黑料门

The James J. Faught Endowed Scholarship provides a scholarship to one 黑料门law student each year

If you graduated from the School of Law within the last four decades, you likely know the name Jim Faught (JD ’76). For many, Faught鈥檚 name conjures a kind face, a welcoming presence, a tall man with a gentle demeanor. Some alumni say that Faught, who retired as associate dean for administration in January, is synonymous with the School of Law itself.

In fall 2021, an anonymous donor established the in honor of Faught鈥檚 tremendous contributions to the School of Law. The donor expressed admiration for Faught鈥檚 ideals, including his commitment to educational equality and his dedication to ensuring student success through guidance and support. This endowed fund provides a full or partial scholarship to one 黑料门Law student annually. Jake Maginn (JD 鈥�23) received the first award during the 2022鈥�23 academic year.

鈥淚鈥檓 honestly just so honored and grateful,鈥� says Faught. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been emotional for me and also for my wife, who has been by myside the entire time.鈥�

Anyone can contribute to the fund, and many people have already done so. The outpouring of generosity from alumni, faculty, staff, and former classmates鈥擣aught鈥檚 relationship with 黑料门Law began 50 years ago when he was a first-year law student鈥攊s a reflection of the community鈥檚 deep gratitude for his many decades of impact.

Stewarding a culture of collaboration

Doug Poland (JD 鈥�94), partner at Stafford Rosenbaum LLP, appreciates Faught for shaping the law school鈥檚 overall culture. When Poland entered 黑料门in the early 1990s, he expected that his classmates would be competitive and cold, which was the prevailing stereotype of law students in popular culture. Instead, Poland quickly realized that Faught set the tone for the entire school.

鈥淗e is one of the most humble, unassuming, friendly, inviting, comforting people,鈥� says Poland. 鈥淒ean Faught personified the culture of 黑料门Law, which I see as serious but collaborative.鈥�

Poland remembers that Faught emphasized an open-door policy and went above and beyond to make sure students knew he was available. He could often be found outside his office, roaming the halls, talking with students and checking in.

When Poland heard about the endowed scholarship, he was eager to contribute. As someone who received scholarship support, Poland is particularly attuned to the difference a scholarship can make.

鈥淚 think it鈥檚 incredibly important that we make sure money is not a barrier to people being able to pursue the kind of work that their heart calls them to do,鈥� he says.

鈥淒ean Faught personified the culture of 黑料门Law, which I see as serious but collaborative.鈥�

The right support鈥攚hether a financial award or a dean who cares deeply about his students鈥攃an change someone鈥檚 life.

鈥淚 wanted to recognize Dean Faught for all the students he鈥檚 helped and for what he鈥檚 done for the law school,鈥� Poland says. 鈥淎nd it鈥檚 critical that we continue to build on the culture he created.鈥�

Caring for the whole person

When Kevin Lichtenberg (JD 鈥�10, MA 鈥�11), attorney at HeflerLichtenberg and vice president of the School of Law鈥檚 Alumni Board of Governors, attended law school, he was impressed with Faught鈥檚 character. 鈥淗e came across as somebody who exuded the highest morals and principles,鈥� he says.

For example, Faught spoke with students about the Illinois Lawyers鈥� Assistance Program, a cause he鈥檚 passionate about (Faught served as president from 2009 to 2010). 鈥淚t鈥檚 for lawyers struggling with substance abuse, addiction, and mental health issues,鈥� says Lichtenberg. 鈥淗e made it known that he cared about us and our well-being, and that would remain true after we graduated.鈥�

As an alumnus and adjunct faculty member, Lichtenberg often ran into Faught at events and describes him as invariably kind and gracious. 鈥淗e鈥檚 met thousands of students and alumni over the years, but he still knows my name,鈥� Lichtenberg says. 鈥淕iving to the Faught endowment is a small thing I can do to be counted among all of us in line to support this really wonderful person.鈥