Join me: A Letter from the Annual Fund Chair

Dear fellow alumni,

As I sit down to write this letter, I find myself overwhelmed with nostalgia and gratitude for the transformative years I spent at the University of Minnesota Law School. From the moment I first set foot on campus as an admitted student during the spring of 2011, I knew that I had found a special place: a community that would challenge me, support me, and ultimately shape me into the lawyer and person I am today.

As a native Bostonian and current New Yorker, I will never forget how apprehensive I was leaving my home. Was this the right law school for me? Would I fit in? But my time in the Twin Cities during law school quickly dispelled my fears and became an unforgettable experience. I fell in love with the vibrant neighborhoods of our Cities (with a personal bias towards my true home away from home, Lake of the Isles); I became an unstoppable attendee of the Minnesota State Fair (who knew I had such an affection for mini chocolate chip cookies?), and I transformed into a passionate Golden Gophers fan.

The Twin Cities embraced me, and I couldn’t help but embrace them back. But my love for the Twin Cities paled in comparison to my love for the Law School itself. We were privileged to learn about the “bundle of sticks” of real property and maybe less privileged to learn about the Rule Against Perpetuities. We spent countless hours working on our journals or preparing for our moot courts, always striving for excellence but never losing our sense of camaraderie or humor. I am honored to have lifelong friendships forged both during the many late-night study sessions and social events.

Returning to Minneapolis for my 10-year reunion last spring, I was struck by how much the Law School—and the Twin Cities—still felt like home. Walking through the familiar hallways, I was flooded with memories of the professors who mentored me, the classmates who became my dearest friends, and the experiences that shaped my legal career. It was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact that the Law School has had on my life.

I am more convinced than ever of the importance of giving back to the institution that continues to give so much to the students, the alumni, and the legal world. That is why I am asking you to join me in making a gift to the University of Minnesota Law School today. Your support will help ensure that current and future students have access to the same incredible education, supportive community, and life-changing opportunities that we did.

Whether you are a fellow attorney in private practice, a public interest lawyer, or have used your legal education to pursue a different path entirely, I have no doubt that your time at Minnesota Law played a crucial role in your success. Let us come together as a community to pay it forward and invest in the future of our beloved alma mater.

Very truly yours,

Samuel Light ‘14
2024-2025 University of Minnesota Law School Annual Fund Chair

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