Recently, Roger Williams School of Law received a gift of $750,000 from the Hassenfeld Family Foundation. 

The Hassenfeld Family Foundation is based in Providence, Rhode Island and provides financial support to people and organizations dedicated to public service in Rhode Island. The foundation’s goals include promoting global safety and human rights, empowering women in developing countries, improving the economy, education, and businesses in Rhode Island. 

Dean of RWU Law, Gregory Bowman said the gift from the Hassenfeld Family Foundation will help RWU Law’s initiative to promote visibility of the school and their mission to serve the people of Rhode Island while also helping RWU Law to tell their story. 

“In today’s world, success depends on being able to expand and elevate your brand,” said Bowman.  “We are intensely proud of the strong teaching, research, and service we do at RWU Law, and it’s important to tell our story.”

Some of the strengths Bowman believes should be highlighted in the initiative include RWU Law’s experiential learning programs in legal clinics and externships, pro bono programs, RWU Law’s commitment to social justice, and work in the new Institute for Race and Law. 

RWU Law also works to provide students with meaningful real world experiences with real world clients and training them how to advocate for society, said Bowman. 

“I’ve always believed that US law schools can—and frankly should—be agents of social change. RWU Law certainly is: we strive to promote justice, defend democracy and liberty, and make the world a better place,” said Bowman.

Bowman believes this gift is exciting and will “accelerate success at RWU Law.” Also, he believes the gift will be able to help enhance RWU Law’s reputation and highlight the great impacts the school has on the community.