University of South Carolina renames law school after alumnus, trial lawyer
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– On Friday, The University of South Carolina announced the renaming of the law school and unveiled a new sign.
The new name was announced during a ceremony at the law school building at the corner of Bull and Senate Streets as the Joseph F. Rice School of Law.
Officials say the new name is in honor of alumnus and longtime school benefactor Joe Rice.
During the unveiling ceremony, it was revealed that Rice and his family made a $30 million investment that will be used to establish an endowed student scholarship fund.
University officials say the fund will create stipends for students completing a children’s law concentration, career and professional development funding for students, as well as additional training, awards, and support.
“His extraordinary generosity is not only a mark of his ongoing devotion to his alma mater, but it also ensures the Law School’s ascent as home to the highest-quality legal education and establishes a stellar trajectory for USC’s future growth and national repute,” said USC President Michael Amiridis.
At the ceremony, Rice spoke on his alma mater being a part of his family history and success.
“My hope is that this worthy cause will inspire and bring out the best in generations of future lawyers while laying the foundation they’ll need to achieve great things,” Lawyer Joe Rice said.
He got his law degree from USC in 1979 and has gone on to become a lawyer in many civil actions, including the $246 billion settlement with the tobacco industry, settlements involving the Deep Horizon BP Spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and the lawsuits against the pharmaceutical industry over opioids.
The law school is the university’s third academic unit to be named for a donor.
We’re proud to announce that @UofSCLaw will now be named the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law after a transformative and historic gift from prominent Lowcountry attorney and alumnus of the university Joseph F. Rice. https://t.co/IinFSHSN8F
— University of South Carolina (@UofSC) November 10, 2023
