Dear Fordham Family and Friends,

When Fordham Law celebrated our Centennial in 2005, we honored a century of law taught and practiced in the service of others, and we looked forward to facing the challenges and the opportunities that would arise in our School’s second century of service. When we gathered for Reunion on May 15, 2010, we celebrated another significant milestone: Thanks to the generosity of our alumni and friends, we met our ambitious $100 million campaign goal three years ahead of schedule.

In just a year and a half since the public launch of our ambitious campaign—and in the midst of a challenging economic climate—I have been impressed, gratified, and humbled by the response of the Fordham Law community. Since its inception, the campaign has sparked a 500% increase in fundraising and inspired more than 3,600 first-time donations from alumni, friends, and students.

I want to thank our campaign co-chairs, who have tangibly demonstrated their leadership by making gifts that are unprecedented in the history of our School. T.J. Maloney ’79 and Thomas A. Moore ’72 have each contributed more than $7 million to the campaign, including $5 million apiece toward our new building. Their gifts represent a profound commitment to Fordham Law, bringing us closer to the funding of our new building and providing a clear statement of faith in the educational mission and future of our School.

In addition, I offer my heartfelt appreciation to all of the donors who have made campaign gifts—you have made bold investments in our five campaign priorities: the new law school building, scholarships, faculty chairs, centers and institutes, and the Annual Fund.

And there is more to be accomplished before the campaign officially ends in 2013. Your continued support of our campaign priorities is crucial, especially in three important areas.

1. New law school building: To date, we have raised $32 million of the $75 million needed. Learn more about naming opportunities in the new building.

2. Scholarships: In a difficult economy, scholarships make it possible for gifted students to attend the Law School, regardless of their financial position. There are many ways to support scholarships, from making unrestricted Annual Fund gifts of any amount to establishing an endowed scholarship with a gift of $100,000 or more. Learn more about how you can help make Fordham Law accessible to all students.

3. Dean’s and Bridge Fellows: To help Fordham Law students transition from graduation to employment, the School offers two programs to help students gain legal experience—our Dean’s Fellows work in our centers and institutes and Bridge Fellows assist public interest/nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, and judges. Donors can “adopt” a Dean’s Fellow for six months for $13,000 or a Bridge Fellow for three months for $3,000. To learn moreplease contact e-mail Karen Deasy or call her at 212-636-7438.

Fordham Law School comprises an extraordinary group of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and family. We are drawn together through our shared mission of preparing excellent lawyers for tomorrow’s world, lawyers who are solidly grounded in ethics and who share a commitment to the service of others.

I encourage you to consider how you can help build on the groundwork our donors have already laid by making a gift to the campaign. I want to thank you for your past support, and I look forward to working with you to achieve even more for the benefit of the students and educational programs at Fordham Law School.

With gratitude,

Michael M. Martin
Dean and University Distinguished Professor of Law