– Photo courtesy of MSU Law
A groundbreaking ceremony took place in June at Michigan State University College of Law for its new plaza which honors thousands of alumni who graduated from Detroit College of Law.
Thanks to a fundraising campaign that raised $1.3 million, on Oct. 22 the Michigan State University College of Law will dedicate its new plaza, which honors thousands of alumni who graduated from Detroit College of Law. A reception will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the college, 648 N. Shaw Lane in East Lansing.
The Detroit College of Law Plaza provides identity and history for alumni, offering a granite seal on the floor noting the college's founding in 1891 in Detroit, said Joan Howarth, dean of MSU College of Law. The plaza also features a short history and a roster of donors.
In addition, more than half the funds raised will benefit the newly established DCL Legacy Scholarships, which are available to descendants of DCL alumni.
"We're looking forward to welcoming many DCL and MSU Law alumni in celebration," Howarth said. "The dedication will be like a homecoming and give DCL alumni a sense of place to bring family and friends where we are proudly preserving DCL roots, and blending the past with future, to provide an exceptional law education."
DCL affiliated with MSU in 1995 to provide students with the opportunities of a leading university while preserving the school's commitment to rigorous legal education.
Peter Lucido, class of '88, was the inspiration for the plaza project. A member of the Circle of Friends Benefactors Club, Lucido generously offers time and resources to his law alma mater. "If you give back with your classmates to the community as it exists now, you have a chance to resurrect a relationship with the community of people you once shared your experiences with," he said. "For DCL graduates, it's about bringing back those individuals and those good feelings once shared during your law school days."
Another "founding" donor is Clif Haley, class of '61, who 50 years ago juggled four years of evening classes at DCL with his day job as a labor relations manager at Chrysler Corp. "I'm extremely proud of being a DCL graduate," Haley said. "The law school provided a disciplined environment of intellectual development and an outstanding legal education."
To register to attend the Oct. 22 ceremony, visit www.law.msu.edu/advancement/dcl-plaza.
Published: Thu, Oct 01, 2015
