| UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
JAMES E. ROGERS COLLEGE OF LAW |
MAY 20, 2026 | | | |
Greetings,
Today, we feature a new scholarship established by alumnus Steve Lainoff and his wife Riea, along with a dedicated cadre of other alumni and friends, to honor the creativity and innovation of Dean Emeritus Marc Miller.
Scholarships like this are crucial to supporting up-and-coming LawCats. Through the generosity and commitment of members of our community like Steve and Riea, Arizona Law students are empowered to pursue their goals and shape the future of the legal profession.
| | New Scholarship Established by Alumnus Steve Lainoff (’77) Honors Innovative Spirit of Dean Emeritus Marc Miller | | |
As dean of Arizona Law from 2012 to 2025, Marc Miller spearheaded innovations at the College of Law and in legal education as a whole, from the first-of-its-kind BA in Law to Arizona Law becoming the first law school to accept the GRE along with the LSAT for admissions.
So, when alumnus Steve Lainoff (’77) and his wife Riea Lainoff (pictured below) got the idea to create a new scholarship in Miller’s honor, it was an easy choice to call it the Marc L. Miller Innovation Scholarship Endowment.
| | |
The new scholarship, which started with a $50,000 endowment from the Lainoffs and quickly grew through other donations, is intended to celebrate Miller’s extraordinary career as dean and support future students who share his commitment to innovation and access in the field of law. Thanks to contributions from alumni and friends Andrew Maccabe (’02), Shawna Ballard (’91), Deborah Sliz (’79) and Alan Yandow, and Brad Vynalek (’99), the endowment is now up to $95,000.
“[Miller] developed so many good programs for the university [and] for the law school that put it in the public eye,” said Lainoff. “There was just one after another of entrepreneurial things that really made a difference, not only to the university, but made a difference, I think, in legal education.”
“As our alums, my colleagues and students know, I am rarely rendered speechless,” remarked Miller, who continues to teach as the Ralph W. Bilby Professor of Law. “But hearing about the scholarship created in my honor and funded by Steve and Riea and other wonderful alumni was one of those times. I am so grateful for those friendships and touched — it turns out not entirely beyond words — by this scholarship.”
For the full story, see here.
| |
Support Student Scholarships
Financial support is one of the most significant factors influencing a student’s decision to attend law school, including University of Arizona Law. If you are interested in contributing to the Miller Scholarship or another existing fund, or establishing a new scholarship, contact Shannon Walker, Director of Development, at sawalker@arizona.edu or 520-626-9223.
| | | This Evening: Meet Dean Kreag in Scottsdale and Kick Off the Next Era | | |
Now is the last chance to RSVP to meet Dean Kreag in Scottsdale, this evening, May 20, from 5–7 p.m.
Event: The Next Era Phoenix Reception
When: Wed., May 20, 2026, 5–7 p.m. (MST)
Where: University of Arizona Scottsdale Center, 7135 E. Camelback Rd., Suite 200, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
If you are in the Tucson area, we hope to see you on June 4:
Event: The Next Era Tucson Reception
When: Thurs., June 4, 2026, 5–7 p.m. (MST)
Where: University of Arizona College of Law, 1201 E. Speedway, Tucson, AZ 85721
Come connect with alumni and friends of Arizona Law and hear Dean Kreag share his vision and priorities for the Next Era of James E. Rogers College of Law.
| | Pidot Elected as American College of Environmental Lawyers Fellow | | |
Ashby Lohse Chair in Water & Natural Resources Justin Pidot, co-director of the Environmental Law, Science and Policy Program, was recently elected as a fellow of the American College of Environmental Lawyers (ACOEL). Professor Pidot is one of 19 new fellows elected, each a prominent environmental practitioner in private practice, academia, a not-for-profit organization or the government.
The ACOEL is a professional association of approximately 320 distinguished lawyers who practice in the field of environmental law. Membership is by invitation.
| |
Do You Have News?
Your success is the college’s success and we want to celebrate with you! If you have landed a new job, received an award or recognition, stepped into a leadership role or have good news in general, let us know.
| | | |
There is one word to best describe last weekend’s Convocation ceremony: joyful. In my first graduation weekend as the permanent dean of the College of Law, I enjoyed seeing families celebrating their graduating loved ones’ achievements. But most of all, I was overwhelmed by the sight of our students cheering enthusiastically for one another. (Watch the newsletter for more Convocation highlights in the coming weeks.)
Support and community are what makes our College what it is.
To Steve, Riea, Andrew, Shawna, Deborah, Alan and Brad: Thank you for being an integral part of our community.
| | | | |
.gif){kind=small}
