Affording Opportunity: Anderson Scholarships Support Student Leaders, Honor Distinguished Alumnus
The Anderson Scholars program, which began in 2010, honors the contributions of the late Alvin P. Anderson ’70, J.D. ’72, who was a managing partner at Kaufman & Canoles and a member of that firm’s Executive Committee.
In tribute to Alvin’s extensive service and deep civic commitment to the Hampton Roads and William & Mary communities, TowneBank established a $5,000 scholarship in his name to be awarded to a William & Mary Law School student and an undergraduate business major each year. Anderson’s wife, Betsy HON ’15 is involved in selecting the scholarship recipients.
“It is important to me to be part of the decision,” Betsy said. “It is not just an academic award; we want to choose someone who truly emulates Alvin’s personality and how he enjoyed life.”
Eight law students have been awarded Anderson Scholarships since 2010, the first being Blake Christensen ’12 (now associate director of the Montana State University Local Government Center). Other recipients include Jennifer Lynn Eaton ’14 (an associate at Vandeventer Black LLP); Kristin Poole ’16 (an associate at Woods Rogers PLC); John Satira ’17 (a law clerk, Eastern District of Virginia); Katie Lukish ’18 (who worked for McGuire Woods in Richmond last summer); and others.
“I think that Mr. Anderson found the time not only to be a great attorney, but a wonderful family member and a wonderful community member,” said Tessa Tilton ’19, who received her Anderson Scholarship this past September. “I’m going to put this award to good use as a reminder to become the best attorney and family member and community member that I can be.”
About William & Mary Law School
Thomas Jefferson founded William & Mary Law School in 1779 to train leaders for the new nation. Now in its third century, America's oldest law school continues its historic mission of educating citizen lawyers who are prepared both to lead and to serve.