Gratitude at scholarship lunch

Recipients and donors meet at inaugural event

—By Lori Craig

The recipients of scholarships and the generous donors who fund them were brought together at USC Law’s first annual Scholarship Recognition Luncheon on March 12.

2L Brian Cook speaks at the Scholarship  Recognition Luncheon

Held in Town and Gown, the event publicly recognized scholarship donors and gave recipients — who each year write thank-you notes to their benefactors — the chance to express their thanks in person.

“Without the dedication and generosity of scholarship donors, USC Law might miss out on many very talented students who will one day become active members of the legal and business communities in Los Angeles and nationwide,” said Amanda Peiffer, assistant director of stewardship and research, who welcomed guests to the event. “This luncheon is one way that the law school expresses its gratitude to them.”

A total of 83 current scholarship recipients and donors attended the lunch, along with USC Law Dean Robert K. Rasmussen and members of the Office of Development and Graduate Relations. Rasmussen announced that the Arthur Groman Endowed Scholarship Fund was recently infused with a large gift from the former Board of Councilors member’s estate. Groman’s widow, Miriam, was in attendance.

Third-year student Doreen Anthony and 2L Brian Cook spoke about the impact receiving scholarships had on their decision to attend law school. Cook entered USC Law after receiving a Ph.D. and working as an engineer for 10 years. He is a father of three and without financial assistance, he said he would have been unable to go back to school.

Alum Len Marangi ’56, a regular donor, spoke about the satisfaction he receives from contributing to scholarships for USC Law students. Marangi also is a trustee of the Lluella Morey Murphey Foundation, which supports a scholarship.

—Photos by Jennalyn Magtoto