Scholarship created in honor of
Professor Dan Coenen
Dear alumni, alumnae and friends,
I am pleased to share that in recognition of his more than 35 years of service to the University of Georgia School of Law, 1995 alumna Julia A. Houston has created a scholarship in honor of longtime faculty member Dan T. Coenen.
The Dan T. Coenen Scholarship will support students who intend to practice corporate or business law in Georgia; who have confronted significant challenges; and who will advance the diversity of the legal practice with particular attention given to those who have attended historically Black colleges or universities.
“Dan Coenen had a significant and lasting influence on me, and I am sure that is true for thousands of others who have had the good fortune to learn from him,” Houston said. “He cares deeply about his students and the legal profession and is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment. It is a privilege to be a part of honoring his legacy at the law school.”
Coenen, who holds the titles of University Professor, Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor and Caldwell Chair in Constitutional Law, has been a member of the law school faculty since 1987, during which time he has taught countless students in the areas of contracts and constitutional law.
Over the years, he has been repeatedly recognized for his contributions to educating future lawyers. In 1998, he received the Josiah Meigs Award, the university's highest honor for excellence in teaching. He has been selected by students on multiple occasions as the recipient of what is now the Ellington Award for Excellence in Teaching as well as the O’Byrne Memorial Award for Significant Contributions Furthering Student-Faculty Relations. He has also received what is now the Brown Professionalism Award and has been chosen by 13 graduating classes to serve as an honorary marshal at their commencement ceremonies.
A former judicial clerk for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Harry A. Blackmun and for Chief Judge Clement F. Haynsworth, Jr., of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, Coenen also demonstrates the role of the lawyer as a public servant through his active involvement in the local community, from helping lead campaigns to pass a Special Local Option Sales Tax to his participation in a variety of local organizations. Three different mayors have appointed him to serve the local community in various roles, including as a member of the Athens-Clarke County Criminal Justice Task Force.
I know many of you join me in celebrating this scholarship honoring Professor Coenen, and I am grateful to Julia and the University of Georgia Foundation and its chair, Allison C. Ausband, for contributing matching funds.
Scholarships such as this help our institution as it continues to redefine what it means to be a great national public law school. By being one of the best returns on investment in legal education, your law school provides a viable path for those seeking to become a lawyer without taking on insurmountable debt. Thank you for all you do to support UGA Law!
Sincerely,
