working full-time at Shell Oil Company, was a leader and innovator in energy law. He began as a full-time professor the day after he retired from Shell in 1985. He served as both professor and general counsel until shortly before his passing in November 2014 at age 90.

Led by Professor Christopher Kulander, The Harry L. Reed Oil & Gas Law Institute provides students with petroleum-related transactional, title, and regulatory practice skills and prepares them to contribute to all aspects of petroleum production: upstream, midstream, downstream, and international. The Institute aims to become a leading international center for oil and gas legal scholarship by hosting symposia, lectures, and conferences as well as an annual Energy Law Negotiation Competition.

“Professor Reed was an instrumental player in guiding South Texas through an important time of modernization and increased professionalism,” Dean Donald J. Guter said.

“Harry inspired thousands of students with his knowledge, expertise, and generosity.”

DONOR HONOR ROLL

arry L. Reed was a renowned professor and general counsel who gave more than 60 years of distinguished and dedicated service to South Texas — longer than any other person in the School’s history.

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… continued Donor Honor Roll from page 6.

Halliburton Foundation, Inc. The Hamill Foundation Haynes and Boone Foundation Haynes and Boone, LLP Jennifer Hogan and Richard P. Hogan Jr. ’85 David W. Holman ’85 / The Holman Law Firm Kimberly Horowitz and Daniel D. Horowitz III ’02 Houston Intellectual Property Law Association Julia J. Howry and Randy R. Howry ’85

Lynne James Hudson ’02 and Edward J. Hudson The Honorable Lynn N. Hughes and Olive Hughes Jane Hurst and Michael K. Hurst ’90

Randall H. Jamail ’86 / Justice Record Company Inc. Executive Vice President Helen Bishop Jenkins and Hays Jenkins John L. Wortham & Son LP Julie H. Johnson and Gordon R. Johnson ’86 Melissa B. Johnson and J. Ken Johnson II ’86 Teresa Johnson and Robert E. Johnson Jr. ’79 JPMorgan Chase

K & E Fund, Inc. KBR, Inc. Kennedy Wilson Properties Walter J. Kronzer III ’87 / The Kronzer Family

Provost & Umphrey Law Firm, LLP Carol A. Read and Dean Frank T. Read Reaud, Morgan & Quinn, LLP RM Auctions Inc. Beuna Sales and James B. Sales The Honorable Robert K. Schaffer ’84 and Jo Ann Weiss Schaffer ’85 Sharon M. Schweitzer ’89 Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP Barbara Steen and Jeff Steen ’87 Lurinda Stephens and R. Gary Stephens ’75 Taylor & Ernster, PC Mary Louise Townes and Edgar E. Townes Jr.

Sean P. Tracey ’91 / Tracey & Fox Sue Treece and Associate Dean T. Gerald Treece Betty Turner and John W. Turner ’70 United Way of Greater Houston The West Endowment Nancy G. Wilks and Dean William L. Wilks Mary Williamson and Dean W.J. Williamson Lynn Young and L. Steve Young ’93

Laminack, Pirtle & Martines, LLP Becky J. Lanier and W. Mark Lanier / The Lanier Law Firm, PC Janet Lipnick and Elton S. Lipnick ’62 Locke Lord LLP Daniel B. Lovejoy ’36

MABATX Foundation

Beverly Manne and Richard S. Manne ’70 Martin, Disiere, Jefferson & Wisdom, LLP

Rhae Chell Mauzé and George W. Mauzé II ’83 Elizabeth McLane and R. Drayton McLane Jr. Joan W. McLeod and E. Douglas McLeod ’90

George R. Miner / Miner-Dederick Companies, Inc. Judy Mingledorff and Kenneth P. Mingledorff ’79 Mary Morse and Clinton F. Morse Robert A. Mosbacher Jr. A. W. Moursund Nick C. Nichols

Alvin and Lucy Owsley Foundation Imogen S. Papadopoulos ’84 David S. Prince ’82

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{Listed as of March 1, 2016}

Fred Parks Legacy Society

T

he Fred Parks Legacy Society, a tribute to our late 1937 alumnus and Texas legal legend Fred Parks, was established in 2007. Through his estate plan, Parks made the largest gift in the 90-year history of South Texas College of Law. The Society recognizes and thanks those listed, who have provided for South Texas in their wills or estate plans and have informed us of their commitment.

Estate of M. Norwood Cheairs ’63 ∞

D. Maxine Cook∞ James G. Farr ’77 Daniel B. Lovejoy’ 36 ∞ Estate of Betty Carole Osborne Parham ∞

Gordon J. Quan ’77 Betty Reed ∞ and Professor Harry L. Reed ∞ Estate of Emilie B. Slohm ∞

Estate of John H. Winborn ’69∞ Anne R. Woods Florence Jane Yount ’58 ∞

_____________________________________ ∞ Gift matured

Many photos show Fred Parks wearing a small pink rosebud in his lapel. He mentioned the practice in his autobiography, “My Closing Arguments: A Texas Lawyer’s Life,” in his own words:

“Daily, for some years, I have worn a miniature Sweetheart rose in my lapel, behind which is a tiny glass hand blown vase that contains water permitting the rose to stay fresh most of the day.

The flowers are pink and about the size of one’s little fingernail. Mrs. Parks and I grow our own roses and I wear the buds always, even in the lapel of a sports jacket. They speak to me of style, and the finishing touch.”

DONOR HONOR ROLL

To become a member of the Society, simply list South Texas College of Law as a beneficiary in your will, trust, retirement plan, insurance policy, or foundation, or as a payable-on-death (POD) beneficiary for a bank account or CD. Please notify Mindy Guthrie, director of development, at 713-646-1797 if you wish to include South Texas in your estate plan so that we may provide suggested bequest language for you and your attorney and recognize you as a member of the Fred Parks Legacy Society.

Virginia M. Alexander ∞ Anonymous Laurent A. Baillargeon ’74

Members of the Fred Parks Legacy Society are gifted with a pink rose lapel pin, a nod to the beloved philanthropist’s signature style.

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Grit, Determination, and Generosity:

The Legacy of Fred Parks A

native of Oklahoma born in 1906, Fred Parks rose from poverty to become a decorated war veteran, prominent lawyer and successful businessman. Parks, who once found himself so poor he spent a few nights sleeping in a Houston cemetery, worked several odd jobs — repairing elevators, breaking wild horses, shoveling coal, and laying oil pipe — before enrolling at South Texas College of Law. After serving as an Army Air Force officer in Italy during World War II, Parks returned home to Houston and established his own civil and personal injury practice in 1946 — the same year in which he met and fell in love with Mabel Roberson, whom he would marry a year later. Mabel supported Fred throughout his 50-year legal career, though she never saw him try a case in person for fear her presence in the courtroom might distract him.

Parks during the inheritance dispute case among the Moody family of Galveston.

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During that time, Parks worked on some prominent cases, including an inheritance dispute among the Moody family of Galveston, the Texas City Disaster of 1947, actress Hedy Lamarr’s divorce from Houston millionaire Howard Lee, and a landmark dispute over Indonesian oil rights won against Roy Huffington after more than 10 years of litigation. He wrote and spoke extensively on the law throughout his career, and in the 1950s he returned to South Texas College of Law to teach as an adjunct faculty.

The law was good to Parks, and he saw fit to reciprocate that good fortune by investing in future lawyers. In 1975, he made his first gift to South Texas College of Law: a contribution toward the capital campaign to fund the Joe M. Green Jr. Auditorium. Over the next quarter of a century, the Parks family continually and increasingly contributed to the School’s annual fund, endowment, and scholarships. Eventually, in the mid-1980s, Fred retired from legal practice, but he hardly slowed down.

