Hofstra Gets $20M Gift from Top Grad Who Earned Legal Degree After Age 50, Renames Law School

An unusual law student who earned his legal degree from Hofstra University after age 50 has gifted the school with a record $20 million.

The law school is now changing its name to honor Maurice A. Deane, who already had donated generously on numerous fronts, along with his wife, Barbara, the university announced today in a press release.

A successful pharmaceutical executive before he enrolled as a Hofstra law student, Deane graduated at the top of his class in 1981 and won constitutional law and evidence awards. He subsequently served as a member of the university's board of trustees for 25 years, as well as its chair for several years during that period.

“Maurie holds a very special place in the history and the development of the Law School,” said Stuart Rabinowitz, the university's president and a former law school dean at Hofstra. “He is a person of impeccable integrity and with a deep commitment to academic and professional excellence. He was a brilliant student, distinguished alumnus and valuable advisor, trustee and chair emeritus of the board of trustees.”

Hat tip: Long Island Business News.