CARBONDALE, IL….State Rep. Patrick Windhorst joined fellow legislators State Senator Dale Fowler and State Representative Paul Jacobs for the announcement of a $10 million donation to Southern Illinois University’s law school earlier this week.
Rep. Windhorst says the donation, which is thought to be the largest ever one-time donation to the law school, is directed at improving educational opportunities for students, faculty, and staff as SIU School of Law celebrates its 50th anniversary.
“As a proud alumnus of the SIU School of Law, I am truly appreciative of the generosity of all who give of their time and money to assist in the school’s ongoing endeavor to provide high-quality legal education to aspiring attorneys,” Windhorst said. “Rural areas lack a sufficient number of attorneys, and that causes issues for individuals and businesses that need legal help. Thank you to John and Jayne Simmons for a wonderfully generous gift that is sure to positive impact the SIU School of Law for generations to come.”
SIU School of Law is the alma mater of more than 180 local, state and federal judges, with alumni practicing law in 48 states and more than 10 countries. SIU School of Law also features legal clinics that serve members of underrepresented communities and offers students a wide range of real-world experiences.
Pending approval of the SIU Board of Trustees, the SIU School of Law will be renamed as Simmons Law School because of the record donation made by John and Jayne Simmons.
Earlier in the 103rd General Assembly, Rep. Windhorst teamed up with Rep. Jacobs to sponsor HR 297, which recognizes Southern Illinois University School of Law on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. The Resolution, which passed unanimously, wishes the students, faculty, staff, and administration of SIU School of Law the very best and thanks them for their many contributions to their students and to the greater Southern Illinois region, the State of Illinois, the United States of America, and the entire world.