Historic Gift to St. John's Law School Establishes DiMartino/Smith Public Interest Center

DiMartino/Smith Public Interest Center: A Historic Investment in Future Legal Advocates

St. John's University School of Law has reached a significant milestone with the announcement of a groundbreaking gift, transforming its Public Interest Center into the DiMartino/Smith Public Interest Center. This initiative honors the considerable contributions of alumna Rose DiMartino '81 and her spouse Karen Sue Smith, a partnership that has culminated in a multi-million dollar endowment, marking the largest naming gift in the law school’s century-long history.

Dean Jelani Jefferson Exum shared the news during a significant ceremony, emphasizing the lasting impact this gift will have on future generations. The DiMartino/Smith Public Interest Center has long served as a platform for St. John's Law students to embrace opportunities that promote social justice and the public good. For over a decade, it has been pivotal in shaping students’ careers through various programs aimed at enhancing practical skills while addressing community issues.

Among the center's flagship initiatives is the Summer Public Interest Fellowship Program, which provides stipends for students pursuing full-time, unpaid summer internships with nonprofit organizations, government entities, and judicial bodies. With the newfound funding, the program is poised to expand, offering increased financial support to summer fellows and creating new opportunities for students driven to provide pro bono services.

The center will also introduce programs such as the Public Interest Intensive, broaden its pro bono initiatives, and launch symposiums focusing on pressing issues affecting underserved populations in New York. Jeanne Ortiz-Ortiz, the Center's Director, expressed her enthusiasm about the gift, stating that it represents a strategic investment in the future of the students and enhances their capacity to engage in public service and interest careers.

DiMartino and Smith’s commitment to public interest law is evident in their long-standing support for the various programs at the center, including their continuous funding of fellowships. DiMartino reflected on the motivations behind their substantial gift, linking it to the Vincentian values of compassion and service that are hallmarks of the St. John's mission.

As the law school celebrates its 100th anniversary, the establishment of the DiMartino/Smith Public Interest Center signifies a crucial moment in its evolution. The center’s revitalization not only reinforces the school’s dedication to fostering a culture of public service but also illustrates how integral public interest is to the educational experience at St. John's Law.

Dean Exum remarked on the transformative nature of this gift, acknowledging the vital role it will play in ensuring the next generation of legal professionals is prepared to address the challenges facing our legal system and communities. By investing in future advocates, the DiMartino/Smith Center provides students with the tools they need to drive positive change and embody the spirit of service that St. John's University stands for.

To discover more about this exciting development, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the DiMartino/Smith Public Interest Center's website or reach out to the Center’s director directly. Today marks not just a celebration of generosity but a reaffirmation of the St. John's Law legacy as it steps into another century of excellence and public service.