When University of Kansas School of Law Dean Stephen Mazza was a boy in Huntsville, Alabama, the legacy of his family’s giving towered over him.
“When my great uncle immigrated from Italy and settled in Alabama he helped build the Catholic church in town with a significant donation,” Dean Mazza explains. “Every generation of my family since has made a significant contribution to the church and it stands as an example of dedication to a cause. When I was younger it was instilled in me to be generous to those who have helped you on your journey.”
With that in mind, Dean Mazza has led the School of Law by example, establishing the Stephen W. Mazza Dean’s Opportunity Fund through his estate plan. Initially created in 2010, Dean Mazza recently doubled his commitment.
“I established the fund to help future deans of the School of Law,” Dean Mazza said. “When we plan for the academic year, budgeting is a major aspect and an inexact science. Having discretionary funds to help offset unforeseen expenses can relieve a lot of stress and help keep the focus on teaching future lawyers. The fund is to be used on whatever the current dean of the School of Law sees fit. Maybe it’s to help a faculty member travel to a conference or assist in a research project or maybe reward faculty for a job well done. Having some discretionary funds can go a long way in helping the dean of the school accomplish goals.”
Mazza, currently the fourth-longest serving law school dean in the country, credits former faculty for inspiring his generosity to the school. In fact, he’s the current beneficiary of an opportunity fund.
“I’m very grateful to former Dean Jim Logan who established a similar fund,” Mazza said. “Our current faculty are benefiting from his forward-thinking generosity and I’m happy to continue the tradition started well before me.”
-By Derek Helms, KU Endowment