A Gift Written in Blue
Between them, Jonathan Beane ’98 and his wife, Dr. Jodie Roure ’04 (PhD), hold degrees from five universities. But it’s UB that lives closest to their hearts.
“We both feel this way,” Beane says. “It was an incredible academic experience, I made great friends, and I met my wife at Buffalo. I got way more out of the deal than the school did.”
“I would not be who I am today but for the University at Buffalo,” Roure says. “It was extremely challenging, but the faculty were really supportive and caring. I’ve never had that kind of support at any other institution.”
Now they’re paying it forward by endowing a financial award designated for a first-generation college student. The award will alternate between the law school and UB’s College of Arts and Sciences.
Roure herself was a first-generation college student, and Beane points to generous scholarship support that helped him through law school. A member of the Dean’s Advisory Council, Beane is senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer for the National Football League; Roure is an associate professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where she also directs two law school preparatory programs that guide students into law school and help ensure their long-term success in the legal profession.
The new gift builds substantially on the couple’s previous donations to the law school; “this will hopefully stand the test of time, which is something that we’re really proud of,” Beane says. And they’re hoping it serves as a blueprint for others who want to have an impact on the profession.
“If you feel the love for Buffalo,” Roure says, “even if you don’t have that much money, you can give in kind. Students need mentors, they need internships and experiential learning. Whatever you can give makes a difference.”
Law — where justice and knowledge meet — the perfect match
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