Lew Greenblatt, Class of 1969

When I was growing up on the southeast side of Chicago in a working middle class family, I never imagined that I would eventually become an attorney working with some of the most sophisticated and influential business leaders in the country.

My wife and I are providing scholarship support to first generation college-educated and law school bound students so that they can be afforded an opportunity to enjoy the interesting and rewarding professional life that I have had in the practice of law. I have received an overwhelming return on my investment (around $600 a year tuition) and want to show my gratitude in allowing others, who are otherwise qualified with the desire to succeed, to overcome financial obstacles to achieve their goals. The U of I provided me an affordable way to get a top notch legal education from many talented professors in preparation for an unbelievable career. My hope is that I can help others, similarly situated, achieve their aspirations and do the same—or better.