At the age of 81, Parks entered the business world with his purchase of Aerobus—a Swiss-designed elevated transit system—which took him to Chongqing, China to strike a deal.

Around the same time, he began a project to build the Fred Parks Air Cargo/ Distribution Center—a 33-acre industrial park near Bush Intercontinental Airport.

In his retirement, Fred enjoyed the finer things in life. He cultivated a taste for gourmet foods and fine wine, and over the years, he developed a collection of rare wines valued at more than $70,000, which he ultimately donated to the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management.

In 1999, South Texas named Fred Parks its Distinguished Alumnus of the Year.

When the School was in need of a new library, he made the largest individual donation the institution has ever seen — $3 million—to help fund the construction.

Sadly, the Fred Parks Law Library was dedicated just a few weeks after its eponymous benefactor passed away at the age of 95. At the dedication, President George H. W. Bush paid respect to his good friend Fred Parks.

Fred’s dedication to South Texas College of Law continues through the work of the Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation, which has made significant annual contributions to the School since the passing of

Fred and Mabel Parks

Fred and Mabel. The Foundation has funded a number of scholarships for law students, including special scholarships for graduates of the Air Force Academy and students studying for the bar exam. Recently, the Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation generously contributed $2 million to underwrite the front entrance renovation on campus, so that students will assume no cost associated with the project. Read more on page 35 about how this project is drastically changing the look of the Law School, both inside and out.

The Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation generously contributed $2 million to underwrite the front entrance renovation on campus.

GIVI NG LEGACI ES

Parks ensured his legacy would extend beyond his death. In his will, he left the school a generous bequest — the largest gift in the school’s history — which doubled the South Texas endowment.

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Spurgeon E. Bell Fellows Society

The personification of South Texas College of Law’s legacy of excellence in legal education, the Honorable Spurgeon E. Bell devoted nearly 60 years to the Law School’s mission of preparing graduates to serve their community and the profession with distinction.

Named in honor of this legendary figure, the Spurgeon E. Bell Fellows Society pays homage to the generosity of the Law School’s most generous annual supporters. These visionary alumni, individuals, law firms, companies, and foundations make it possible for South Texas to continue to take promising students on a journey from learning legal theory to practicing law.

Platinum Fellows Donors of $10,000 and Above

Susan Anderson and Richard H. Anderson Jr. ’82

MD Anderson Foundation Holly B. Baldwin and Scott Baldwin Jr. ‘83 / Baldwin & Baldwin, L.L.P. Jack Baldwin ’85 / Baldwin & Baldwin, L.L.P. Charles T. Bauer Foundation Marleen Myers Bergman ’80 Estate of M. Norwood Cheairs ’63

Wayne Fisher Lynn B. Gagnon and Stewart W. Gagnon ‘74 / Norton Rose Fulbright LLP Kate H. Easterling ’05; Daniel O. Goforth / Goforth Easterling LLP Patricia A. Guter and Dean Donald J. Guter Donald D. Jackson / Haynes and Boone, LLP Noelle Hirschfeld and Neal W. Hirschfeld ’80 Jennifer Hogan and Richard P. Hogan Jr. ’85 Houston Endowment Inc. Julia J. Howry and Randy R. Howry ’85 Jane Hurst and Michael K. Hurst ’90

Melissa B. Johnson and J. Ken Johnson II ’86 Brenda Lanza and Nicholas J. Lanza ’89 Jan Mullins and Terrell S. Mullins / The Willard & Anne Levin Foundation

Rhae Chell Mauzé and George W. Mauzé II ’83 Amber L. Anderson and J. Steven Mostyn ’96 / The Mostyn Law Firm Imogen S. Papadopoulos ’84

April D. Peavy and Adam D. Peavy ’00 / Bailey Peavy Bailey PLLC Estate of Harry L. Reed Rockwell Fund, Inc. Andrew B. Sommerman ’86 Barbara Steen and Jeff Steen ’87

Texas Access to Justice Foundation

David Towery ’79 Kari Tracey and Sean P. Tracey ’91 / Tracey & Fox Elizabeth P. and Harold R. Williams Foundation 12

Giving Legacies:

Gold Fellows Donors of $5,000 - $9,999

Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Friend Nikki Agosto and Bernardino Agosto Jr. ’95 Laurent A. Baillargeon ’74 Mark C. Joye ’79 / Baker Hostetler LLP Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, LLC Tammy G. Brennig ’92 and Charles C. Brennig III ’92 / Andrews Kurth LLP Valerie Burman and Darryl M. Burman ‘83 The Honorable Jay W. Burnett ’73 and Associate Dean Catherine Greene Burnett Bernard F. Clark Jr. Sara F. del Pozo and Ephraim del Pozo ’97 / Porter Hedges LLP Lynne Liberato ’80 and James B. Flodine ’81

George M. Fleming / Fleming | Nolen | Jez, LLP Jan Fisher Greaves Margaret Haas and Mark D. Haas ’84 Catherine B. Hanslik and Christopher P. Hanslik ’95 / BoyarMiller Connie Hays and Michael S. Hays ’74 Lynne James Hudson ’02 and Edward J. Hudson Joan F. Jenkins ’82; Lynn Kamin ’88 / Jenkins & Kamin, LLP Barbara Jordan and Donley D. Jordan ’69

Kathy Kronzer and Walter J. Kronzer III ’87 Sally J. Langston ’91

Susan Wilson and David V. Wilson II ‘93 / LeClairRyan

Karen Nichols and Jeffrey Nichols Melinda Noel and James L. Noel III ’93

Tammy Kidd ’99; Jim M. Perdue ’96 / Perdue & Kidd, LLP Provost & Umphrey Law Firm, LLP Rogers, Morris & Grover, L.L.P.

Susan Rusk and Jeff E. Rusk ’83 / The Rusk Law Firm, PC Jo A. Smith and Robert J. Smith ’82 Randall O. Sorrels ’87

Sharla L. Thompson and James D. Thompson III ’86 Vinson & Elkins LLP Kellye Wright and M. Kyle Wright ’07

After working at American General Insurance for seven years, Charles T. “Ted” Bauer founded AIM Management Group Inc. in 1976 with Bob Graham and Gary Crum. Together, they developed it into one of the nation’s most successful investment management companies. Bauer had a modest upbringing, and he considered his education his most valuable asset. Recognizing the importance of quality education, he established the C.T. Bauer Foundation to advance his personal mission to support far-reaching learning initiatives in the Houston community. The Foundation has continued Mr. Bauer’s philanthropy well beyond his death in 2004.

In July 2015, the C.T. Bauer Foundation recognized the alignment of its mission with that of South Texas.

After meeting with Dean Guter, Foundation Trustee Darren Wolfman encouraged the Law School to submit a grant proposal requesting support for student scholarships at South Texas. While the original request was for five scholarships in the amount of $5,000 each, the Foundation chose to sponsor two $12,500 annual scholarships in an effort to make the most significant impact on the individual recipients. Considering South Texas has lower tuition rates than most private law schools in the nation, this generous gift will go a long way to benefit dedicated law students for years to come.

