Dennis E. Benner, Giving Back - Thomas M. Cooley Law School

5he isn’t. In fact, he has been married for over 30 years and hastwo grown children. Their sons, Garrett, 24, and Brandon, 21,both attended Lehigh University and currently the eldest is atCooley Law School.“I know my wife would consider me a workaholic,” said Benner. “Ijust really like to work and I also consider my work a hobby forme. I only hope that my sons find the career that will give them thesatisfaction that I have experienced through the years.”Currently Benner shares his satisfying career with business partnerin the law firm, Benner and Piperato. With over 20 years togetherin business, the law firm is considered one of the longest standingfirms in the area and is committed to continuing to serve the area formany more years to come. Joe Piperato is also a Cooley graduate.“I would say that we work really hard at what we do. We’re dealmakersand we love doing it,” he said. “I would also say that wehave had our share of luck as well. Being in the right place at theright time is important. I would attribute a strong foundation, hardwork, and a little luck to our success. Sometimes, it seems the harderyou work, the luckier you get!”GIVING BACK IS IMPORTANTBenner gives tremendous credit for his strong convictionsand dedication to the time spent at Cooley Law School.“My Cooley education is a wonderful asset for anything that I do,”he said. “Cooley taught me how to teach myself. That is a tremendousasset.”Benner has spent the last 25 years watching as his alma mater hasgrown and prospered. He admits that he has a sense of pride thatthe school is now considered the largest law school in the nation.“My Cooleyeducation is awonderful assetfor anything thatI do,”“Cooley taughtme how to teachmyself. That is atremendousasset.”“The continued growth and visibility of the school is truly a tributeto the board and administration,” Benner said. “They have topnotch professors and a legal community that supports them. It isimpressive.”Although Benner is a busy man, he hasn’t lost sight of his responsibilityto acknowledge the many people, places, and educationalopportunities he has had. Benner recently gave a large “thankyou” gift to Cooley Law School, which has truly demonstrated hisappreciation for his education.“It’s time to give back and I couldn’t think of a better place to doit,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot from all the experiences I’veencountered in my life. I’m thankful for every job, career, or educationalopportunity that I’ve ever had.”