Rusin Law Establishes Scholarship for Students With Disabilities at Chicago-Kent College of Law

CHICAGO—Thanks to a $50,000 transformative gift from Rusin Law, Ltd., Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) and Chicago-Kent College of Law have established a new scholarship to benefit law students with disabilities: Up to three students will be awarded the Rusin Law Scholarship for Students with Disabilities each year.

“We are incredibly thankful to Rusin Law for its visionary support and dedication to advancing opportunities for students with disabilities,” said Beth Campbell, interim vice president for advancement. “Through this scholarship, Rusin Law is not just investing in students’ careers but is helping to shape a world that reflects and serves the diversity of society.”

This scholarship was inspired by the experience of Mark P. Rusin (LAW ’90), managing partner at Rusin Law and a Chicago-Kent alumnus, who received a modest scholarship for students with disabilities while he attended law school. Today, Rusin aims to give back by opening doors to legal education for future students who may face similar challenges, with the added hopes that the scholarship will also inspire individuals with disabilities to consider a legal education at his alma mater.

“I suffered a severe spinal cord injury as a teenager. I know it is vitally important for anyone with a disability to have an opportunity for education to lead their best life possible,” Rusin said. “I want to see anyone with a disability have an opportunity to develop the abilities and skills they have as much as possible. I sincerely hope this scholarship encourages others to pursue their dreams and goals.”

This new scholarship aligns with Rusin Law’s long-standing commitment to supporting the disability community. Rusin Law played a foundational role in establishing the Chicagoland Alliance for Disabled-Owned Businesses, which promotes and supports enterprises owned by persons with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. The firm has also been a dedicated supporter of the Z Life Organization, which provides inclusive and socialization programs for persons with disabilities.

“We are deeply grateful to Mark Rusin and Rusin Law for their generosity and their commitment to fostering an inclusive environment,” said Chicago-Kent College of Law Dean Anita K. Krug. “Students with disabilities often face financial, logistical, and social barriers that can make law school feel out of reach; this scholarship will make a meaningful difference in those students’ lives, empowering them to achieve their educational and professional potentials to the fullest.”

Photo: Mark P. Rusin (LAW ’90)

Chicago-Kent College of Law

As the nation’s only law school tied to a tech university, Chicago-Kent graduates are adept with technological advancements that are constantly altering the practice of law. Students gain real-world experience through Chicago-Kent’s extensive externship program and its unique clinical model. The school's highly-ranked trial advocacy program and award-winning moot court teams produce some of the strongest competitors in the country. Chicago-Kent’s intensive legal research and writing program serves as a model for countless other institutions. With its many distinguished J.D. certificate programs, including top-ranked programs in intellectual property and labor and employment law, Chicago-Kent prepares its students not just to succeed, but to excel in their fields.

Rusin Law, Ltd.

Rusin Law, Ltd. is a specialty firm focusing on representing employers and their insurance carriers in all of the varied legal aspects of workplace injury, including defense of workers compensation cases and related litigation. Rusin Law maintains three offices in Illinois located in Chicago, Champaign, and Harrisburg and provides clients experienced counsel throughout the state.

Media contacts

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Illinois Institute of Technology
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Illinois Institute of Technology
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kdollear@iit.edu