The members of the Bowles Rice McDavid Graff&Love law firm have pledged $250,000 to establish The Bowles Rice McDavid Graff&Love Professorship of Law at the West Virginia University College of Law.

The professorship recognizes the importance of the WVU College of Law to the legal profession and to the people of the state. It was created in conjunction with the West Virginia University Foundations Building Greatness Campaign, a $250 million fund-raising effort it is conducting on behalf of the University.

According to Tom Graff, managing member and CEO of the firm,”Our firm has a long history with WVU and the College of Law. We have attorneys who have taught and continue to teach at the College of Law and several members serve the University on various committees. We share a close personal relationship with members of the faculty and staff, and we are especially proud of the leadership of President Hardesty, a former member of Bowles Rice.”In making this contribution, the members of Bowles Rice reaffirm our commitment to West Virginia University and the College of Law. We believe in giving back to this institution that has given so much to each of us. We are insuring the future development and improvement of the College as well as our profession.”

The Bowles Rice McDavid Graff&Love Professor will be a full-time or visiting member of the faculty. The endowment will enable the law school to recognize outstanding teachers and researchers and continue to build a strong faculty. It also will provide financial support for the legal scholar and for his or her research.

“Bowles Rice McDavid Graff&Love has proven to be a remarkably adaptable firmwilling to go where its clients need it to go,”said WVU President David C. Hardesty Jr., a former partner with the firm.”This has kept it on the cutting edge of law practice in this state.”

College of Law dean John Fisher said,”We are extremely pleased with the pledge of the Bowles Rice McDavid Graff&Love Professorship of Law. This gift acknowledges the importance of private giving to the College and helps to ensure that we are able to meet our responsibilities of teaching, research and public service. The firm has a long history of supporting our College of Law and providing opportunities for our students. We are very grateful for their continuing support.”

The firm established the Bowles Rice McDavid Graff&Love Annual Law Scholarship Fund, in memory of Paul Bowles; has coached the Colleges Moot Court teams and provided employment opportunities for graduates.

Founded in 1920, Bowles Rice McDavid Graff&Love has grown into a regional firm with six offices and nearly 100 attorneys. The firm has developed practices in litigation, labor and employment, workerscompensation, real estate, bankruptcy, taxation, health care law, estate planning and government relations among others. It represents individuals, professionals, organizations, small businesses, and Fortune 500 companies from offices located in West Virginia, Kentucky and the surrounding region.

The gift was made to the WVU Foundation, a private, non-profit corporation that generates, receives and administers private gifts from individuals and organizations for the benefit of West Virginia University.