The J. Evans Rose, Jr. Prize for Government Service
The Dick Thornburgh Forum for Law and Public Policy is pleased to present the J. Evans Rose, Jr. Prize for Government Service each year to a graduating Law School student whose goal is to pursue a career in government service, whether at the local, county, state, federal or international level. This award is $5,000. Mr. Rose was one of Pennsylvania’s most esteemed leaders in legal, political, and civic affairs at all levels and a longtime advisor to Governor Thornburgh. Mr. Rose, who passed away on July 20, 2012, was a partner at the law firm of Rose, Schmidt, Hasley and Disalle for two decades and later served as a director and executive committee member of the Cohen and Grigsby law firm from 1989 to 2009. Beyond his tireless service in the legal community, his political advice was immensely valued. He was a mentor and counselor to Governors Tom Corbett, Tom Ridge, and Dick Thornburgh, who was his classmate at Yale University and with whom he studied at the Pitt School of Law.
Mr. Rose also served on the Pitt Board of Trustees for 26 years, where he contributed to the Executive, Audit, Budget, Compensation, Health Sciences, Institutional Advancement, and Nominating committees, and he served on the Boards of Visitors of the School of Law, the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, and the Learning Research and Development Center. In addition to receiving the Trustee Medallion for his contributions on the Pitt board, Mr. Rose was awarded the University of Pittsburgh Bicentennial Medallion of Distinction.
The J. Evans Rose, Jr. Prize for Government Service, will be presented to a student whose goal is to pursue a career in government service, whether at the local, county, state, federal or international level.
Eligibility requirements
- Graduating from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in May 2025.
- Has worked in the field of government interest while in law school and intends to continue in this career path whether at the local, county, state, federal or international level.
- Demonstrate an interest in and commitment to government service.
- Note: You do not have to reside in Pennsylvania following graduation to be eligible.
Deadline
Applications may be submitted from September 2024 through December 13, 2024.
Notification
The recipient will be announced the week of January 20, 2025. Prize will be given in May 2025.
The Dick Thornburgh Prize for Legal Service
In tandem with The J. Evans Rose Prize for Government Service The Dick Thornburgh Prize for Legal Service is awarded annually to a graduating Law School student, who has provided legal assistance to low-income individuals through a legal services organization (i.e. Neighborhood Legal Services Association, Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc., etc.) while in law school and intends to continue in such service. This award is $5,000.
Dick Thornburgh graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1957. The Class ‘57 is a remarkable group many of whose members went on to become judges, educators, and high-profile attorneys. Of those dedicating their careers to public service, the most well-known is Dick Thornburgh -- former two-term Pennsylvania Governor and Attorney General of the United States serving both Presidents George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan. Dick Thornburgh, early in his career, made the decision to accept the challenges of legal services as well, serving as an incorporator and charter Board Member of Neighborhood Legal Services Association of Pittsburgh.
These awards will be granted to outstanding graduating law students each year.
The Dick Thornburgh Prize for Legal Service will be presented to a student who has worked in the field of legal services for low-income individuals through a legal services organization (i.e. Neighborhood Legal Services Association, Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc., etc.) while in law school and intends to continue on this career path.
The selection process and criteria for each of these one-time financial awards of $5000 is determined by the Dean of the School of Law in consultation with the award selection committee and presented in the month of May.
Eligibility requirements
- Graduating from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in May 2025.
- Has worked in the field of legal services for low-income individuals through a legal services organization while in law school and intends to continue in this career path.
- Demonstrate an interest in and commitment to legal service.
- Note: You do not have to reside in Pennsylvania following graduation to be eligible.
Deadline
Applications may be submitted from December 16, 2024 through March 21, 2025.
Notification
Recipient will be announced the week of April 14, 2025. Prize will be given in May 2025.
Apply through the PittLawWorks link for these awards and include the following:
- A cover letter indicating post-graduation plans along with interest and commitment to government and legal assistance services. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Dick Thornburgh Forum and Dean Mary Crossley.
- A current resume.
- A letter of recommendation is optional.