California alumnus donates four million dollars to Indiana Law

As a student at the Indiana University School of Law—Bloomington in the mid-1950s, Donald P. Dorfman knew what it meant to struggle.

Through a $4 million gift - dedicated to endowing scholarships - Dorfman's dream to help those who are working their way through school has become a reality. Dean Lauren Robel said,"Don is one of the most committed Indiana graduates ever. He has been engaged with our students during admissions, while they are in school, and when they are trying to find that first job. This incredibly generous gift recognizes Don's extraordinary commitment to the Indiana Law family, and will give generations of students the help they need to complete law school successfully,"

Why such a generous gift to Indiana Law? Dorfman humbly explained: "When I went to law school, there was no such thing as a scholarship. I am able now, financially, to give back. I was really very poor, and my scholarship is intended to go to someone like me. If somebody is required to work to put themselves through school, I want to be able to help them."

The entire gift will be dedicated to endowed scholarships and qualifies for matching funds as part of IU's Matching the Promise campaign. Getting more "bang for the buck" was an important impetus for Dorfman. "I was motivated to make the gift now because I wanted to qualify for matching funds, thus leveraging my support even more," he said.

Dorfman received his B.A. in Government from IU in 1955. He has never forgotten the financial challenges he overcame to receive his education, and that memory is why he wanted to establish endowed scholarships for needy students at the Law School.

"My time at Indiana University was the happiest time in my life," Dorfman said. "I have found that success is largely based on the individual - but I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for Indiana Law." Today, Dorfman is a successful criminal defense specialist in private practice in Sacramento, CA.

But he can look back with fondness at his time in Bloomington. Dorfman's class began studies at Maxwell Hall, but moved over to the current School of Law building on Indiana Avenue once it opened. He still remembers hand-carrying law books over from the old building.

After earning his law degree, Dorfman was commissioned as a judge advocate for the U.S. Air Force. That, he said, is an option today's law students might want to consider instead of joining a large firm straight out of school.

"Pickings were slim in those days," Dorfman said. "To begin as a judge advocate gave me some magnificent training. Have an open mind. Look around, and if there are any openings in a JAG department, take a look. It's certainly very broad training."

Dorfman continues to serve Indiana Law in a variety of capacities. He received the Distinguished Service Award in 2005, and is a Class Agent. He is also a member of the Board of Visitors. Dorfman has also helped connect Indiana Law graduates connect with employers on the West Coast.