McDowell Sr., C. Blake Fund
The C. Blake McDowell Sr. Fund was established in July 1959 by C. Blake McDowell Sr. to support priorities in The University of Akron School of Law. The fund was expanded in 2023 by Philip A. Lloyd, Margaret "Peggy" McDowell Lloyd, and C. Blake McDowell III to include funds from the C. Blake McDowell, Sr. Library Fund.
C. Blake McDowell, Sr., an Orville, Ohio, native came to Akron in 1902. A University of Michigan School of Law graduate, he joined the firm of C.C. Benner, Philip B. Treash and A.H. Commins in 1914. He later organized Brouse, McDowell, May, Bierce & Wortman, now known as Brouse McDowell, Akron.
In July 1959, the University president informed its Board of Directors of Mr. McDowell's interest in establishing a law school at the institution. Mr. McDowell contributed $100,000 to The University of Akron (°µºÚ±¬ÁÏ) over a five-year period with the understanding that °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ would begin operating the law school with the term opening September 1959. A proposed operating budget for the School of Law was adopted during the same Board meeting reflecting the $20,000 contribution.
Mr. McDowell's intent and contribution were discussed at subsequent Board meetings that year. At the August 28 meeting that year, Board Chairman Hurl J. Albrecht thanked Mr. McDowell for his generous gift in support of the "College of Law." This initial payment formed the nucleus for a fund to be known as the C. Blake McDowell Sr. Fund, functioning as an endowment pending completion of the gift within five years. The earnings were to be used annually for current expenses in the College of Law.
In early 1963, the full $100,000 had been contributed by Mr. McDowell, who would receive an Honorary Law Doctorate from The University of Akron in 1961 as well as the Alumni Honor Award from °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ in that same year. The C. Blake McDowell Sr. Fund exists today because of Mr. McDowell's early and fervent leadership to establish legal education in Akron at The University of Akron. The College of Law is now known as The University of Akron School of Law, and in addition to this endowment, holds professorships and scholarships supported by the McDowell family.
The C. Blake McDowell Sr. Fund will be used annually for current School of Law priorities at the discretion of the School of Law Dean.
To make a tax-deductible gift to this fund, please visit °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ’s . Select “A different designation” from the drop-down menu and enter “C. Blake McDowell Sr. Fund” in the text box. Thank you!
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