Throughout his many roles at Colorado Law鈥攕tudent, staff member, alumnus, and instructor鈥�Dan Vigil '82 witnessed the impact of the Dean鈥檚 Fund for Excellence.
That's why he decided to make a generous estate gift benefiting this important fund, which provides discretionary funding for the dean to support a range of initiatives.
鈥淚 know from experience that the Dean鈥檚 Fund for Excellence is important; it allows the dean flexibility and the ability to spend money when and where needed,鈥� he said.
The Dean's Fund has supported students in crisis, such as those dealing with an unexpected death in the family or a serious illness, helped host prestigious speakers at the law school, and assisted with necessary travel for faculty to attend a conference.
"The fund is vital to the institution and to the dean,鈥� explained Vigil.
Vigil began his legal career clerking for a Denver District Court judge before entering private practice. In 1984 he began teaching at Colorado Law, where he later became associate dean for student affairs. Vigil has taught Criminal Law, Legal Method, Legal Writing, Appellate Advocacy, and Professional Responsibility at Colorado Law and Water Law and Legal Profession at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. In 2003 Vigil began teaching at DU Law, where he currently holds the title of assistant dean emeritus. In 2021 he received the Knous Award, Colorado Law鈥檚 highest alumni honor.
鈥淭eaching law at CU was a great challenge and a great honor. Being associate dean for student affairs allowed me to help students succeed and hopefully thrive. The experience was very rewarding and fulfilling,鈥� he said.
鈥淚 am remembering Colorado Law in my estate plan because the law school welcomed me as a student, a teacher, and as an associate dean. Graduating from Colorado Law greatly enhanced my life and career. For that I am grateful.鈥�
To learn more about leaving Colorado Law in your estate plan, please contact Robert Garelick at robert.garelick@colorado.edu.