George Floyd Memorial Scholarship in Law

With a generous gift from Catlan M. McCurdy ’11 and Sanjiv P. Laud ’12 (pictured right), and an equal match from the Law School, the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship in Law was launched in June 2020.

The endowed scholarship was established to provide critical financial support to underrepresented students—Black or African-American students in particular—to pursue careers in the law and achieve their dreams.

“Mr. Floyd’s killing was a tragic reminder of the inequity and injustice facing Black Americans today, despite the decades that have passed since the civil rights movement,” McCurdy and Laud observed in their statement announcing the establishment of the scholarship. They expressed a hope that recipients of this scholarship will join the legal profession and join Minnesota Law alumni in advocating for racial justice and equality.

Dean Garry W. Jenkins noted, “As we lean into this moment together, I am proud and humbled by the actions and leadership of Catlan and Sanjiv, along with others in our Minnesota Law community. They have stepped up and taken action in addressing the challenges of racism and moving us towards justice. Their gift shows that we can all make a difference.”

McCurdy and Laud called on others in the Minnesota Law community and the broader Twin Cities legal community to stand with them and contribute to the scholarship fund. “Our nation is at a crossroads. The time to confront inequality and racism is now, and the whole world is watching. Together we can make a difference.”

Incoming 1L Brandon Redmon Named First Recipient of George Floyd Memorial Scholarship in Law

Brandon Redmon, 1L, first recipient of George Floyd Memorial Scholarship in Law

The Law School has named incoming 1L Brandon Redmon as the first recipient of the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship in Law.

The scholarship was set up by the Law School with the generous support and leadership of Catlan McCurdy ‘11 and Sanjiv Laud ‘12 as well as hundreds of other contributors.

“Brandon’s journey to Minnesota Law inspires all of us to believe in the future of the legal profession and in our ability to create a more just world,” said Dean Garry. W. Jenkins in announcing the award of the scholarship. “He is an exemplary standard-bearer for this scholarship, as well as for the Law School."

Learn more about Brandon Redmon, 1L, and his journey to the Law School.

Donate to the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship in Law Fund to support the education of future lawyer-leaders like Brandon.

“Although lawyers have led society in furthering civil rights and racial justice, the legal profession itself suffers a severe lack of representation of Black and other minority attorneys and students. I appreciate this opportunity to contribute."

“I give to the U of M George Floyd Memorial Fund to increase the number of black lawyers in our state.” —Ann Mailander Steingraeber ’11

“We are supporting the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship in Law in order to remember Mr. Floyd and support diversity at Minnesota Law.” —Mr. Michael L. Skoglund ’01, University of Minnesota Law School Board of Advisors

“I contribute to the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship in Law because of its commitment to training law students to become defenders of justice and human rights.” —Professor Steve Meili

“As a former Clinic faculty member and director, I want to support the work of the Law School in increasing the diversity of the student body.” —Clinical Professor of Law Emeritus Maury Landsman

Donate Now

To date, over 230 individuals have contributed to the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship in Law.