DONOR HONOR ROLL

MABATX Foundation Marine Insurance Seminars, Inc. Donna McFall and Donald B. McFall / McFall, Breitbeil & Eidman, P.C. Keri Milich and Michael W. Milich ’97 / Frost Bank Sylvia A. Minton and David F. Minton ’87 / Minton, Burton, Bassett & Collins, PC Pamela R. Nelson ’01 and Bill Nelson

The C.T. Bauer Foundation

Continued on next page…

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… continued Spurgeon E. Bell Fellows Society

Silver Fellows Donors of $1,000 - $4,999

Laura L. Adler and Karl W. Adler ’62 Kara Horst-Alderman and Steve Alderman Missy Anderson and Paul E. Anderson Jr. ’78 Mina M. Banerjee ’09 and Arijit Banerjee ’09 Lisa Blue Baron ’80 Charles A. Beckham Jr. Catherine L. Bell ’90 E. Trey Bergman ’80

Karen DeBiasse Bishop ’83 and David Bishop ’82 The Honorable Jeff Bohm Genora A. Boykins ’85 and Dwight Boykins Debbie Brothers and Gregory A. Brothers Keri D. Brown ’06 and Benjamin P. Womack Professor Vanessa Browne-Barbour

Professor Elaine A. Carlson ’79 and Robert Carlson Paul V. Carmody Professor Sandra J. Carnahan ’86 and Mike Carnahan Comerica Bank Christine de la Grana and Frank de la Grana ’78

Assistant Dean Elizabeth A. Dennis ’84 Margaret W. Douglass and James R. Douglass Jr. ’77 Daniel M. Elustondo ’07 Gene Krane and James R. Evans Jr. ’81 Amy C. Falcon ’08 and Kevin K. Falcon Lloyd H. Falk ’81

The Honorable Robert G. Fegers ’83 and Toni Fegers Carol Fleisher and Bruce H. Fleisher ’73 Maya C. Fredrickson and Jason Fredrickson

Wendy L. Fullenweider ’80 and Donn C. Fullenweider Karen Keeling Fuller and Michael Fuller Karen H. Garcia and Roland Garcia Jr. ’86 Professor Pamela E. George

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Jane Gibbons and Gary A. Gibbons ’79 Darlene Greco and Mac A. Greco Jr. The Honorable Guy W. Griffin ‘77 and Cindy D. Griffin Twila L. Grooms ’99 Nez Gross and H. Michael Gross ’71 Julie Halstead ’87 and Bruce E. Halstead ’87 Ryan K. Haun ’06 Michael A. Havard Gayle C. Hayter and Robert L. Hayter ’94 Rosalie M. Hitchcock ’90 and William M. Hitchcock Kimberly Horowitz and Daniel D. Horowitz III ’02 J.R. “Ronnie” Horsley ’70 Houston Bar Association Jennifer M. Hudson Cynthia Hughes and Patrick L. Hughes

The Honorable Lynn N. Hughes and Olive Hughes Jennifer Jacobson ’08 and Scott Jacobson ’07 Angie K. Kaitson and E. Chris Kaitson ’81

Mitchell Katine ‘85; John A. Nechman ’95 / Katine & Nechman L.L.P. Steven J. Kherkher ’89 Denise H. Kim ’00 and John H. Kim ’92 Kirksey Architecture

Richard N. Laminack ’87 Laminack, Pirtle & Martines, L.L.P.

Cathy C. Larrinaga and R. Michael Larrinaga ’85 Beverly R. Lee ’92 Shannon R. Lieke ’03 and Eric W. Lieke Janet Lipnick and Elton S. Lipnick ’62 Aubrey S. Locke and Gene L. Locke ’81 Janet D. Love and Kenneth A. Love ’85

Sue Mahoney and Patrick D. Mahoney ’88 / Mahoney Law, PLLC Roberta O. Martin and Leonard N. Martin ’60 / The B&L Martin Family Foundation Buffy K. Martines ’02 The Honorable Sharon S. McCally ’90 and Lance Lubel

Rebecca E. McCay ’95 and R. S. McCay Fabienne McGovern and Associate Dean Bruce McGovern Judy P. Mingledorff and Kenneth P. Mingledorff ’79 / Mingledorff Law Firm Jessica Morrill and George P. “Trace” Morrill III ’05 Lucas J. Munson / Munson & Ritter Teresa Myers ’95 Veronica North and Robert V. North ’07 / North Law, PC NRG Retail Charitable Foundation Jack C. Ogg ’62 Constance A. Pappas and Daniel C. Pappas ’74 Melissa A. Cass ’07 and G. Troy Pickett ’10 / Robert B. Park Trust Ann M. Pieratt and John D. Pieratt ’75 Lylene Pilkenton

Thomas W. Pirtle ’90 and Ryland Pirtle Professor Jean Fleming Powers and Bruce S. Powers Sylvia L. Quan and Gordon J. Quan ’77

South Texas College of Law Student Bar Association Susan Cross Stasny and Ronald P. Stasny ’73 Frances C. Stephens and Nicholas C. Stephens ’87 Jennifer S. Stockel ’08 and David Stockel Jennifer A. Stogner ’06 and Brant J. Stogner ’06 Bebe Burns and G. Fred Rhodes Jr. / Stutz Partners, Ltd. Suzanne Suter ’78 and William T. Snypes ’77 Amy Dunn Taylor ’82 and Robert Taylor

Jo Ellen Tefteller and Todd Tefteller ’84 / Tefteller Law, PLLC

Adrienne Unger and Tim Unger Patricia Wheeler and Professor Michael E. Wheeler Dr. Joseph R. Willie II ’91 and Christine Sampson Willie ’94

Ann Worley and Associate Dean John J. Worley Frank L. Young ’70

“My scholarship means more savings now and less debt after graduation. I’ll have the freedom to place less emphasis on salary and more emphasis on passion when selecting my first job.”

– Zachary Wooldridge,

DONOR HONOR ROLL

Carolyn S. Raney and Kenneth C. Raney Jr. ’77 Katrina C. René Annette Rensberger and Associate Dean Jeffery L. Rensberger Javier A. Rey ’83 Cynthia Colbert-Riley and James M. Riley Jr. ’77

Jeremy D. Rosen ‘13; Paul B. Rosen ’79 / The Rosen & Rosen Law Firm, L.P. The Family of Hazel and Spurgeon Bell Deana Sacks and David J. Sacks ’85 The Honorable E.J. Salcines ‘63 and Elsa Salcines James D. Seegers ’93 The Honorable D’Lisa R. Simmons ’90 and Michael Barnes Rebecca K. Koch Skiba ’02 and Leo Skiba South Texas College of Law Animal Law Society

Scholarship Recipient

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Sam and Ruth Gross Memorial Scholarship

Endowed Scholarship Fulfills Promise, Ensures Futures

Giving Legacies:

Williams Foundation

In 1969, Harold. R. Williams ’51 founded Houston Transformer Co., now a leading manufacturer of custom designed transformers and other magnetic devices. As a couple committed to serving others and with no children to act as beneficiaries to their estate, Williams and his wife made a provision in their will to establish the Elizabeth P. and Harold R. Williams Foundation with the mission of distributing charitable contributions to local educational institutions. The Foundation originally was led by Rod Koenig, a trusts and estates attorney with Fulbright & Jaworski, and the late Lawrence C. Hoff Jr. ’61, both friends of Williams.

Upon Hoff ’s passing, Williams’ nephew, Jack Miles, joined the Foundation’s board.

In 2009, the Foundation gave an unrestricted gift of $1,000 to South Texas in honor of Hoff and in 2011, the Foundation established a memorial scholarship fund in memory of both Hoff and Williams. As the Williams Foundation developed a relationship with South Texas and recognized the Law School’s good stewardship of its gifts, those scholarships grew to an annual gift of $50,000 in 2015. The Elizabeth P. and Harold R. Williams Foundation endowed grant fund now holds assets of more than $75,000 and disburses five $5,000 scholarships each year.

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W

hen alumnus Michael Gross ’71 walked into a last-minute interview with former South Texas Dean Garland Walker hoping to enter law school, he couldn’t have predicted how life-changing those few moments would be – not only for himself, but for future generations of students following in his steps.

“My application to South Texas College of Law barely made it in time for the first summer session of 1967,” Gross recalls.

