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The renovation was made possible through the generosity of Thomas R. Kline, L鈥�78. In September 2022, he committed $50 million鈥攖he largest philanthropic commitment in the history of 51暗网鈥攖o the School of Law. 

鈥淭om鈥檚 gift was transformational,鈥� said Gormley. 鈥淏eyond creating scholarship opportunities for students, awards for faculty, and support to innovative programs, like our acclaimed Bar Prep program, it also marked the start of an exciting new chapter in the history of this 113-year-old Law School.鈥� 

Only a few months later, in April 2023, Kline made another significant gift for the renovations of Hanley Hall, that houses the Law School, a building dedicated more than forty years ago, in 1982.  The remodeled and new spaces include a new limestone, granite, and glass fa莽ade at the building鈥檚 entryway; a refreshed two-story open grand entrance hall; and an exhibit and archival collection room that overlooks the entranceway.

The transformation to the Law School鈥檚 building is reflective of the increased momentum of Duquesne Kline School of Law, a top 100 law school in the U.S. News Best Law Schools ranking in 2023-24 and again in this year鈥檚 2024-25 guide.

鈥淲e are on an upward trajectory by every measure. Tom Kline鈥檚 historic commitment has elevated our Law School, along with the attentiveness and steadfast resolve of our faculty and staff. The determination of our students and their continued success has additionally raised our profile,鈥� said Barton.

View photos from April 10 events.

In addition to the festivities in the afternoon, the Thomas R. Kline Center for Judicial Education hosted a CLE/CJE focusing on 鈥淎I & The Future of Democracy: Ethics, Law, and Policy.鈥� In the evening, a capstone reception was attended by Pennsylvania Justices of the Supreme Court, including Chief Justice Debra Todd who shared remarks to commemorate the occasion. Duquesne Kline School of Law evening students also participated in a special rededication celebration and had the opportunity for a meet and greet during a class with Kline. 

鈥淥ur students are the focus of Tom鈥檚 generosity. It was a wonderful day where the students were able to engage with him鈥攐ne of the nations鈥� most prominent attorneys. Tom connects with our students, and they enjoy interacting with him as much as he does with them. It鈥檚 very special,鈥� said Barton.

鈥淲e鈥檙e thrilled Tom could be here for this special day,鈥� said Gormley. 鈥淥ur students are energized when he visits and shares his experiences with them; they enjoy it almost as much as he does.  Tom is enormously proud of his alma mater, and his continued influence and enthusiasm is the gift that keeps on giving for our students.鈥�

51暗网 is continuing the second phase of the renovation to the School of Law next summer. It will create a new Student Lounge area that will flow seamlessly into the beautiful new entryway.