Syracuse University law students are settling in for many long nights of studying in a new space.
The university's college of law christened its new home, Dineen Hall, Friday. It's named for two alumni, Robert and Carolyn Dineen.
The Dineens both put themselves through Syracuse law and became prominent attorneys in both the city and New York state. Their children donated $15 million for the new hall.
One daughter is the Hon. Carolyn Dineen King, a judge on the federal fifth circuit, based in New Orleans.
"What the college of law did for my parents is to provide them with one of the most important opportunities in their lives. Specifically, the opportunity to build a fulfilling, successful and happy professional life," she said at the ceremony.
"Absolutely everyone is proud of this building, but they're even more proud that it's called Dineen," said Chancellor Kent Syverud.
The new building, on the western edge of campus, was designed to incorporate natural light and collaborative spaces.
Enrollment at law schools nation-wide has been declining since the recession and new facilities are often used as a way for universities to attract students.
"I clearly would not be here but for the incredible education that I got at Syracuse University," said Hon. Theodore A. McKee, a law school alumnus who gave the keynote address. "And this building is but one more bit of excellence, I think, in what is going to be, incredibly, an even more excellent educational institution."
Dineen Hall replaces the two previously used law school buildings. Those will now be filled by the university’s college of human ecology.
