University of Mississippi School of Law alumni have a new way to feed their competitive side while giving back to their alma mater with the school’s newest initiative. The UM Law Firm Challenge has been created to challenge 20 Mississippi law firms to reach 100% giving participation from alumni within the firm.
“During my time as Dean, it has been evident that Ole Miss law alumni are very loyal and supportive of the law school, so I know that they will respond well to this initiative,” said Susan Duncan, dean of the law school. “We are excited to see which firms come out on top.”
The goal of the competition is to increase the giving rate among the school’s 7,000 alumni, which is currently at a rate of 4.4%. By increasing giving participation, alumni can help provide the school with vital scholarship and operational funds that will benefit our students during their legal education.
“We are at a time when private support is essential for law students,” said Suzette Matthew, development officer for the School of Law. “As we continue to transition into the new world of law practice and legal education, the Law School’s success depends significantly on our generous donors.”
The challenge runs from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018. Gifts can be made to any UM Law Fund, and gifts already given during these dates will be included. Firms that reach 100% giving participation will receive a trophy, recognition on the UM Law website, and recognition in the Alumni Newsletter.
There is also an incentive to reach full participation as quickly as possible. The challenge has been divided into four categories: firms with 41 or more alumni, firms with 11-40 alumni, firms with 3-10 alumni, and other entities, which includes offices with UM Law alumni that are not law firms. The firm that reaches 100% first in their category will receive a personalized trophy and premium placement on the UM Law website and the Alumni Newsletter.
To take the challenge, contact Carol Mockbee: ccmockbe@olemiss.edu or Suzette Matthews: suzette@olemiss.edu. For more information, visit the website: http://oldlawschool.devclients.com/alumni-friends/um-law-firm-challenge/.