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Longtime donors to the at 51�Թ������ܿƴ�, Tom and Leslie Thomas pledged a transformational gift to establish a small business initiatives endowment fund, named after them, within the .

Clinical legal education is a teaching method where students learn substantive law and practice in the context of real cases. The Tom and Leslie Thomas Small Business Initiative Endowment Fund will help students develop the skills necessary to become legal professionals, understand professional rules, and advocate for small businesses.

“Community support is essential to helping our programs grow and thrive, and this important gift to the Boyd School of Law from Tom and Leslie Thomas will bolster our efforts to give local small businesses the legal guidance and education they need to be successful,” said 51�Թ������ܿƴ� President Keith E. Whitfield.

“We are extremely grateful to Tom and Leslie Thomas for this impactful gift,” said  Leah Chan Grinvald, dean and the Richard J. Morgan Professor of Law. “Their generosity will make a critical difference in the law school’s efforts to assist small businesses in the community with their various legal issues.”

Tom has previously chaired the 51�Թ������ܿƴ� President’s Associates and currently serves as a trustee on the 51�Թ������ܿƴ� Foundation Board of Trustees.

Rickey N. McCurry, vice president of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement and 51�Թ������ܿƴ� Foundation president, wholeheartedly echoes the gratitude expressed by Dean Grinvald. “The Thomas family has a long legacy of generosity towards 51�Թ������ܿƴ�. A commitment of this magnitude will advance our students’ education and benefit community members beyond the confines of campus. Their support continues to leave an indelible mark on the university.”

At the request of the donors, the total commitment amount will remain confidential.

51�Թ������ܿƴ� the William S. Boyd School of Law

Established in 1998, the William S. Boyd School of Law at the 51�Թ������ܿƴ� has nearly 400 students and offers three juris doctor degree programs: a full-time day program, a part-time day program, and a part-time evening program. The school also offers a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Gaming Law and Regulation and three dual degree programs: the J.D./MBA, J.D./M.S.W., and J.D./Ph.D. It is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools. For more information about Boyd Law, please visit and stay connected on , , and .