On the evening of February 7, the Students for Public Interest Law (SPIL) held its annual auction. Now in its 29th year, the SPIL Auction has become a signature event within the Catholic Law Community. The auction raises money to subsidize Summer Stipends for Catholic Law students working in Public Interest positions. The SPIL Stipend makes it possible for these students to follow their passion of helping others. This year’s event offered its usual combination of live and silent auctions, with donated items on display during the event.
The evening began with opening remarks from SPIL Auction Co-Chair Brigid Sawyer (2L). Dean Stephen C. Payne followed, remarking on the importance of Public Interest Law. Dean Payne then introduced honored guest Marty Weissman, father of Eric D. Weissman '94. Weissman was present to announce a $10,000 match to the money raised at this year's SPIL auction. The Weissman family established the Eric D. Weissman Endowed Scholarship, which provides a summer stipend for students interested in public service internships for non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and government agencies. Mr. Weissman spoke about the keen importance of Public Interest Law, as well as the numerous Catholic Law Students who have been a part of the scholarship.
From L to R: Rachel Campbell (2L), Marty Weissman, and Brigid Sawyer (2L)
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Katie Crowley encouraged bidding at the silent auction and announced the closing of each silent auction table. Prior to the start of the live auction, the classes battled in a "shipwrecked challenge" to see which class could raise $250 the fastest. The 1L class, represented by Sarah Manning, came away with the win.
Guests then moved into the auditorium for the live auction portion of the night. SPIL Auction Co-Chair, Rachel Campbell (2L), introduced the evening's auctioneer, Professor Mary Graw Leary, who was also offering her own auction item––Irish Breakfast with herself and Aoife Delargy. This was Professor Graw Leary's twelfth year leading the live auction. Throughout the remainder of the evening, attendees energetically made their bids for hot-ticket items ranging from BBQ with the Schepts, donated by Assistant Dean Stuart Schept, to Friends Who Brunch with Professor Cara H. Drinan and Professor Megan M. La Belle. After an intermission where attendees enjoyed coffee and desserts, Professor Graw Leary concluded the auction with the final packages, including a Pizza Party with Professor Mark L. Rienzi.
Learn more about the Eric D. Weissman Endowed Scholarship, or click here to learn about other ways to support students at Catholic Law.