The Lake County Bar Foundation (LCBF) announced a generous $100,000 donation to Northern Illinois University College of Law on May 8, 2025, marking a significant investment in the future of legal education. The donation, unanimously approved by the Foundation’s Board, will establish the “Lake County Bar Foundation Scholars” program, which will provide scholarship support to law students from Lake County attending NIU College of Law.
According to Scott B. Gibson, Chair of the LCBF Long-Range Planning Committee, “This funding will have an immediate and lasting impact by supporting multiple students beginning in the Fall 2025 semester. Each LCBF Scholarship is funded over the next ten years, instilling continuity and longevity to support and create a culture of LCBF Scholars who will be introduced and welcomed into our Bar Association and all of our activities.”
NIU Law Dean Cassandra L. Hill expressed deep appreciation for the Foundation’s gift, stating, “We are deeply grateful to the Lake County Bar Foundation for their generous $100,000 gift in support of student scholarships. This investment in our students is truly transformative. It will ease financial burdens, expand access to legal education, and empower the next generation of lawyers to pursue their dreams and serve their communities with purpose.”
Special thanks to LCBF President Joann Fratianni (‘79) and member Keith Grant (‘87) for presenting the ceremonial check to Dean Cassandra L. Hill. This partnership between the Lake County Bar Foundation and NIU College of Law reflects a shared commitment to educational access, professional excellence, and community engagement. The establishment of the LCBF Scholars program will strengthen the pipeline of talented law students from Lake County and provide them with the support and connections needed to thrive in both law school and the legal profession.
