Leonard D. Fromm joined the Maurer School of Law in 1979 as director of student affairs. From the beginning, he was a strong and effective advocate for students within the school’s administration. Just as important, he served the students as a thoughtful, empathetic, and deeply trusted counselor. He knew every student at the school. He was their guide as they grappled with the anxiety of the 1L year; as they became involved in the school’s extracurricular events and its social scene; and as they developed ways to cope with academic setbacks.

Along the way, Len advised and assisted them with every imaginable issue—financial problems, relationship challenges, personal growth. Countless graduates have begun stories about their experience at the law school with the words “I wouldn’t have been able to stay in school unless Dean Fromm had . . .”

During his 33 years at the law school, Len interacted with nearly 6,000 students, and he stayed in touch with a staggering number of them after their graduation.

For many students, Len’s personal involvement in their education shaped their student experience. He listened to students and understood their needs. And he addressed those needs by accessing an administrative structure that he was largely responsible for creating—with resources ranging from an active peer-advising program to a strengthened career development office to an extensive alumni network. Len also provided students with short-term emergency funding when they faced unexpected crises during their law school years.

Shortly after his retirement and untimely death in 2012, the law school established this fund in his honor. The purpose of the fund is to further what was always Len’s mission: to provide what a student needs, when the student needs it, in furtherance of the student’s success.

Please note, the name and purpose of the fund displayed on this page constitute the authorized description of the fund by the Indiana University Foundation, Inc. Your gift supports the fund as described herein.