When presented with the question ‘why I give?’ Beth Tanis, a College of Law advocate and donor said:
“The bottom line [reason] is the quality of the students, the dedication of the staff, and the excellence of the faculty,” she explained at the Georgia State University College of Law’s annual Scholarship Donor and Recipient Recognition Luncheon on January 31, 2024.
Tanis, who endowed the Beth Tanis & John Chandler Scholarship along with her husband, said that becoming invested in the success of Georgia State Law was an easy choice for them.
Each year at the luncheon, the college honors its generous donors and students who are scholarship recipients. The students are able to meet their donors in person and express their gratitude.
Olusheun Olupitan (J.D. ‘26) speaks with College of Law donors at the 2024 Scholarship Donor and Recipient Recognition Luncheon.
Olusheun Olupitan (J.D. ‘26), who received the Health Law Scholarship, spoke on behalf of all the scholarship recipients in the room, “The scholarships we’ve received go beyond mere financial assistance; they represent a beacon of opportunity and a belief in our potential to positively impact the world.”
As she recognized and thanked the donors, alumni, faculty and staff of the college who work together to match financial gifts with recipients, Olupitan spoke to the transformative power of these scholarships to create future philanthropists. “I eagerly anticipate the day when we will be in your position, ensuring that the cycle of generosity and educational opportunity continues for years to come.”
This year, 88 students were awarded scholarships at Georgia State Law.
College of Law Dean Reed shared that six new scholarships were established in 2023 bringing the full endowment of the College of Law to more than four million dollars.
“Receiving the Marjorie Fine Knowles Scholarship has allowed me to pursue not only my dream to become an attorney, but to continue to serve my community,” said Katy Moss (J.D. ’25).
In a heartfelt and moving speech, Moss shared how important community has been to her, both after the loss of her mother to cancer in 2009 and during a challenging deployment as an officer in the Army in 2019 that tested her both physically and mentally. From her experiences, Moss drew on the strength and support of her communities and committed herself to use her law degree to return that support in the future.
Moss lauded the trailblazing life of Marjorie Fine Knowles, the first female law school dean of the College of Law and in the state of Georgia. “I think about her often,” Moss said. “I am so grateful for her and others like her. I am eternally grateful to be entrusted with her legacy.”
If you are interested in becoming a donor, contact the assistant vice president of development, Cass Joseph at [email protected].