“Providing for Columbia Law School is a way to fulfill philanthropy goals with the hope that others will enjoy the opportunities I have had.”
– Barbara Shiers ’80
The Harlan Fiske Stone Society
We invite you to join the Harlan Fiske Stone Society and reaffirm your commitment to the future of Columbia Law School.
Membership strengthens our community and draws upon a collective sense of purpose that connects the legal academy and the application of the law in the global community.
Your gifts have a direct impact on our educational mission and reinforce our aspiration to be the leading center for legal education in the world. Gifts can be directed to support:
- Dean’s Discretionary Fund
- Faculty support
- Student support
- International and LL.M. programs
- Social Justice Initiatives
- Learning environment
- And Other Initiatives
Donors making a cash gift at one of the below levels during a fiscal year (July 1 to June 30) are recognized for their generosity as Harlan Fiske Stone Society members. They will be listed in the Annual Report of Donors and receive access to exclusive communications as well as invitation-only events and experiences.
| Dean's Leader | $100,000 and above |
| Dean's Cabinet | $50,000 – $99,999 |
| Dean's Circle | $25,000 – $49,999 |
| Dean's Counselor | $10,000 – $24,999 |
| Dean's Benefactor | $5,000 – $9,999 |
| Dean's Patron | $2,500 – $4,999 |
Recent graduates up to nine years out are invited to join the Harlan Fiske Stone Society with gifts starting at $500.
The Harlan Fiske Stone Society Award is presented each year at a reception to honor an individual who has demonstrated what it truly means to be a loyal supporter of the Law School–leadership in annual giving, volunteerism, civic engagement, and contributions to and achievements within the legal profession.
Past Recipients
2019: Susan Waltman
2018: Susan Lindenauer
2017: Blair Fensterstock
Harlan Fiske Stone (1872–1946), Class of 1898
Harlan F. Stone was a United States Supreme Court justice for 20 years and a New Dealer who defended civil liberties and individual rights against a conservative Court majority. A core tenet of his legal philosophy was that the law could adapt to changing societal conditions. In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt elevated the 69-year-old Stone to chief justice.
Stone studied at Columbia Law School after graduating from Amherst College. He was such a brilliant student that he was offered a teaching position at the Law School after graduating in 1898. He accepted the position while simultaneously maintaining a private practice.
After being named dean of the Law School in 1910, Stone went on to serve in the position for 14 years. He was known for taking a great interest in his students, who called themselves “Stone-Agers” in his honor.
In 1946, the year of Stone’s death, the Columbia Law School faculty established the Harlan Fiske Stone Scholars. These scholarships are awarded each year in recognition of academic achievement by students in each of the three J.D. classes and in the LL.M. Program. That same year, the Harlan Fiske Stone professorship in constitutional law was established.
Planned gifts give back, allowing you to take sizable income, capital gains, and estate deductions on your taxes. They can provide income for you and your family for life.
If you choose to include Columbia Law School in your estate plan, please contact the Development team at 212-854-2680. We would like to recognize your generosity by welcoming you to the Kent Affiliates, the Columbia Law School branch of the 1754 Society. Learn more on our Bequests and Planned Giving page.