Donohue Bolsters BC Law's Business Focus
David A.T. Donohue, JD'71, knows when an idea makes good business sense. It's why he invested in Boston College Law School by making a $1.5–million commitment to fund a new assistant professorship. His gift, made with wife Pamela, is the largest individual gift in BC Law's history and will enhance business law studies while elevating the school's growing stature.
"Business building improves lives," says Donohue. "And by supporting outstanding scholarship, I believe BC Law students will have the opportunity to improve their own lives and the lives of many others whom they influence."
An entrepreneur at heart, Donohue is founder and president of International Human Resources Development Corporation (IHRDC), which he started while at BC Law.
Having grown up working in his grandfather's Pennsylvania oil fields, he began offering instructional programs to oil industry employees over summer break. Today, IHRDC is the worldwide leader in training and competency development for the oil and gas industries.
In a way, Donohue's philanthropic investment celebrates a career that's been on the leading edge and compels BC Law to remain on a similar track.
"Establishing a chair in business is critical because there is a great and increasing convergence between the legal and commercial spheres," explains Donohue. "I personally feel that a career devoted to business can be very rewarding, especially if it involves innovation and entrepreneurship."
BC Law is currently ranked among the nation's top 30 by U.S.News & World Report and provides a distinctive legal education that balances exceptional scholarship and clinical programming with a dedication to social justice.
Donohue's support of business law will help the school expand its reputation for excellence, which extends from tax and legal writing programs to specialties in international and environmental law.
"More than ever, BC Law students are pursuing opportunities in business," says Donohue. "I hope my gift can contribute to the many successful careers that will be launched from the law school community."