Ray & Kay Eckstein Hall

An historic opportunity now presents itself as Marquette broadens its conception of what it means to be "Milwaukee's Law School." The Law School seeks to build upon its recent advances, which are exemplified by the school’s recent creation of an Office of Public Service and its expanded commitment to hosting debate on critical issues of the day, such as through Mike Gousha’s series, "On the Issues." In particular, Marquette Law School is building a new facility that will help it:

• Welcome the highest-quality students from all backgrounds.
• Attract and keep the best faculty.
• Expand outreach in public service and discourse on public policy.

These components are part of a comprehensive campaign through which the school seeks to create the place, recruit the people, and help develop programs that are right for our time.

With support from alumni and friends, Marquette is constructing Ray & Kay Eckstein Hall. It will be a signature building where the Law School can fully reflect the vision it shares for Milwaukee and the legal profession — including a commitment to professional expertise, public service, and access to justice.

Marquette will continue to educate skilled and ethical lawyers who are trained to solve clients’ problems. The creative learning environment of the new facility — from a library without borders to spaces that encourage study, collaboration, research, and dialogue — will help fulfill our shared vision for Marquette Law School, our region, and, truly, the larger human community.

Lawyers, judges, academics, policymakers — every interested citizen — will find reason after reason to come to Marquette Law School to participate in discussing the most important issues of the day.

The boldness of Ray & Kay Eckstein Hall will establish a new and exciting commons, where open discourse on law and public policy will flourish, with Milwaukee itself as both a backdrop and a beneficiary of our shared vision.

• A four-story open forum in the heart of the building will serve as a gathering spot and encourage a sense of community.
• The law library will combine a strong print-based collection with superb technology and professional support services.
• A trial courtroom will provide an authentic environment for training students.
• An appellate courtroom will serve as a ceremonial courtroom for moot court finals and visits by appellate courts, lecture hall, and forum for public debate.
• A welcoming, two-story reading room will offer expansive views towards downtown and a comfortable environment where students will be able to immerse themselves in the traditions of the law.
• A chapel on the fourth floor, named for St. Edmund Campion, S.J., provides a place of quiet reflection for all members of the law school community any time the building is open and is the site of monthly Masses during the academic year.
• A fitness center, also on the fourth floor, that includes an equipment workout room, lockers/shower facilities, and an exercise room where fitness classes are taught.
• A "faculty cluster" will group offices in a way that encourages dynamic interaction, research, and mentoring.
• A conference center will host important events, including debates on pressing questions of the day, annual Restorative Justice Initiative conferences, and continuing legal education seminars.

The Project
There can be no doubt that this is a turning point in Marquette Law School’s history. The Law School seeks to position itself to ensure that future Marquette lawyers possess the knowledge, skills, and values that a society dedicated to freedom and justice requires. Keep up-to-date with our Eckstein Hall website.

Ways to Give

• Cash Gifts: Outright gifts of cash or by check or credit card can be made once or
  on a recurring basis.
• Pledges: A pledge in support of the campaign can be payable over three to five years. Pledges must be made in writing to be credited toward the campaign.
• Securities: A gift of long-term appreciated securities, either publicly traded or from
  a closely held company, may provide greater tax advantages than a cash gift.
• Electronic transfer of stock to Marquette Law School: Brokers can be instructed to transfer stock electronically to Marquette’s account at UBS Financial Services.

Matching Gifts: If your or your spouse’s employer provides matching gifts, please include a matching gift form with your gift or pledge. If you are unsure whether your employer will match your gift, you may inquire using our online search tool.

Recognition
Be recognized as part of the Law School’s transformation.

We will acknowledge your generosity in Ray & Kay Eckstein Hall. Individual gifts of $5,000 or more in support of the comprehensive campaign, including the building fund or scholarships, will be recognized. Gifts of $50,000 or more to the building fund also will have a recognition opportunity associated with a particular room or space in Eckstein Hall.

Your recognition opportunity is based on your total commitment.

What does a five-year pledge look like?
$100,000 amounts to an annual payment of $20,000
$50,000 amounts to an annual payment of $10,000 
$40,000 amounts to an annual payment of $8,000   
$30,000 amounts to an annual payment of $6,000   
$25,000 amounts to an annual payment of $5,000   
$15,000 amounts to an annual payment of $3,000    
$10,000 amounts to an annual payment of $2,000   
$5,000 amounts to an annual payment of $1,000     
$2,000 amounts to an annual payment of $400        
$500 amounts to an annual payment of $100           

Note that pledge payment schedules can be tailored to fit individual needs with, for instance, a final “balloon” payment and more modest payments in the first years.

Woolsack Society

The Woolsack Society recognizes those donors whose annual gifts of $2,000 and above provide the Law School with money to live by. While endowment funding—money to grow by—is critical to the future of the School, Woolsack support provides the Dean with funds to meet its greatest current needs.

View the Woolsack Society Information.

Make an Online Donation

For more information about Naming Opportunities for Marquette University Law School, please contact Christine Wilczynski-Vogel or at (414) 288-3167, or John Novotny, Director, Law School Advancement, at (414) 288-5285.