Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Law Tiffany Murphy welcomed scholarship recipients, donors, staff, faculty and guests at the U of A School of Law's 12th annual scholarship luncheon Friday, Feb. 18. The event took place at noon via Zoom.

Nearly 60 individuals, including Kellie Knight, assistant vice chancellor for university development; Rodney Slater, former U.S. secretary of transportation; and Dean Emeritus Robert Moberly gathered for the virtual event.

Benefactors and friends from all across the country interacted with the students they support — listening to their achievements, personal stories and student journeys, which had been significantly impacted by the scholarships. They also shared their own stories — how their careers had been shaped at the law school and what motivates them to support law students.

Third-year law student Donta Dismuke spoke on behalf of the scholarship recipients and thanked the donors and alumni for not only their financial assistance, but also for their time, commitment and mentorship.

Dismuke shared that he had to work since the age of 16 and often take on two jobs during his undergraduate degree. During his first year at law school, he worked 20 hours a week and worked harder than ever to excel academically, which resulted in him receiving several scholarships. The financial assistance allowed him to focus solely on his studies without having to worry about work in the following semester.

"The following fall, I had the best academic semester of my college career," Dismuke said. "If you count a couple of A minuses, I technically had all As, which I haven't had since high school. I share this personal story because I realize and feel like I am a living testament to the impact that our alumni and donors have in shaping student success. Without your generous investments, I nor many of the students here would be able to pursue our legal degrees without the stresses of having to worry about money or finances."

Dismuke concluded his speech by giving a quick Black history lesson about Mary Church Terrell, a civil rights and women's rights activist, to highlight Black History Month. He shared that he lives his life by Terell's motto, "Lift as we Climb."

"I want to thank our alumni and donors who continue to help 'lift' us students as you 'climb' upward in your careers and endeavors," Dismuke said. "I hope that one day, I am able to pay that back to future law students by 'lifting them up as I climb.'"

"At this event, we have extraordinary individuals with generous spirits and big hearts who support students and faculty, and amazing students who are the fortunate beneficiaries of that generosity," said Tory Gaddy, director of development at the law school. "Together, the friends and alumni of the law school and the students here today have already, and will continue to, improve our world."

About the School of Law: The law school offers a competitive J.D. as well as an advanced LL.M. program, which are taught by nationally recognized faculty. The school offers unique opportunities for students to participate in pro bono work, externships, live client clinics, competitions, and food and agriculture initiatives. The school strives to identify, discuss, and challenge issues of race, color, ethnicity, and the impact(s) they have on students, faculty, and staff members in an effort to achieve a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community. From admitting the Six Pioneers who were the first African American students to attend law school in the South without a court order to graduating governors, judges, prosecutors, and faculty who went on to become President of the United States and Secretary of State, the law school has a rich history and culture. Follow us at uarklaw.