With the launch of the Drinan Society honoring loyal donors, BC Law has already seen a rise in the number of people demonstrating their support through consecutive gifts. Between 2016 and 2017, the Law School saw a 14 percent increase in those giving for two or more consecutive years, and the number is expected to grow.
Donors who have made a gift—of any size—for two or more consecutive years automatically become members of the society and are recognized on BC Law’s honor roll of donors and at BC Law events. Those who have given for five or more consecutive years have the added distinction of being recognized as Sustaining Members of the Drinan Society.
The society is named for Robert F. Drinan, SJ, former BC Law dean and beloved mentor to decades of law students. Father Drinan helped transform BC Law into a leader in legal education, advancing the academic rigor of the school and recruiting a diverse student body. He left behind a legacy of success that Drinan Society members help to maintain.
Anthony DeVito ’78 has been giving to BC Law since 1980. He said the tax law courses he took at BC Law helped him to launch his career as a tax attorney at General Electric Capital Corporation. He now runs his own practice, and his commitment to BC Law has not wavered. “BC Law has been a big part of whatever success I’ve had in life. This is my chance to pay it forward and to help future BC Law students receive the same transformative opportunities that I did.”
Tevia Pollard ’15, an associate in Nixon Peabody’s public company transactions group, began giving back during her 3L year. She likes being able to support the professors and programs that helped her to jump-start her career. “When I was a 1L, I saw 2Ls, 3Ls, and alumni giving back to current and incoming students,” Pollard said. “Now that I’m an alumna, I have the opportunity to continue this cycle of giving. I am glad to be able to do my part.”
Jessica Cashdan, executive director of campaign planning and associate dean of Law School advancement, expects the Drinan Society to continue to expand with the help of dedicated alumni like DeVito and Pollard.
“No matter what year they graduated, our alumni share a commitment to BC Law,” Cashdan said. “They recognize that an investment in BC Law is an investment in this community and in the future of their profession.”