Thanks to a significant donation from Rusin Law, Ltd., the Illinois Institute of Technology and Chicago-Kent College of Law have launched a new scholarship aimed at supporting law students with disabilities. This initiative, named the Rusin Law Scholarship for Students with Disabilities, will award up to three students annually.
Beth Campbell, interim vice president for advancement, expressed gratitude for the support from Rusin Law. "We are incredibly thankful to Rusin Law for its visionary support and dedication to advancing opportunities for students with disabilities," she stated. She emphasized that the scholarship is an investment not only in careers but also in shaping a diverse society.
The inspiration behind this scholarship comes from Mark P. Rusin, managing partner at Rusin Law and a Chicago-Kent alumnus. Having received a modest scholarship himself during his law school years due to his disability, he aims to provide similar opportunities for future students facing challenges. "I suffered a severe spinal cord injury as a teenager," said Rusin. "I know it is vitally important for anyone with a disability to have an opportunity for education to lead their best life possible."
Rusin's commitment extends beyond this scholarship; his firm has been active in supporting the disability community through various initiatives such as establishing the Chicagoland Alliance for Disabled-Owned Businesses and supporting the Z Life Organization.
Anita K. Krug, Dean of Chicago-Kent College of Law, highlighted the impact of this new financial aid on prospective students. "Students with disabilities often face financial, logistical, and social barriers that can make law school feel out of reach; this scholarship will make a meaningful difference in those students’ lives," she remarked.
Chicago-Kent College of Law stands out as it integrates technological advancements into its curriculum given its affiliation with a tech university. The institution offers extensive externship programs and unique clinical models which provide real-world experience alongside highly ranked trial advocacy programs.
Rusin Law specializes in representing employers and their insurance carriers regarding workplace injuries across its offices located in Chicago, Champaign, and Harrisburg.