University of New Hampshire School of Law dean John Broderick
Nine sitting and former U.S. senators, including John McCain and Patrick Leahy, have agreed to co-chair a $10 million fundraising campaign to launch the Warren B. Rudman Center for Justice, Leadership and Public Policy.
The former New Hampshire senator, who died on November 19, had been working with the law school to establish the center, which will conduct public-policy research and support students who plan careers in public service.
"While Warren Rudman's courage, leadership and willingness to work for the greater good will be profoundly missed, we are committed to establishing the Rudman Center to serve as an active, living tribute to his extraordinary years of state and national public service and to influence generations of new, public spirited lawyers," dean John Broderick said.
The school plans to establish a Rudman Fellows program, under which two students each year will be granted tuition exemptions, summer scholarships and year-long placements at a public policy organization, such as the New Hampshire attorney general's office.
In return, fellows must spend a least three years working in public-interest or government positions following graduation.
Additionally, the center will offer 20 public-interest summer fellowships and eight year-long public-interest job placements upon graduation.
"Warren Rudman advanced justice for even the most vulnerable among us throughout his career," Broderick said. "His legacy of advancing sound public policy, efficient government, fiscal responsibility and integrity will be the framework that guides the mission and vision of the Rudman Center."
An opening ceremony for the center is scheduled for April 21 and will feature an address by McCain. Senators Bob Kerrey, Ernest Hollings, Sam Nunn, Judd Gregg, William Cohen, Phil Gramm and Olympia Snowe will also serve on the fundraising committee.
Rudman, a graduate of Boston College Law School, served as New Hampshire attorney general during the 1970s and represented the state in the Senate between 1980 and 1993; he was influential in persuading President George H.W. Bush to nominate David Souter to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. He joined Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison as a partner, becoming of counsel upon his retirement in 2002. He was co-chairman of McCain's presidential campaign in 2000.
Contact Karen Sloan at ksloan@alm.com.
