Brennan, David L. Endowed Chair of Law
David L. Brennan established The David L. Brennan Endowed Chair of Law in 1983 for the purpose of creating a permanent fund to hire a new, outstanding professor of law who would be designated as the Brennan Chair and who, except for this gift, the School of Law would be unable to hire. The endowment was revised in 2016 for the purpose of retaining and recognizing faculty. The revision granted the dean of the School of Law the flexibility to designate an outstanding law professor as the Brennan Chair.
Although the endowment's primary purpose is enhancing the School of Law's academic standing and-prestige, a second and equally important objective is encouraging others of stature and financial ability in the community, as well as alumni, to endow additional·chairs, whether or not these donors are academically associated with the University.
Further, the gift was made with the express understanding that The University of Akron and David L.Brennan would mutually commit themselves to the Brennan·Chair's success. This mutual commitment ensures the successful implementation of these objectives.
David L. Brennan is a widely respected businessman and philanthroAcademic Chairs, Professorships and Fellowshipspist. When the fund was established in 1984, he was a partner in one of Akron's leading law firms, Amer Cunningham and Brennan Co., L.P.A. He later became a founding member of Brennan, Manna & Diamond, LLC. The University of Akron has recognized Brennan for his leadership and generosity, presenting him with its Honorary Alumni Award in 1984 and an Honorary Doctorate of Laws, the highest honor the University can bestow, in 1985.
The holder of the Brennan Chair will be professionally honored by the distinction. Newly hired or current professors who earn the designation should have such professional stature and reputation in their academic specialty that The University of Akron would obtain recognition and prestige in the academic and legal community.
The dean of the School of Law will have the sole discretion to designate the chair but with the understanding that he or she will consult from time to time with the donor and seek the donor's counsel concerning the designation. The professor's salary and benefits would be commensurate with his or her skill, reputation, and specialized academic and professional credentials.
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