Mary and Stephen '73 CWSL Ford

"Steve Ford exemplifies what it means to be a Villanova lawyer—a successful corporate leader who remains dedicated to serving the greater good," said John Y. Gotanda, dean of the Villanova University School of Law. Stephen D. Ford '73 CWSL and his wife, Mary, have committed a $1 million planned gift to the law school, through a life insurance policy. The gift further endows The Stephen D. and Mary C. Ford Scholarship, established by the couple in 2010 to support an incoming first-year student from New England who is deserving of assistance because of academic merit and/or financial need and who demonstrates an interest in public interest legal work. "Through the further support of this scholarship, Steve and Mary are helping to ensure that future Villanova lawyers have the opportunity to follow in their footsteps, continuing the Villanova tradition of leadership through service," said Dean Gotanda.

"My experiences at Villanova Law School—especially with Deans Reuschlein and O'Brien, the faculty, and my classmates—impressed upon me that hard work would pay dividends. As a recipient of financial support as a law student, it was only fitting that I give back in a way that enables others to pursue their dreams," said Ford.

A dedicated alumnus, Ford has been a master in the Villanova Law J. Willard O'Brien American Inn of Court, served as co-chair of the Leadership Gifts Committee for the Campaign for Villanova Law and volunteered in many other capacities. He and Mary are also members of the 1842 Heritage Society.