Providing Foundational Support for Carolina Law
By committing to support the law school at the $10,000 level annually, Cornerstone Club members have a transformational impact on Carolina Law.
What is Cornerstone Club?
The “cornerstone” in Cornerstone Club symbolizes the birth of the first national public university – the laying of the cornerstone of Old East on October 12, 1793.
Continuing this tradition, the Cornerstone Club ensures Carolina Law remains truly great and truly public. Members provide critical funding needed to address Carolina Law’s most immediate needs and highest funding priorities. Gifts at the Cornerstone level increase scholarship packages in both quantity and quality, create new experiential learning opportunities, and provide the resources needed to attract and support the nation’s most promising students and faculty. The club preserves Carolina Law’s proud tradition of offering a superb legal education at far lower cost than other prominent national law schools.
The club typically meets twice yearly for a summit to celebrate Carolina Law and generate ideas to engage and uplift the school.
How do I join?
Gifts at the $10,000 level or higher can be made between July 1 and June 30, by check, monthly bank or credit card draft, or stock transfer for inclusion in this year’s totals. Couples’ gifts can be combined, and corporate matching gifts may also be included.
Members may structure their gifts in a variety of ways. Unrestricted support is the most critical need at UNC School of Law. These gifts will help the dean fund his top priorities while growing the endowment. Members may also choose to designate their gift to a specific law fund of choice.
Please give serious consideration to this level of commitment. If you want a Cornerstone-level impact at your law school, contact the office of advancement.
“I choose to give back to Carolina Law because it is my belief that much of who I am and what I have been fortunate enough to do is a result of my very inexpensive education at Carolina Law. One of my favorite expressions is, ‘to those to whom much is given, much is expected.’ Carolina Law gave me so much and it is my obligation and joy to give back.”
-Jim Deal ’74
Step into Cornerstone
A Pathway to Leadership in Giving
Step into Cornerstone is an opportunity for UNC School of Law’s most passionate and recent graduates—those 1 to 15 years out—to make a lasting impact on the future of the law school. Designed as a graduated giving program, Step into Cornerstone provides a structured, accessible path to becoming a full member of the Cornerstone Club, Carolina Law’s leading philanthropic community.
Your Gift, Your Impact
As a Step into Cornerstone member, you have the flexibility to direct your support to the law school priority area that resonates most with you—whether it’s scholarship support, funding a public interest summer grant, sustaining a pro bono project, or another initiative that aligns with your passion. Your commitment ensures that Carolina Law continues to provide exceptional opportunities for students while strengthening the legal profession.
Why Join?
As a Step into Cornerstone member, you receive full access to Cornerstone Club programming: exclusive gatherings, networking opportunities, and engagement with the School’s top supporters and leaders. This dynamic community is united by a shared passion for Carolina Law and a commitment to its continued success.
Your support will:
Strengthen scholarship funding, expanding access for future students
Enhance experiential learning opportunities
Support public interest and pro bono initiatives
Provide critical resources to attract and retain top faculty and students
Your Giving Journey
Step into Cornerstone members commit to a progressive giving structure:
- Years 1 & 2: $2,500 annually
- Years 3 & 4: $5,000 annually
- Year 5: $10,000 annually
By year five, members fully step into the Cornerstone Club, joining a distinguished network of alumni and friends whose generosity sustains Carolina Law’s excellence.
Be a Part of Something Bigger
Stepping into Cornerstone means more than making a financial commitment—it’s about shaping the future of Carolina Law and ensuring it remains truly great and truly public. With the flexibility to support the area you care about most, your giving becomes even more meaningful.
Take the next step today. To learn more or join Step into Cornerstone, contact the Office of Advancement at law_giving@unc.edu
Take the Step Into Cornerstone!
“I’m thrilled to invest in Carolina Law. I believe alumni play an important role in keeping the School accessible to all who earn admission.”
-Troy Homesley ’17 and Sonya Khattak
“Engaging more young alumni in the Cornerstone Club is a win-win for the School and the young alumni. Carolina Law can only benefit by increasing its donor base, having a greater number of alumni highly engaged with the School, and energizing the Cornerstone Club.”
-Maddy ’18 and Meredith Thompson
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