“Despite this poor timing, Dean Walker took a chance on me.

In response, I thanked him and promised to make him proud.

Giving back to South Texas students is my way of fulfilling that promise and helping current students meet their potential.”

Gross made good on his promise in 2005 by establishing the Sam and Ruth Gross Memorial Scholarship at South Texas in honor of his parents, who always emphasized the importance of education. While Gross and his wife, Nez, initially intended to bestow the scholarship in the alumnus’ will, they changed their minds in favor of witnessing firsthand the endowment’s impact on in the lives of students.

Jane Lee, a South Texas student who will graduate in May, notes, “The Sam and Ruth Gross Memorial Scholarship has allowed me to pursue my passion of being a role model for future minority students who are underrepresented in the legal profession. The financial aid has allowed me to focus on my studies and to be a part of many activities at South Texas College of Law, such as the varsity Advocacy Program, Law Review, and the Board of Advocates. I truly appreciate Mr. and Mrs. Gross for opening doors to possibilities that would otherwise have been difficult due to my financial situation. I am truly grateful.”

Since the scholarship’s inception, the Gross family has donated nearly $500,000 to minority students, helping to fund their education and enabling them to pursue extra-curricular activities within the Law School.

“We consider these scholarship recipients as our children,” says Gross. “Knowing what a difference the scholarship makes in the lives of hardworking South Texas students is a tremendous reward and a lasting privilege for our family.”

“Receiving a scholarship is like getting a vote of confidence.

It says somebody believes in you. I’m so proud to be a South Texas student and scholar.”

– Hien Nguyen,

Vinson & Elkins Public Interest Scholarship Recipient

GIVI NG LEGACI ES

Nez and Michael Gross ’71

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E

stablished in 2007, the Law Firm Challenge brings South Texas College of Law graduates together for a common purpose:

maintaining excellence in legal education at the Law School.

Throughout the fiscal year law firms, law offices, in-house legal

departments, corporations, and government agencies with three

or more South Texas alumni set out with a common goal to have 100 percent of each organization’s alumni make a gift of $25 or more to support the critical learning programs at South Texas.

The organizations listed below had 100 percent participation in Fiscal Year 2014 - 2015.

Law Firm Challenge Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Friend Benny Agosto, Jr. ’06 Randall O. Sorrels ’87 Brant J. Stogner ’06 Baker Hughes Kimberly L. Chandler ’01 Adrian L. Guerra-Paz ’04 Le Hammer ’89 Marianne M. Ibrahim ’03 Benjamin B. Leibman ’04 Joseph A. Riddle ’86 Vanessa L. Rossi ’95 Bethany L. Turner ’13 The Bale Law Firm Jeffrey R. Bale ’81 Ross B. Bale ’14 Danielle R. Carlson ’05 Robert B. Greiwe ’12 Brian T. Peel ’03

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Goforth Easterling Kate L. Easterling ’05 Ryan D. King ’10 Avi Moshenberg ’12 Hoover Slovacek T. Michael Ballases ’02 Matthew S. Cire ’14 Patrick G. Drake ’06 Colby S. Hodges ’10 Matthew A. Kornhauser ’86 Christopher J. Kronzer ’07 James H. Leeland ’77 Michael T. Lewis Frank B. Mapel III ’82 Curtis W. McCreight ’95 Caroline H. Russe ’13 Dylan B. Russell ’03 Breton A. Rycroft ’11 Terry A. Sealy ’06 Patrick D. Sullivan ’94 Jack P. Turano III ’11

Jackson Walker Thad H. Armstrong ’02 Courtney T. Carlson ’08 Matthew D. Cavenaugh ’07 David B. Deaton ’98 Lenora DuBose ’94 Mary Lou Flynn-Dupart ’84 Joel R. Glover ’13 Melode L. Gruber Carey L. Hain ’11 Randall G. Holcombe ’14 Lewis S. Kasner ’05 L. Suzan Kedron ’97 Kurt M. Langley ’90 April Vasquez Leibman ’04 Lindsey Moorhead ’11 Amanda L. Shaw ’09 Maryelle Shea ’95 J. Jay Strimel ’96 Patricia B. Tomasco ’88 Michael J. Woodson ’12 Amanda Zimmerman ’08

Jenkins & Kamin Maisie A. Barringer ’05 Sharon S. Cammack ’94 Erin R. Chirstopher ’13 Elva C. Godwin ’81 Amy R. Harris ’03 Joan F. Jenkins ’82 Lynn Kamin ’88 Marjorie A. Maxwell ’07 Susan E. Oehl ’06 Aaron M. Remier ’07 William Chase Weber ’15 Deborah L. Wright ’79 LeClairRyan Philip R. Brinson ’93 Gage S. Fender ’14 D. Alexandro Gonzalez ’12 Michael S. Hays ’74 John T. Kovach ’13 Michael W. Magee ’90 Shannon D. Ramirez ’95 Cassandra L. Walsh ’14 David V. Wilson II ’93

Dozens of advocacy awards line the walls of Associate Dean Gerald Treece’s office. South Texas has won more than 120 national championships.

Oil States International William E. Maxwell ’97 Ellen L. Pennington ’11 Jeff Steen ’87

Olson & Olson Salina Ali ’08 Donna G. Barnish ’12 Emily Brown ’14 Mario L. Dell’Osso ’82 Kelly A. Dempsey ’93 Donna L. Johnson ’10 Stephanie J. Kerian-Vaughn ’14 David W. Olson ’05 Corey R. Ouslander ’07 James D. Robinson ’89 Jenny M. Rogers ’07 G. Todd Stewart ’89 Tammy Y. White-Chaffer ’98

Porter Hedges Matt Davis ’14 Ephraim del Pozo ’97 Amy C. Falcon ’08 Jamie Godsey ’15 Ali Henderson ’13 Neal Kaminsky ’94 Patrick LaRue ’00 Sean McChristian ’08 Haley Paul ’13 Clay Steely ’94 Matt Stirneman ’11 Nickie Tran ’14 Eric Wade ’96

Patout & Shaw Martin C. Law ’13 John J. Patout, Jr. ’11 Travis L. Shaw ’11

Rosen and Rosen Jennifer D. Jacobson ’08 Jeremy D. Rosen ’13 Paul B. Rosen ’79

Winstead PC Zachary B. Allie ’09 Kathryn E. Blackney Oakes ’08 Katherine L. Carmical ’11 Sangeeta K. Cheema ’11 Jason H. Cramer ’14 Polin Chieu ’07 Lauren E. Harbour ’09 Jason E. Nolingberg William C. Rohrlich III ’03 Karl W. Seelbach ’06 Teresa Schneider ’89 Andrew J. Schumacher ’05 Julie A. Stephenson ’13 Jon C. Vicklund ’94 Kyle R. Watson ’04 Philip B. Williams ’11

L AW F I R M C H A L L E N G E

Locke Lord Charles S. Baker ’85 Steven S. Boyd ’97 Gregory C. Cox ’07 Walker Clarke ’07 Kimberly A. Englebert ’13 David M. Gregory ’98 Tim Johnson ’84 Cole Mackey ’07 Matthew G. Reeves ’94 Mitchell A. Tiras ’92

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20

Scholar Profiles

Living Legacies

SPOTLIGHT ON SCHOLARS

Friends and supporters of South Texas College of Law directly impact the lives of South Texas students by giving generously of their time and resources.

In this section, get to know Courtney Carlson, a young alumna who is following in the footsteps of her former Advocacy coaches; Angela Kim Thach, a scholarship recipient who went from homeless teen to high-flying law student; and Calvin McLean, a military and law enforcement veteran who is embarking on a third career in law.

