An astounding 98 percent of the graduating class donated money.

The Class of 2004 is one of the most tight-knit classes ever to graduate from the Law School. Just weeks after the students arrived on campus to begin their studies, the tragedy of September 11, 2001, occurred. Most of the students were away from family and friends, and had no one to turn to but one another. 

From that experience grew a bond, along with a tremendous amount of energy and spirit, all of which contributed to a record-breaking fundraising effort. Students made Stanford history by contributing at a rate of 98 percent to the class gift. They gave a total of $11,822, but matching donations of $10,000 each from seven alumni increased that to $81,822. 

Students designated their gifts for a wide range of purposes, including financial aid, the Law Fund (unrestricted support), minority recruitment, clinical programs, and the remodeling of the student lounge. “We wanted to leave a tangible gift behind,” said Class Treasurer Stacia Neeley, “and the Law Lounge was the perfect solution.” 

“Having been actively involved in many fund-raising efforts at Stanford, I know how big an accomplishment this is,” said Louis Friedman ’86 (BA ’83), National Law Fund Chair and Senior Managing Director at Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. “No graduating class has ever participated at this level.”