The family of alumnus Ryan Scates has established a new scholarship at the University of Georgia School of Law. The scholarship will benefit those intending to become Double Dawgs (i.e., those who have earned at least one degree from UGA before entering UGA Law).
The scholarship will also support those who are married and/or have children or dependents and those with an exceptional commitment to and passion for UGA as demonstrated by leadership, volunteerism, mentorship and service.
Ryan and his wife, Kiel, are both Double Dawgs. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2010 and his Juris Doctor in 2013, while Kiel earned her Bachelor of Science in Education in 2010 and her Master of Education in 2012.
They partnered with the UGA Foundation, which provided matching funds, to create the Scates Family Endowment to support future legal leaders.
"The University of Georgia has made a transformational impact on the life of our family," Ryan said. "Kiel and I are honored to be able to give back to UGA in a way that can hopefully help make a similar impact on other families in the UGA community."
School of Law Dean Peter B. "Bo" Rutledge said, "I want to take this opportunity to thank Ryan and Kiel for their ongoing commitment and dedication to the law school and university. This scholarship will provide UGA undergrads an added incentive to remain in Athens for three more years and stay immersed in all things red and black."
He added that a special thanks also goes to the UGA Foundation and its chair, Allison C. Ausband, for multiplying the impact of gifts such as the Scates family’s to the law school.
"This ongoing collaboration is changing lives and helping the School of Law to redefine what it means to be a great national public law school – one that offers a world-class, hands-on, purpose-driven educational experience while never surrendering our commitment to affordability," Rutledge said.