Newark, NJ – Seton Hall University School of Law has reached the $15 million mark in the first six months of its $25 million Seton Hall Law Rising capital campaign. A significant portion of that fundraising has allowed for the creation of several new student scholarships, with alumni, friends and faculty contributing nearly a million dollars to date to assist students with a legal education.

“We are deeply gratified by the response of alumni and friends to this campaign,” said Dean Patrick E. Hobbs. “Through the Seton Hall Law Rising campaign, the law school is being provided with the resources to ensure its ongoing success. Obtaining such success can only take place through the support and confidence of alumni and friends who believe in the strength and mission of Seton Hall Law.”

The goals of the campaign, launched last October, are to develop new need-based and merit-based scholarships, address the demand for improved educational facilities and technology, implement new academic programs, increase support for faculty teaching and scholarship, and grow the law school’s endowment.

Several new academic courses already are in place as a result of the campaign, including the Seton Hall Law “Advocacy Program,” a skills development program to better prepare students for the actual practice of law. Through the Advocacy Program, students focus on practical skill developmental such as learning to present persuasive arguments on behalf of their clients, command a courtroom, boardroom or negotiation session, and put together contracts, motions and pleas.

Numerous recent contributions also have led to the creation of several new student scholarships and fellowships at Seton Hall Law. Included among those are the:

• Alfred F. Jablonski Scholarship Fund, funded by Alfred Jablonski, ’66, of Monroe Township and the Sage Foundation.

• Kevin and Jane Kilcullen Law Scholarship, funded by Kevin and Jane Kilcullen of Mendham.

• D’Agostino Scholar Program, funded by James ’74 and Diane ’75 D’Agostino of Houston, TX.

• Gerard Carey Scholarship, named in honor of former Professor Gerard Carey, funded by the Seton Hall Law classes of 1967, 1977, and 1987 and the Carey family.

• The James and Sharon Orr Endowed Scholarship, funded by James ’64 and Sharon Orr of West Orange.

• The Samuel J. Heyman Fellowship Program, funded by Samuel Heyman, former Assistant Attorney General under Robert Kennedy and former Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, to assist students interested in a legal career path within the federal government.

“Through the creation of these and other new scholarships, Seton Hall Law can open the way for more talented students to fulfill their dreams of becoming a lawyer,” noted Joseph LaSala. ’72, campaign co-chair. “Contributors to this campaign not only help to further establish Seton Hall Law’s reputation, but will impact the lives of individuals for generations to come.”

“It’s an exciting time to be part of the Seton Hall Law community,” said Patrick Dunican ’91, campaign co-chair. “Seton Hall Law has established its strengths in numerous key areas, including intellectual property, health law, public interest law and international law. Through the support of alumni and friends, Seton Hall Law can continue to build on its mission of producing highly talented lawyers, service to society through strong clinical and public interest programs, and the provision of research and scholarship to shape the law and public policy.”


Seton Hall University School of Law, New Jersey's only private law school and a leading law school in the New York metropolitan area, is dedicated to preparing students for the practice of law through excellence in scholarship and teaching, with a strong focus on clinical education. Founded in 1951, Seton Hall Law School is located in Newark and offers both day and evening degree programs. For more information visit law.shu.edu. For more information on the Seton Hall Law Rising campaign, please visit www.SetonHallLawRising.com.

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