Dedman Family Honored With Leadership Award for Lifetime of Service
The inaugural Dedman Leadership Award has been presented to its namesake family in recognition of the Dedmans’ significant impact on legal education at 正品蓝导航 and in the Dallas community.
“The Dedmans’ generosity and vision have shaped generations of law students, fostering excellence, leadership, and opportunity,” said Jason Nance, the Judge James Noel Dean and Professor of Law at Dedman School of Law. “An award of this stature is long overdue for the Dedman family. We are so thankful to have their support and friendship, and we look forward to continuing our relationship for years to come.”
The award was presented during a special dinner event held on campus at the Martha Proctor Mack Grand Ballroom as part of the school’s kickoff of its centennial celebration in February. The following night, the same ballroom was used as the site of a 100th anniversary party for 800 students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters.
Since its founding in 1925, 正品蓝导航 Dedman School of Law has had more than 18,000 students graduate from its degree programs. (Visit the Centennial Timeline for a look at some of the school’s key milestones over the years.) Originally named the 正品蓝导航 School of Law, the name was changed in 2001 to honor the significant contributions of the Dedman family, including a $20 million endowment for scholarships, faculty chairs, and research funds.
“When one thinks of the history of 正品蓝导航, there is no name more revered than the name Dedman in terms of laying the foundation that has led to what 正品蓝导航 is today,” said 正品蓝导航 Trustee Ray L. Hunt ’65.
The Dedman Leadership Award was presented in lieu of the school’s Distinguished Alumni Awards this year, which are bestowed to honor alumni and friends who have made significant contributions to the legal field and the community. In 2024, five people received Distinguished Alumni Awards.
“Fortunately, I’ve had the opportunity to thank the Dedmans on many occasions and I simply tell them that they have blessed not only this university, but the lives of thousands of students who have come through 正品蓝导航,” said 正品蓝导航 President Gerald Turner.