Pitt Law Challenge

David Fawcett, '53,  Dean Mary Crossley,  Chip Babst, '73

This spring, Pitt Law alumni from a number of law firms in the greater Pittsburgh area participated in the inaugural Pitt Law Challenge, a friendly competition between graduates to help increase the alumni giving participation rate at the Law School. Eleven firms took part in the Challenge, including Alcoa; Babst Calland Clements and Zomnir; Blumling & Gusky; Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney; Cohen & Grigsby; Dickie McCamey & Chilcote; Eckert Seamans; Jones Day; Reed Smith; Swensen Perer & Kontos; and Thorp Reed & Armstrong. Special thanks are extended to the firms’ Pitt Law representatives—Max Laun; Chip Babst; Tim Wolfson; Matt Carl; Patrick Lutz; Ron Basso; Jeff Blum; Lisa Pampena; Chris Carson; Michael Dougherty; David Fawcett; Vince Scaglione, Jr.; Richard Klaber; Arnold Silverman; Grant Coffield; Laura Ellsworth; Andy Kozusko; George Magera; James Whetzel; Diane Perer; Doug Gilbert; Stuart Gaul; and Elene Moran.

The results were tremendous; 151 alumni participated, raising over $31,000 for the Annual Fund. Eight alumni joined Law Fellows, the School’s annual giving society of donors who contribute $1,000 or more for the first time. Of the competing firms, Babst Calland Clements and Zomnir had the highest participation rate, with an impressive 96 percent of Pitt Law alumni taking part, while Dickie McCamey and Chilcote had the most alumni participate, with 38. In all, 42 percent of alumni from the competing firms participated, a great start to this annual program that will provide momentum as the Law School invites more firms to compete next year.

Dean Mary Crossley and participating alumni celebrated the successful completion of the Pitt Law Challenge with a reception hosted by Reed Smith on July 25th. It was a wonderful opportunity to personally thank those alumni who so generously support the Law School. Dean Crossley noted that the contributions of alumni and friends to the Annual Fund positively impacts the School’s rankings and assures that Pitt Law remains competitive. Support of the Annual Fund also enables the Law School to provide scholarships to deserving students and to recruit the brightest and best students and faculty.

If you would like to know more about the Pitt Law Challenge and how your firm can participate, please contact the Pitt Law Development and Alumni Office by phone at 412-648-1305 or by e-mail at lawalum@pitt.edu.