While students plan tuition, rent, and other living expenses during their three years at BC Law, unexpected life events can threaten their success. The Professor Robert M. Bloom Emergency Aid Fund, recently initiated by a gift from Professor Robert Bloom ’71 (pictured above), will offer critical support in times of crisis.
Bloom recalls that when he was a student and one of his classmates had a baby, Dean Richard Huber helped financially and Professor James Houghteling chipped in clothing and furniture. That inspired Bloom when he became a BC Law professor himself. “I have been in the fortunate position personally to be able to help students with buying books, providing airfare for family emergencies, and countless other acts of tzedakah [Hebrew, meaning ‘giving to promote justice’],” he says.
The Emergency Aid Fund aspires to become part of the tradition of caring for students that “makes BC Law special,” Bloom says.
Bloom has seeded the fund with a $20,000 donation. If $100,000 is raised by May 31, a permanent source of crisis assistance will be established. If that total is not met, the monies raised will be used towards the purpose, but an endowed fund cannot be established.
If you are interested in making a charter gift of any size to the Professor Robert M. Bloom Emergency Aid Fund or to other faculty-named funds, please contact Maria Tringale, director of development, at maria.tringale@bc.edu or 617-552-4751.
Professors Make a Difference
Professor Robert Bloom joins four other distinguished faculty members honored by funds bearing their names. The investments made by these professors—and the alumni, faculty, students, and others who have augmented them—further the mission and strengthen the community of BC Law. Gifts may be made to one of these funds or in honor of any BC Law professor or program.
The Professor Hugh J. Ault and Martina David-Ault Fund: Established by Professor Ault and his wife to provide financial aid to a deserving law student.
The Ingrid Michelsen Hillinger Public Interest Legacy Fund: Established by Professor Hillinger to support the Public Interest Law Foundation (PILF) summer stipend program.
The Ruth-Arlene W. Howe ’74 Black Student Leadership Initiative: Named in honor of Professor Howe by alumni and friends of the Black Alumni Network (BAN) to provide a scholarship for a student who has demonstrated a commitment to the Black and/or African-descent community at BC Law or in under-represented communities.
The Professor Sanford N. Katz Scholarship: Established by Professor Katz and Boston College Law to provide financial aid to a deserving law student.