Building Charles Alan Wright's Legacy Through Giving

THE CHARLES ALAN
WRIGHT SOCIETY
THIS YEAR SIX MEMBERS OF THE LAW SCHOOL
community inaugurate the Charles Alan Wright
Society: Edwin DeYoung, Bryan Goolsby, Michelle
P. Goolsby (profiled with Bryan for the UTLAW
Winter 2005 cover story), Marcus Schwartz, and
Stephen Tatum. A gift has also been made to
honor the memory of Armond Schwartz, Marcus’
father. The new society is named for the famed
teacher, scholar, lawyer, and intramural football
coach who taught at the Law School from 1955
to 2000.
“Most people know Professor Wright as a preeminent
legal scholar,” said Ed DeYoung of Dallas. “But
it was his greatness as a teacher for which I remember
him. He enjoyed visiting with students in the
halls, in the student lounge, and, of course, on the
football field. His office door was almost always
open, and although he was busy, he’d always be available
to talk with students. He was a great mentor.”
The Wright Society began as a way to honor
a much-admired professor and to raise funds to
further the Law School’s mission. Admission requires
a contribution of $25,000 or $50,000.
These funds will help Dean Powers attract and
retain outstanding professors, improve student
services, and enhance a sense of community
among the Law School’s graduates.
This a substantial gift, and as such it is meaningful
for both the donor and the Law School.
“My legal education allowed me to pursue a
career I’ve really enjoyed,” said Steve Tatum, a
Fort Worth native and a former president of
the Law School’s alumni association. “My wife,
Nenetta, and I feel a sense of duty to the school—
not an obligation, or something we do because
we have to. It’s something we wanted to do to
make it the best for law students going through it
now and in the future.”
Marcus Schwartz, of Hallettsville, Texas, agrees.
Since 1895, twelve years after the school opened,
his family has had the benefits of a UT education.
His father, Armond Schwartz, graduated in
1938, and his own son, Marcus Schwartz, Jr., will
graduate this month.
“I had the privilege of learning from phenomenal
teachers. They awoke interests in their subjects
which have lasted my entire life. My father
and grandfather had similar transformative experiences.
My wife, Amy, and I want to make sure
that the same benefits of a high-quality legal education
are available to future generations.”
PHOTOGRAPHS BY WYATT MCSPADDEN
Marcus Schwartz,’73
Q: Your family has had a member of each of four generations pass through
the Law School’s doors. What are your hopes for the school’s future?
A: My wife, Amy, and I are committed
to expressing our appreciation
of the education from which our
family has benefited. We also want
to make sure the same benefits are
available to future generations of
students through the recruiting
and retention of quality faculty
members. Private schools pressure
you to do this from the very first day.
But I received a great education
from the Law School, and we are
glad to participate in giving back
at our public law school.
Stephen Tatum,’79
Q: As a former president of the Alumni Association, how do you see
the school and the alumni association evolving?
A: As the Law School continues to
grow in national reputation, today's
students leave with a more valuable
degree, and those with degrees take
even more pride in our institution. As
alumni, we have an interest in both
outcomes. The school is just beginning
a two-way dialogue with its
alumni members. My dream, and the
dream of many others, is that we find
more ways to support each other.
We're in the nascent stages of these
developments, and we are excited
about how they're evolving.
Ed DeYoung, ’71
Q: There is a lot of need in the world and in your community. How did you
and your wife decide to give such a substantial gift to the Law School?
A: Paula and I give to a number
of organizations, but we believe
that the administration of justice
is a high calling. It’s worthwhile
to maintain high standards and
recruit the best faculty and
students we can so that society
will benefit from lawyers who
have been taught well. I was
taught by many legends, including
Wright, Keeton, Graglia, Johanson,
and Weintraub. We want this
next generation of students to
have the same opportunity.
Spring 2005 UTLAW 19