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Spotlight on Scholars:

Courtney Carlson Associate, Jackson Walker LLP Courtney Carlson ’08 is an associate in the litigation section at Jackson Walker LLP. While she began her career in appellate law (she served as a law clerk for Texas Supreme Court Justice David Medina), Carlson found her passion in litigation.

“No day or case is the same,” Carlson said.

“You inherit a set of facts and are tasked with presenting responses and solutions.

I particularly enjoy state court practice because of the procedural nuances.”

Carlson was exposed to the legal profession from an early age. Her mother, Elaine Carlson, has been a professor at South Texas for more than 30 years and often brought Courtney to class during her younger years.

“I wasn’t always a quiet observer, and my mom would call on me to recite if I wasn’t paying attention,” Carlson said.

Her mother and uncle, Byron Davis — also a professor, who recently retired from South Texas after 35 years — coordinated a Goldilocks vs. The Three Bears mock trial for her second-grade class. The Carlson family has home videos of seven-year-olds admitting half-eaten bowls of porridge into evidence.

Despite her family history, Carlson says she never felt any pressure to become a lawyer. “I found it interesting, and my

mom set a great example that I wanted to follow.”

Carlson chose to attend South Texas because of the Law School’s reputation for producing practice-ready lawyers.

After her 1L year, she joined the Advocacy Program, where she found invaluable hands-on experience.

“I don’t think you could get any better training [than the Advocacy Program] to be a litigator or to practice in any area, really,” Carlson said. “It’s a skill set that works across the board.”

During her moot court days, Carlson was in awe of the dedication of the program’s coaches — South Texas alumni and professors – who, in addition to meeting the demands of their careers, spent more than 20 hours per week coaching and traveling with the teams.

“You don’t win 120 advocacy titles on a fluke,” Carlson proclaimed. “South Texas has more wins than any other school because of the students’ hard work and dedication and the Law School’s commitment to honing the training process and keeping alumni engaged in that process.”

As an alumna, Carlson has coached several winning teams in the First Amendment Moot Court Competition held at College

of William & Mary. She sees coaching as a fun and rewarding opportunity to give back to South Texas and spend time with some of her dearest friends. She coaches alongside her former moot court partner, Jessica Sykora ‘08.

“I especially love to coach 2Ls in their first tournament because they are hungry for feedback and are invested in improving,” Carlson said.

Carlson also serves on the Young Alumni Council, which she helped establish in 2010. The Council was founded in response to feedback from recent graduates who wanted to get involved and give back immediately after graduation. The Council — which coordinates volunteer and networking opportunities for alumni who have graduated in the past 10 years — now has more than 30 committee members and hosts up to five events per year.

South Texas also has seen an increase in young alumni giving since the Council was established.

“The dedication of the professors and staff to serving students doesn’t end with graduation, and that is reflected in the loyalty and devotion of South Texas alumni,” Carlson said. “All around, it’s great to be a part of the South Texas family!”

As a student in the Advocacy Program, Courtney Carlson was inspired by the dedication and encouragement of the teams’ volunteer coaches. As an alumna, she lends her time and talents as an Advocacy coach and Young Alumni Council member.

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SPOTLIGHT ON SCHOLARS

“ You don’t win 120 advocacy titles on a fluke. South Texas has more wins than any other school because of the students’ hard work and dedication and the Law School’s commitment to honing the training process and keeping alumni engaged in that process.”

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Spotlight on Scholars:

Angela Kim Thach Fred Parks Scholarship Recipient Like many students, Angela Kim Thach’s path to law school was a winding one, and she believes that road prepared her for her journey at South Texas College of Law.

son Nicholas. A few years later, divorce left her a single parent. She decided to advance her education to make a better life for herself and her child.

law schools across the nation. She quickly narrowed her search to Texas because of the tax breaks she would receive for her small business.

Angela, a first-generation VietnameseAmerican, found herself homeless at age 14. She spent her high school years working odd jobs to support herself.

Thach, who was uninformed about the process of minor emancipation, struggled to make ends meet. Without her parents, she couldn’t sign a lease for an apartment, get a driver’s license, or even open a bank account. She subsisted by staying with friends and sometimes walked around all night until the morning.

Thach earned a BSBA in business management from Hawaii Pacific University in 2011. She applied her lifelong selfeducation and her newly earned degree by investing in several real estate properties and launching an online retail business.

She also worked a part-time job at a preschool to learn practical parenting skills.

Thach was drawn to South Texas for its friendly staff, record-breaking Advocacy team and successful conflict resolution program.

With no place to go, Thach spent hours in the library to pass the time. Working her way up and down the aisles, she read a range of books: novels, biographies, parenting resources, and real estate and investment guides. The latter fascinated her most.

“I was so intrigued by the concept of investing — by the realization that you can make money work for you instead of the other way around,” Thach recalls. After high school, Thach made it her main priority to make and invest money to avoid returning to homelessness. She eventually married and relocated to Hawaii in her mid-twenties, where she gave birth to her

“My son was the first child I’d ever held,” Thach said. “I didn’t know anything about taking care of a baby. So I thought if I worked at a preschool, I could learn a few things that would make me a better parent.”

At the preschool, Thach often found herself challenging the status quo, taking her concerns about policy to the director.

The director encouraged Thach to consider a legal education, noting that she seemed more interested in changing the system than working within it.

That encouragement along with a host of legal issues regarding squatters and evictions related to her income properties led the young entrepreneur to entertain the idea of becoming an attorney. Still living in Hawaii, Thach began researching

Now in her second semester, she is developing her own strategies for success and exploring her areas of interest, including children’s law, real estate law, and small business law. In the fall she was awarded the Fred Parks Scholarship for her dedication.

Her ten-year plan includes opening her own law firm — a one-stop shop for online businesses and entrepreneurs that will house experts in small business, transactional, intellectual property, and international business law. She also plans to create a nonprofit program that will teach children how to invest and save for the future.

“And of course, I want to give back to South Texas because I want the next person to get the benefits I’ve received,” she says. “I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Angela Kim Thach shares her incredible journey from teenage homelessness to small business ownership and law school enrollment. Plus, how she plans to pay it forward for future generations.

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“… I want to give back to South Texas because I want the next person to get the benefits I’ve received.

I couldn’t be more grateful.”

SPOTLIGHT ON SCHOLARS 25

Spotlight on Scholars:

Calvin McLean

Joscelyn Wilder Memorial Scholarship Recipient A former military medic and police officer, Calvin McLean is no stranger to public service. Growing up in Bunnlevel, North Carolina, McLean became interested in law enforcement from an early age.

He and his best friend played softball in the same league as the local sheriff department’s team.

“In my neighborhood, most young guys didn’t care for the police,” McLean said.

“But we got to know them as good people and role models.”

After high school, McLean joined the U.S. Army and served four years as a combat medic. When his commitment ended, he decided to follow his calling toward law enforcement. He joined the police academy just five days after his military discharge.

McLean worked through the ranks of the Waco Police Department and became a detective in the narcotics unit. After 11 years of service, the effects of military service injuries made it difficult for him to meet the physical demands of his work.

As he considered a change of course, legal practice was his natural choice.

“I asked some of the attorneys I worked with for law school recommendations,” McLean recalls. “South Texas College of Law was mentioned most often.”

Those recommendations were not enough to solidify McLean’s decision. He carefully and critically researched dozens of law schools, reading student reviews and blog posts. Still, South Texas stood apart.

“Many people commented about South Texas’ sense of friendly competition and the helpful nature of the faculty and staff,” he says.

McLean had found what he was looking for: a school with proven success and a supportive environment. He enrolled at South Texas in 2014. Not wanting to uproot their family, McLean and his wife, Cherie, a kindergarten teacher, decided she would maintain their home in Temple while he attends law school.

