Reunion Program Overview

The Stanford Law School Reunion Program reunites classmates through an assortment of activities, including the school's annual Alumni Weekend held each fall. Law School alumni gather for their reunion every five years. This two day excursion provides our alumni with an opportunity to renew old friendships, celebrate classmates' successes, and reminisce about time spent at Stanford as well as attend a variety of panel discussions and talks.

Alumni can participate in their reunions in a multitude of ways, from donating to the class reunion fund to joining the planning committee. If you have questions about reunion activities, please call the Office of Alumni Relations at 650 723.2730 or e-mail alumni.relations@law.stanford.edu.

Mark your calendars

This year's Alumni Weekend will be October 10 - 12, 2008! The classes of 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, and 2003 will celebrate their reunions.

Giving

Increased contributions to the Law Fund, in the form of reunion gifts, help support the core needs of the Law School.

By making a multi-year pledge, alumni commit to making an annual payment for a period of two to five years. The total amount of the pledge is counted towards the reunion total, although the individual does not pay the entire amount of the pledge in the reunion period.

How Do I Make A Gift?

There are three ways to make a gift to the Law School in honor of your reunion: check, credit card, or appreciated securities. Gifts to the Law School are tax-deductible and easy to make.

You may also transfer securities directly from your brokerage account to Stanford's account. Giving appreciated securities that have been held for more than one year has significant benefits:

You receive a charitable deduction for the full market value of securities. You pay no capital gains tax.

Contact Victoria Von Schell at 650 926.0274 for more information about making a gift of securities.

If you would like more information about supporting Stanford Law School, please e-mail Reunion Giving Assistant Kati Ireland at kireland@law.stanford.edu, or call her at 650 725.2603.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Law Fund?

The Stanford Law Fund-the School's annual giving program-provides vital support for core activities and involves more alumni than any other aspect of the School's fundraising efforts. Contributions to the Law Fund provide the unrestricted, expendable funds that sustain and replenish the School year after year. These gifts currently cover more than 12 percent of the annual operating budget, which includes everything from faculty salaries to scholarships, and teaching to research programs. Law Fund gifts are critical to maintaining the high standards that have earned Stanford Law School its reputation as a leader in legal education.

Isn't Stanford Law School very wealthy?

Stanford Law School's endowment is smaller than those of several of its peer law schools, so competing for the same faculty and students can be quite a challenge. Contrary to popular belief, tuition revenue covers only half of the Law School's budget. Currently, more than 80 percent of Stanford Law students receive some form of financial aid, of which grants are funded almost entirely by alumni gifts. The School is proud of its need-blind admissions policy, which admits students without regard to financial status, and relies upon alumni generosity to maintain this policy. Alumni gifts are a critical source of funding for areas such as financial aid each and every year.

Why should Stanford Law School receive my charitable dollars?

Stanford Law School students are our country's future leaders in government, private business, and the not-for-profit sector. We will look to them to address significant issues facing our society. Of course it is important to contribute to other organizations such as community and social service groups, but contributing to Stanford Law School will help to educate the individuals charged with addressing society's most vexing problems in the future. A gift to Stanford Law School is a long-term investment in our future.

Why should I give to Stanford Law School every year?

The School's needs increase annually and your help is absolutely necessary for it to remain the highest caliber institution. Recruiting the best students and retaining the best faculty is a challenge each and every year.

Volunteering

The Reunion Committee volunteers in particular, play an instrumental role in maintaining the vitality of Stanford Law School. As a volunteer and alumnus/a, you are in the best position to encourage alumni to attend Alumni Weekend as well as make the case for supporting Stanford Law School. While some know the important role that alumni dollars play in operating the School, others are not fully informed. You can help to communicate the needs of Stanford Law School as well as keep your classmates up-to-date on the latest Stanford Law School news.

How it works: The Stanford Law School reunion staff recruits a "reunion team" that consists of a chair and a committee of 10 to 15 individuals, though there is no limit to the number of committee members. There is not a minimum gift requirement, but members are encouraged to make personally significant commitments. Each volunteer agrees to call several classmates to encourage a participatory gift and attendance at the reunion.

If you would like to volunteer with your Reunion Committee, please contact Nisa Sampior, Reunion Giving Assistant, at nsampior@stanford.edu or at 650 725.2603.

Find out about additional volunteer opportunities at the Law School.