NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2, 2010
CONTACT: ERIKA MARZORATI
517/432-6848, marzorat@law.msu.edu
MSU Law Library Renamed to Honor Alumnus’ Service and Generosity
East Lansing, MI — Michigan State University College of Law will honor distinguished alumnus and major donor John F. Schaefer as it celebrates the renaming of its law library at 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 4.
The unveiling of the John F. Schaefer Law Library will celebrate Schaefer’s generosity and dedication to helping prepare the lawyers of tomorrow. Schaefer, a 1969 graduate of the Law College, is one of the country’s best-known and most highly respected lawyers in the field of matrimonial law. A trustee emeritus who was a member of the Board from 1985 to 2001, he was instrumental in bringing Detroit College of Law to MSU.
Schaefer also taught Family Law as an adjunct professor at the Law College for more than 30 years. His recent $6 million gift will be used to endow a chair in matrimonial law.
“We are honored that one of our most successful graduates continues to support such a vital part of the Law College. His gift will play an important role in helping advance our goal of becoming a world-class law school,” said Clif Haley, president of MSU Law.
“We are so pleased to recognize John Schaefer’s exceptional professional stature, extraordinary generosity, and great service to the Law College by naming the library in his honor,” added Joan W. Howarth, dean of MSU Law. “At the heart of the Law College, the John F. Schaefer Law Library will serve as a visible and long-lasting testament to his substantial contributions.”
In addition to his significant support of the Law College, Schaefer is involved in numerous professional, civic, and philanthropic organizations. He has served as president of the Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, fellow of the Michigan State Bar Foundation, president of the Oakland County Bar Association, and chair of the State Bar of Michigan’s Family Law Section. He has been an arbitrator for the Michigan State Bar Attorney Grievance Commission and a member of the Committee on Character and Fitness. As an instructor at the Michigan Judicial Institute, Schaefer educated hundreds of Michigan circuit court judges in substantive matrimonial law.
Michigan State University College of Law is a leading institution of legal education with a long history of educating practice-ready attorneys. As one of only a few private law schools affiliated with a major research university, MSU Law offers comprehensive interdisciplinary opportunities combined with a personalized legal education. After 100 years as a private and independent institution, the affiliation with MSU has put the Law College on an upward trajectory of national and international reputation and reach. MSU Law professors are gifted teachers and distinguished scholars, its curriculum is rigorous and challenging, and its facility is equipped with the latest resources—all affirming MSU Law's commitment to educating 21st-century lawyers.
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