McLean, now a full-time 3L student, works 20 hours per week split between the 312th District Court and LexisNexis.

He studies late on weeknights so he can spend undivided time with his family on weekends. The family refinanced their home to help pay for his Houston apartment, and McLean sold his truck for a smaller vehicle to save money on fuel for his weekly drives to Temple – a six-hour roundtrip.

“It’s a sacrifice for both of us,” McLean said. “But we’ve been married 21 years.

We have a solid foundation and good communication.”

McLean earned the Joscelyn Wilder Memorial Scholarship, which he says has been a tremendous financial help.

“I get to focus more on grades and less on working. The time I get with my family is invaluable.”

After the bar, McLean hopes both he and his wife will find employment in Houston.

As far as legal focus areas, he is keeping his options open.

“I came to law school with the intention of being on the good side of the law — locking up bad guys,” McLean said. “As a soldier and a police officer, there is a very definitive sense of right versus wrong.”

His understanding of the justice system quickly changed during the first few weeks of law school. His philosophy now echoes a phrase repeatedly used by his torts professor, Vanessa Browne Barbour: “Reasonable minds differ.”

“As a law student, I’ve learned there is not really a good side or a bad side,” McLean concluded. “Everybody deserves adequate — and not just adequate, but really good — legal counsel. So, whether I’m prosecuting or defending or representing corporate clients, I’m going to represent my clients the best way possible.”

Calvin McLean, a veteran of law enforcement and the U.S. Army, is preparing for his third career in public service. He explains how law school is changing the way he thinks about justice.

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SPOTLIGHT ON SCHOLARS

“Everybody deserves adequate — and not just adequate, but really good — legal counsel.

So, whether I’m prosecuting or defending or representing corporate clients, I’m going to represent my clients the best way possible.”

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Strategic Plan 2016-2021 The Law School’s Strategic Plan 2011-2016 led South Texas to some noteworthy accomplishments and milestones. Here are a few highlights:

• The Randall O. Sorrels Legal Clinic facility underwent a drastic renovation, resulting in a more aesthetic, useful, client-friendly environment.

• Clinic offerings expanded to include Immigration, Government Benefits, and Constitutional Law. • South Texas maintained its commitment to diversity, with minority students comprising more than 45 percent of the student body.

• The Law School also maintained its value proposition to provide a quality education at an affordable rate. South Texas was named a Best Value Private Law School by The National Jurist.

• Student satisfaction with administrative services, faculty interactions and academic support showed significant improvements as measured by national surveys.

We are proud of these accomplishments and eager to add to them as we put our new Strategic Plan into action.

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The following pages provide a brief overview of the Law Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Strategic Plan 2016-2021, which is organized into four sets of objectives, each corresponding to one of the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s four core values:

Opportunity Transformation Support Engagement

S T R AT E G I C P L A N 29

Opportunity Our Objectives

We are dedicated to recruiting and enrolling a diverse body of highly qualified, motivated, and professional students who are committed to serving the community and the legal profession. Upon their enrollment, we pledge to provide a great value to those who pursue a legal education at South Texas College of Law.

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Seeing Results

Our commitment to diversity is reflected in the composition of our entering classes â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 45 percent of the fall 2015 entering class identifies as a minority. The Law School also has been recognized by National Jurist and

by Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education magazines as one of the top law schools for minority students.

We are providing a quality education at an affordable rate. The tuition rate at South Texas was 32 percent lower than the national average for private law schools during the 2014-2015 academic year. South Texas was named a Best Value Private Law School by National Jurist, which takes into account bar passage and employment rates in balance with average graduate debt.

South Texas College of Law provides the opportunity for a rigorous academic experience to a highly qualified and diverse student body.

Quality, Diversity & Value at a Glance Percentage of minority representation in the 1L class

Ratio of female/male students

Bar pass rate for July 2014, nearly 3 percent higher than the state average

Full-time employment rate (May 2015)

National titles for moot court and mock trial

S T R AT E G I C P L A N

Cost of full-time resident tuition at South Texas in 2014-2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; about 32 percent lower than the national average for private law schools.

45% 47/53 83.58% 82% $28,680 122

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Transformation Our Objectives

At South Texas, we are in the business of transforming law students into capable, confident, practice-ready attorneys.

We are focused on providing learning opportunities in diverse practice areas to ensure our graduates have a depth and breadth of knowledge and skill.

In support of these goals, we must: • evaluate and refine the learning outcomes and assessment methods for individual courses and our comprehensive program; • embed skills and values education throughout the law school experience; • develop teaching strategies to best meet the needs of students with different learning styles and career objectives; and • continually evaluate and refine our efforts to prepare students for success on the bar exam.

Seeing Results

Our graduates demonstrate excellence in ability and professionalism.

For seven of the past nine years, South Texas graduates have passed the bar exam at a rate higher than the state average. Of the members of the December 2014 and May 2015 graduating classes whose employment status is known, more than 82% had secured employment within nine months of graduation.* In addition, we are developing systems like the Pathways to Practice program (next page) to better support our students in pursuing their goals.

We recognize a strong faculty is paramount to success in transforming the lives of South Texas students. Our Strategic Plan outlines the ways in which we plan to support, evaluate, and develop our already remarkable faculty by fostering a community of scholarship through various avenues of institutional support.

* The law school has data regarding the employment status of more than 95% of the members of these graduating classes.

At South Texas, we are in the business of transforming law students into capable, confident, practice-ready attorneys.

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South Texas College of Law transforms its students by delivering an exceptional legal education based on professional values, outstanding teaching, and skills development.

Transformative Advising

Pathways to Practice program helps students chart their own curriculum In addition to an array of legal courses, South Texas offers nearly 50 skills courses, more than a dozen clinical programs, and hundreds of potential for-credit internships to provide students with unique, skills-based training opportunities beyond the classroom.

Options, however, sometimes can prove to be as much a burden as a benefit to law students who are trying to decide on a specialty or chart a career path.

Selecting the right courses and discerning

which opportunities will best prepare them to reach their goals can be a daunting task for students.

The Law Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pathways to Practice program is designed to help fill the gaps for current and prospective students.

The faculty has determined curricular pathways for each of 15 specific areas or types of practice as well as an additional pathway geared towards bar examination.

Each pathway includes a brief overview of the respective subject, a progression

of recommended courses, a list of faculty who teach related courses, and a list of internal and external resources that will help students in making an informed decision.

Available online at pathways.stcl.edu, Pathways to Practice offers students a streamlined way to explore career options, to map out their law school journeys, and to navigate job and internship opportunities before graduation and beyond.

Areas of Practice include: Business & Corporate Law Civil Litigation & Alternative Dispute Resolution Criminal Law Energy Law Environmental Law Estate Planning Law Family Law Immigration Law

Intellectual Property Law International Law & International Economic Law Labor & Employment Law Public Interest Law Real Property & Real Estate Law Solo & Small Firm Practice Tax Law Texas Bar Examination

S T R AT E G I C P L A N 33

Support Our Objectives

A solid infrastructure is essential to the progress of any institution, and South Texas is no exception. We plan to: • enhance institutional services and support for all students, faculty, staff, and other constituencies; • demonstrate continued fiscal responsibility in an effort to maintain the overall affordability of a South Texas legal education; • evaluate, update, and improve existing campus facilities to optimize the learning experience; and • continually improve operational efficiency.

Seeing Results

We’ve made some considerable capital improvements, with more on the way. In 2012, the Randall O. Sorrels Legal Clinics celebrated the completion of a major renovation project, which has significantly improved student-client interactions with the addition of a children’s waiting area as well as the expansion and modernization of conference rooms, study areas, and offices. This fall, we’ll host the grand opening of our new front entrance and continue evaluation of current learning spaces to determine ways to enhance the classroom experience.

