Donor Scholarships

Donor Scholarships and awards are administered through the College of Law Office of Student Affairs, unless otherwise noted, and are awarded on an annual basis subject to the availability of funds. Applications donor scholarships are made available to every student during the Fall, and funds are typically awarded for the Spring Term. Contact the Student Affairs office for additional information.

Jacqueline Allee Smith Scholarship

This scholarship was established in honor of former St. Thomas University College of Law Dean Jacqueline Allee Smith. It continues to be funded today with contributions from faculty and friends. The award is presented annually to a student on the bases of academic performance and financial need.

American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers-Florida Chapter Endowed Scholarship

This award of up to $1,000 is presented annually by the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers to the outstanding student(s) in family law. The purpose of the scholarship, established in 1991, is to underline the significance of family law in the law school curriculum and to support those students interested in pursuing family law as both a course of study as well as a course of practice.

C. Clyde Atkins Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Established in 1999 with proceeds from a Dade County Bar Association tribute honoring Judge Atkins, as well as with ongoing gifts from family members and friends, this endowed scholarship is awarded annually to a St. Thomas law student, based on financial need. Judge Atkins, long recognized as a champion of civil rights and a staunch defender of the homeless and refugees, served on the School of Law Board of Advisors since its founding in the early ’80s.

Benvenuti-Mulvey Endowed Scholarship

Generous benefactors Adrienne R. and Edward J. Mulvey established this scholarship in memory of their parents through a planned gift in the early 1990s. The scholarship was endowed in 2002 following Mr. Mulvey’s passing. This need-based scholarship, which assists St. Thomas law students with their legal education, stands as a lasting tribute to the generosity of Edward and Adrienne Mulvey and to the values of both them and their parents. The Mulveys have established several scholarships for St. Thomas students at both the College of Law and the University.

Cuban American Bar Association Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a Cuban American student who has demonstrated distinction in academics and/or public service, or to any student who has demonstrated distinction in research, writing, community service and/or other activities of importance to the Cuban American community.

Jose Angel Espino Memorial Scholarship

Jose Angel Espino ’88 was an engaging member of the St. Thomas University College of Law Charter Class who passed away shortly after graduating from law school. He is remembered for his tireless effort throughout law school despite his illness. This scholarship, awarded to an Hispanic student based on merit and need, was established in his memory by his aunt, Josefina I. Espino, and his sister, Maria Delores “Loly” Espino, an associate professor of management at St. Thomas University.

Dean’s Law Student Book Award Fund

Established by this 1988 graduate of the College of Law , this book scholarship is awarded in the Fall and Spring semesters to minority students who need financial assistance to purchase their books.

Caleb R. Freedman Trial Advocacy Award

This award was established in memory of Caleb Freedman, a committed lawyer and educator in South Florida, who died of heart failure in October 1998 at the age of 33. Caleb, who exemplified professionalism and integrity, served as an adjunct faculty member in the Trial Advocacy Program. He worked in the Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s Office prior to going into private practice. This award is presented to students who distinguish themselves in the annual Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Chester Bedell Competition.

Friends of St. Thomas Law Student Scholarships

Established in 2000, this special scholarship fund is the pooled scholarship gifts from friends and alumni of St. Thomas University College of Law. It provides the College of Law with additional resources to assist law students with financial need.

Harold W. “Butch” Gabel III St. Thomas More Award

This award is presented annually to a second- or third-year law student “who courageously promotes the integration of morality within the fabric of the law.” Harold W. “Butch” Gabel III was a second-year law student when he died tragically in a motorcycle accident. Ranked in the top 5% of his class, Butch served as a Dean’s Fellow and had a real love of the law. He was a founding member of the College of Law’s St. Thomas More Catholic Law Society because of his concern that morals and ethics be an integral part of legal decision-making as well as of the Federalist Society, demonstrating a fervor and passion for the law and the culture it guides.

James “Jamie” Harkins Endowed Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 1999 by the family of Jamie Harkins, who died of cancer during the spring semester of his second year of law school. The scholarship is awarded annually to a law student of the Catholic faith who is actively involved in projects or programs to benefit the College of Law and who demonstrates a financial need.

Richard A. & Jeannette F. Hausler Endowed Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 1999 by Richard and Jeannette Hausler, renowned legal educators in South Florida, he as a professor for more than 50 years and she as Associate Dean and Dean of Students at the University of Miami School of Law. Their commitment to the values of Catholic education impelled them to play an instrumental role in the founding of St. Thomas University College of Law. Prof. Hausler, who taught in the College of Law’s Summer in Spain Program, passed away in March 2000. Dean Hausler continues to serve as chair emeritus of the College of Law Board of Advisors.

Darryl G. Menzies Memorial Endowed Scholarship

This scholarship fund was established in memory of Darryl G. Menzies, a 1999 graduate of St. Thomas University College of Law. Darryl was a young, aspiring attorney who, before his untimely death in December 2000, inspired others to embrace life and serve their community. Established by family members, friends, and law school classmates and faculty, this scholarship is awarded to a St. Thomas law student who actively engages in the life of the law school and in helping fellow students.

The Patino Family Endowed Scholarship

Established by Ralph G. Patino, a member of the College of Law 1987 Charter Class, this need-based scholarship is awarded to a working second- or third-year law student who has made a career change. While working as a baggage handler for Delta Airlines, Ralph put himself through undergraduate school and then law school at St. Thomas University.

Mary Russomanno Endowed Scholarship for Women

Herman Russomanno, a past president of The Florida Bar and chair emeritus of the College of Law Board of Advisors, established this scholarship in memory of his mother. This need-based scholarship is awarded to a female African-American, Pan-African, or Hispanic law student.

Cantens Family Foundation Endowed Law Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2007 by alumnus, Gaston Ignacio Cantens Jr. Esq. Mr. Cantens is a Double Bobcat, graduating from St. Thomas University with a B.A. in 1991 and a J.D. in 1992. This scholarship is designated to support a J.D. student with financial need.

Judge Peter Palermo Endowed Scholarship

This endowed scholarship was created in 2013 by Retired U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Palermo, the longest-serving magistrate in the Southern District of Florida and one of the first ever appointed in the country. This scholarship is awarded to students who show a commitment to the ideals of civility, ethics and professionalism.

Professor Ken Feldman Pro Bono Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is named after an immensely popular Adjunct Law Professor and the former Director of Pro-Bono Services at the College of Law who passed away in May 2007. Eligible applicants are 3L students with financial need who have provide exemplary pro bono service while a student at STU.

Rubenstein Law Scholarship for Excellence in Torts

This generous scholarship was established in 2018 by Rubenstein Law. The award amount is for $5000 over five years and goes to law students in financial need, who have earned at least a B+ in Torts.