As both a first generation college and law student, Steve McManus ’90 understands the financing difficulties and challenges facing many students pursuing advanced degrees. While attending Seton Hall Law in the evenings, Steve worked in a State Farm branch office in order to support his dream of earning a law degree. Steve credits his Seton Hall Law education and experience as a springboard to his personal career success. Today, Steve serves as Senior Vice President and General Counsel at State Farm Insurance Companies in Bloomington, Illinois.
Steve recalls a wonderful Seton Hall Law experience with incredible full and part-time faculty that provided a unique perspective on both the theoretical and practical application of the law. He remembers his criminal law professor, John Wefing, as being very approachable, with a strong interest in student success. In addition, he recognizes that he was fortunate to take a class taught by alumnus and Board of Visitors member, Mitch Baumeister, on aviation law. To this day, he appreciates the way the course was structured, allowing students the amazing opportunity to explore the Federal jurisprudence of aviation law.
Steve, and his wife Patty, recognizing the financial obstacles facing many law students and appreciating the financial assistance he received from his employer in funding his legal education, have decided the time was right for him to “pay it forward” and establish a scholarship for Seton Hall Law students. As a former board member for a local community college, Steve funded a similar access scholarship in the past. He knows that such scholarships are often a determining factor not only in choosing a school but also in pursuing the degree.
Steve hopes that the scholarship recipients will have the same fire and grit indicative of past Seton Hall Law alumni. He and Patty further hope his gift will personally transform the lives of its recipients and that they, in turn, will “pay it forward” and continue to help make our world a better place.
For information on how to support students at Seton Hall Law School, please contact the Office of Alumni and Development at 973-642-8711 or [email protected] or visit https://law.shu.edu/Alumni/give.html