We provide a positive service experience for our students. Over the past five years, we’ve seen significant improvements in student satisfaction with administrative services, faculty interaction, and campus programming, as evidenced by national surveys. We continue to seek feedback and continued discourse through internal surveys and focus groups.

The construction underwriting was funded entirely by a $2 million gift from the Fred and Mabel Parks Foundation, ensuring that no costs associated with the project would be passed on to South Texas students.

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South Texas College of Law provides a supportive environment which fosters learning and achievement.

Support Beams

Renovation project improves aesthetic, security of South Texas campus If you haven’t visited the South Texas campus in a while, you may not recognize it when you walk through the front doors. The property’s entrance and atrium recently received a makeover.

The construction underwriting was funded entirely by a $2 million gift from the Fred and Mabel Parks Foundation, ensuring that no costs associated with the project would be passed on to South Texas students.

In December 2013, South Texas hired Kirksey Architecture to oversee the development. Designs and permitting were finalized in August 2014, and O’Donnell/Snider Construction broke ground in March 2015. The design process was guided by a board-appointed Building and Technology Committee, as well as the School’s Master Plan Committee.

Phase I, which included the redesign of the School’s front entrance and atrium, was completed in December 2015. The renovation included the addition of security turnstiles, demolition of several walls to open up the space, and the replacement of flooring, ceiling tiles, and wall treatments. Additionally, the building’s façade and signage were updated and street lighting was improved.

“The result is a brighter, more inviting space,” Bill Hill, director of property services, says. “The flow of traffic in and out of the building is more streamlined, too.”

Aside from aesthetic appeal, the design provides considerable security upgrades.

Automated turnstiles require patrons to swipe a school-issued ID card to enter and exit the building, and built-in access control measures prevent multiple people from passing at once. Guests check in at the security desk, where their photo IDs are swiped and documented.

Director of Security Kent Brazelton says these features not only protect the Law School’s students, faculty and staff on a daily basis; they also would be helpful during a potential crisis.

“Should we find ourselves in an emergency situation, the visitor management software would allow us to quickly account for South Texas community members and guests and to provide law enforcement with a record of personnel in the building,” Brazelton says.

Scheduled for completion in May, Phase II includes an outdoor patio (located near the former entrance to the Court of Appeals) and a new student lounge designed to encourage interaction between students and faculty outside the classroom.

S T R AT E G I C P L A N 35

Engagement Our Objectives

South Texas is first and foremost a community.

Our relationships with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the greater legal community are fundamental to our success and longevity. For that reason, we aim to: • improve the name recognition and reputation of South Texas College of Law among key constituencies to support institutional fundraising, recruitment, and graduate employment goals; • cultivate among our students and alumni a culture of lifelong involvement with the Law School by serving as an educational resource and champion for them from the beginning of their relationship with South Texas; and • develop a multi-year resource strategy to achieve our strategic plan goals.

Seeing Results

We are creating new ways to stay in touch. Our Strategic Plan includes developments that will improve the ways in which we communicate with the South Texas family, including a website redesign, updated media strategies, and new programs and events. Our Alumni Relations team recently announced the launch of its Admissions, Career Development, and Annual Giving Ambassador Networks — new opportunities for South Texas alumni to reconnect with the Law School through service.

“We encourage students to pursue a one-on-one working relationship with the Career Resource Center from the very beginning, and to maintain that connection throughout their law school tenure. It is essential for students to begin with the end in mind and cultivate their job readiness skills as they hone their legal skills in the classroom.”

– Nazleen Faizullah Jiwani, Director, Career Resource Center

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South Texas College of Law actively engages its students, alumni, and the legal community.

Encouraging Engagement

Career Resource Center goes to work for South Texas students on day one Coupled with a 93-year commitment to educating practice-ready attorneys, South Texas College of Law equips students with the career preparation they need – from their very first day of law school.

The Career Resource Center operates from the premise that each student brings a variety of backgrounds, skills, and interests to law school and to the job search process. Therefore, a one-size-fits-all approach to job counseling will not meet the needs of high-performing, career-minded law students.

The Center’s services – including career exploration, resume editing, interview preparation, and national networking events and outreach – are tailored to the individual and continually adapt to meet student needs and changing market trends.

And these services don’t end when students receive their diplomas; South Texas alumni continue to benefit from the Career Resource Center long after they embark on professional legal careers.

Nazleen Faizullah Jiwani ’08, director, Career Resource Center

The South Texas College of Law Alumni Association recently announced the launch of the Energy Alumni Chapter. With more than 750 alumni in the Greater Houston area involved in the energy sector, the chapter is poised to provide valuable networking opportunities to alumni in this area of practice and to contribute to the growth and development of the Law School.

The Energy Alumni Chapter complements South Texas’ Oil and Gas Law Institute, established in 2014.

S T R AT E G I C P L A N

South Texas Establishes Energy Alumni Chapter

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Gala Dinner South Texas Advocates don’t just go out into the world ready to make a living. They emerge ready to lead. On Saturday, April 25, 2015 the South Texas Awards Gala, held at historic Hotel Zaza, honored the original champion of our Advocacy Program. Receiving the school’s prestigious Dean’s Medal was T. Gerald “Jerry” Treece, vice president and associate dean of the Advocacy Program. The medal and accompanying “roast” was delivered by former Board of Advocates member Andy Sommerman’86. For decades, Treece has devoted himself to building the best trial advocacy program in the country. His contributions to our students, alumni, and the legal community are innumerable and, quite simply, the stuff of legend.

Mitchell Katine ’85, South Texas Board of Directors member Imogen Papadopoulos ’84, and Walter Avila

This gala was a sell-out event and the most successful fundraising event in the Law School’s history, bringing in more than $600,000 in new gifts and pledges to the Advocacy Legacy Fund, established by Jeff Rusk ’83 to provide a stable, ongoing source of support for the Advocacy Program.

When fully funded at $6 million, the Fund will sustain the cost of the Advocacy Program outside of tuition dollars. In honor of Rusk’s founding contribution and vision, he received from the South Texas College of Law Alumni Association the inaugural David W. Holman ’85 Advocacy Award.

This award is named in honor of the late David Holman, beloved South Texas valedictorian and one of Houston’s finest appellate lawyers.

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Associate Dean T. Gerald Treece and students from the South Texas Board of Advocates

Charles C. Brennig III ’92, Alumni Association 2015 President Tammy G. Brennig ’92, Alex Farias, and South Texas Board of Directors member Randall O. Sorrels ’87

Board of Directors member Andrew Sommerman ’86 and Vice President and Associate Dean T. Gerald Treece

Treece bobblehead doll.

Wilson Pickett Ditto, SBA President

South Texas Board Board of Directors member President & Dean Donald J. Guter, Sharon Schweitzer ’89, and Mrs. Pat Guter Gordon Quan ’77, Sylvia Quan, and Judge Robert Eckels ’93 (Board of Directors member)

Mrs. Susan Rusk and Jeff Rusk ’83, founder of the Advocacy Legacy Fund and South Texas Board of Directors member

J. Ken Johnson ’86, Chairman of the South Texas Board of Directors

SNAPSHOTS

Ephraim del Pozo ’97 and daughter, current student Analisa del Pozo

Malcolm René and South Texas Board of Directors member Katrina Rene

Joseph Gonyea ’07 , Katherine Gonyea ’08, Jennifer Stogner ’06, and Brant Stogner ’06

Chelsea Holman, (who accepted an award in honor of her late father, the great advocate David Holman ’85), and her fiance William Conley

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Fellows Dinner On December 10, 2015, the South Texas Board of Directors hosted its annual holiday celebration and dinner at the Downtown Houston J.W. Marriott Hotel. As has become a holiday tradition, the Law School’s most generous supporters were invited to be honored for their contributions to the future of legal education. In attendance were members of the 1923 Society (supporters giving $25,000 or more over their lifetimes) and members of the Spurgeon Bell Society (supporters contributing $1,000 or more on an annual basis). Guests were provided an update on the state of the Law School by President and Dean Donald J. Guter, as well as by members of the Board and faculty. James McClellan, president and trustee of the Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation, was presented with the Law School’s Crystal Award in recognition of the Parks Foundation for having surpassed the $10 million mark in lifetime giving to South Texas. Special mention also was made of the Rockwell Fund, Inc. in celebration of its 50th anniversary of giving to the Law School.

