A Message From: Joseph H. Mitchiner ‘76

Greetings from your fellow Legal Eagle Alum!

While attending a special reception last year in Raleigh of NCCU Law School graduates, followed by several conversations with Dean Pierce, I was stunned, convicted, and encouraged about what I learned.

Here are a few positives:

• For three consecutive years we increased the bar passage rate for first- time takers.
• In February 2008 our bar passage rate was a record 90% for first- time takers.
• We are on the Princeton Review list of “Top Law Schools”.
• The 2007-2008 academic year claimed the largest enrollment in history: 602 students.
• In October of 2007, we ranked number one by preLaw Magazine as the “Best Value” Law School in the nation.
• We are the lowest cost Law School in the State and one of the most affordable in the nation (which means cost is not a significant deterrent for attendance).
• The Law School is wireless and has a high level of technology that the faculty and students use daily in classroom instruction and learning.

Here are a few negatives:

• Law School operations, even basic costs, are not fully funded by State budget allocations.  (Did you know that?  I didn’t.  I had always assumed that alumni giving was simply “gravy” money for this “state supported” law school.)
• Things people take for granted beyond basic operations—like luncheons, receptions, honorariums, state funding does not even cover many special event needs necessary to raising private funds.
• In 2006, only 6% (180 out of 3,000 in round numbers) of our alumni donated anything to the Law School.
• In 2007, only 7% (225 out of 3,118 in round numbers) of our alumni donated anything to the Law School.

Not only was I stunned by that last statistic, but, also, I learned another critical fact that had never occurred to me before:  High percentages (not just high amounts) of alumni giving prompt gifts from corporate donors, while low percentages (regardless of amounts) generate the opposite result.

Just think, what if each one of us, 100%, gave something, anything, on a regular, annual basis?  What message would that send to the corporate donors being called upon by our new Director of Development, Ms. Delores James?  Do you not think that would pop some eyes around the nation and show the corporate community a level of loyal appreciation that would translate into an enhanced value of your law degree?  If so, we’re not talking about giving as an expense:  we’re talking about giving as a professional investment.

Though the fact of giving may be more important than the amount of giving, here’s another thought:  As a token of appreciation for your law degree, how hard would it be to give each month just one hour or unit of monthly compensation?  I am sure that some of us earn less and some more, but assume for the moment that half of us bill out or earn $150 per hour, while the other half earn $15 per hour.  If each one would give one, that’s $2,970,000 per year!  Imagine how much more the Law School could accomplish with that kind of additional, annual revenue!  Don’t you think those accomplishments would add value to your law degree?  If so, I’ll say it again:  We’re investing in our own economic well-being; we’re not just giving money to help those who come behind us.  Remember, we were helped by those who went ahead of us!.

Won’t you join me in participating proudly in the “Each One Give One” initiative?  The quality and prestige of the NCCU School of Law—our legal alma mater—depend on it! So, while it’s in front of you, please fill out the enclosed donation envelope and return it immediately to show your enthusiastic support.  You’ll be glad you did.  Click here to give now.

Yours very truly              , Joseph H. Mitchiner