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Presenters VP and Associate Dean Catherine Burnett and Clinic student Maria Ivañez

South Texas Board of Directors member James “Jim” D. Thompson ’85 and Mrs. Sharla Thompson

Jennifer Hogan and Richard P. Hogan Jr. ’85

Mrs. Brenda Lanza and Nicholas J. Lanza Jr. ’89

Chairman of the South Texas Board of Directors J. Kenneth Johnson ’86

Back row: VP and Associate Dean Catherine Burnett, Honorable Jay W. Burnett ’73, Sylvia Quan, Mrs. Connie Hays, South Texas Board of Directors South Texas Board of Directors member Gordon J. Quan ’77, clinic student Maria Ivañes, Ricardo Ruiz. member Michael S. Hays ’73, and Professor Front row: John Nehman ’95, Ashley Estes, Director of Foundation and Government Relations.

Elaine A. Carlson ’79

Dean Guter with James McClellan (Parks Foundation)

Dean Guter with Sally Langston ‘91

President and Dean Donald J. Guter, Shirley A. Leigh (daughter of Prof. Harry L. Reed), and Scott Leigh

SNAPSHOTS

Thomas Turner and Patricia Nowak Turner ’84

President and Dean Donald J. Guter with Jordan Mullins ‘09 (Willard and Anne Levin Foundation)

Professor Christopher Kulander, and South Texas Board of Directors members Larry A. Baillargeon ‘74, and Michael S. Hays ‘74

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President and Dean Donald J. Guter

Board of Directors {As of April 21, 2016} J. Ken Johnson ’86 Chair

Richard H. Anderson ’82 Larry Baillargeon ’74 Genora Boykins ’85

Darryl M. Burman ’83

Hon. Robert A. Eckels ’93 Stewart W. Gagnon ’74

Justice Eva Guzman ’89 Michael Hays ’74

Randy R. Howry ’85

Michael K. Hurst ’90 Don D. Jordan ’69

Joseph K. Lopez ’78

Michael W. Milich ’97

Imogen S. Papadopoulos ’84 J. Goodwille Pierre ’00 Gordon Quan ’77 Katrina C. René Jeff Rusk ’83

Andy Sommerman ’86 Randall Sorrels ’87

Lias J. “Jeff ” Steen ’87

Amy Dunn Taylor ’82

James D. Thompson III ’86 Ruthie Nelson White ’96

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Young Alumni Council Members James R. Helton ’14 Christine D. Herron ’10 Mr. Zachary R. Hiller ’10 Robert W. Jewett ’14 Samuel H. Johnson ’08 Kristina M. Keramati ’11 Sarah M. Koong ’14 John T. Kovach ’13 Alyssa L. McCreight ’14 Robert R. McDonough ’08 Teresa Messer ’12 Rose Molina ’14 Lindsey C. Moorhead ’11 Jason F. Muriby ’11 E. Steven Okoroha, Jr. ’11 G. Troy Pickett ’10 Michael P. Preng ’10 William L. Pritchett ’14 Mr. Eron F. Reid ’14 Jason B. Reiner ’13 Disha Roy ’12 Katrisha L. Shirley ’15 Wilbur E. Suggs ’09 Bridget Burke Vick ’09 Gabe T. Vick III ’07 Andrew M. Wagnon ’13 Brian E. Waters ’13 John D. Woods, Jr. ’08

Nicholas J. Lanza ’89 President-Elect

Elizabeth W. Dwyer ’07 Vice President of Career Networking Committee Tammy G. Brennig ’92 Immediate Past President

Mindy Guthrie Director of Development

Susan Diedrich Director of Annual Giving

Ashley Estes Director of Foundation and Government Relations Megan Graf Director of Alumni Relations

Sarah Suarez Associate Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations

Office of Marketing and Communications Diane Summers Director of Marketing and Communications Amanda Jackson Green Manager of Communications Jasmine Rose Manager of Web Content

Claire Caton Manager of Public Relations

ALUMNI

Jon Paul Hoelscher ’05 Vice President of Development/Fundraising Committee

Maya Fredrickson Senior Vice President of Advancement

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Brant J. Stogner ’06 Vice President of Admissions Committee

Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations

S TA F F

J. Goodwille Pierre ’00 President

Desrye M. Morgan ’96 David W. Olson ’05 Gus E. Pappas ’88 Erin B. Pikoff ’99 Wade R. Quinn ’88 Aaron M. Reimer ’07 Peter C. Ruggero ’04 Christine Sampson Willie ’94 Gabe T. Vick III ‘07 Peter B. Wells ’05 David V. Wilson, II ’93

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Alumni Association Officers

K.C. Ashmore ’03 Richard D. Berlin ’06 Courtney Carlson ’08 Adam P. Curley ’08 T. Aaron Dobbs ’05 Darcy M. Douglas ’07 Jennifer L. Falk ’06 Bradford J. Gilde ’04 Ryan K. Haun ’06 Chastiti N. Horne ’98 Walter J. Kronzer III ’87

BOARD

Kristin M. Agnew ’12 Erica S. Akerman ’12 Rajinder K. Amolenda ’08 Timothy W. Ballengee ’09 Amir R. Befroui ’12 Andrew B. Bender ’12 Richard D. Berlin ’06 M. Victoria Bradley ’12 T. Zinn Brown ’09 Gregory D. Brown ’11 Kyrie K. Cameron ’15 Courtney Carlson ’08 Arnold R. Colunga ’10 Angela A.L. Connor ’13 Gregory C. Cox ’07 Adam P. Curley ’08 Eleanor C. Curry ’13 Masoud A. Darvishi ’08 Andrew P. del Junco ’15 Eric A. D’Olive ’11 Taylor K. FitzGerrell ’15 Samantha E. Frazier ’11 Katherine Gonyea ’08 J. Armando Gonzalez ’09 D. Alexandro Gonzalez ’12 Jared D. Grodin ’12 Kevin Hardaway ’15 Amy Hargis ’11

Alumni Association Board of Directors

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“Receiving a scholarship is like getting a vote of confidence.

It says somebody believes in you.

I’m so proud to be a South Texas student and scholar.”

Hien Nguyen Vinson & Elkins Public Interest Scholarship Recipient

“My scholarship means more savings now and less debt after graduation. I’ll have the freedom to place less emphasis on salary and more emphasis on passion when selecting my first job.”

Zachary Wooldridge Bozeman Scholarship Recipient

“It’s great to know someone believes in me, and it drives me to try harder to build a successful career and to embody what a scholarship recipient should be, both inside and outside the classroom.”

Cesar Escalante Fred Parks Scholarship Recipient

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Your support is integral to the mission and vision of South Texas College of Law. Thank you for building a legacy of generosity, engagement, and collaboration!

THANK YOU 45

South Texas College of Law/Houston 1303 San Jacinto Street

Houston, Texas 77002-7006 www.stcl.edu

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inside: Fundraising Overview Donor Honor Roll Spotlight on Scholars Strategic Plan 2016 - 2021 Event Snapshots

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