Making a Planned Gift, Creating a Legacy

The Honorable Jay Karahan ’83 didn’t expect to move to Texas for law school, much less spend his decades-long career in Houston. When Tampa-born Karahan graduated from Florida State University with his bachelor’s degree, he assumed his home state of Florida was where he would stay.

On the advice of Florida-based alumnus and former South Texas College of Law Houston board member E.J. Salcines ’63, Karahan visited South Texas and decided to pursue his dream of becoming a trial lawyer.

His career path would lead him from ADA to federal prosecutor to corporate lawyer and, ultimately, to elected official, as judge of Harris County Criminal Court-at-Law No. 8. After more than 15 years and three re-elections, Karahan retired from active judicial service in 2018.

Karahan made a planned gift to STCL Houston because he sees it as a way of paying forward the opportunities law school gave him. He hopes other alumni will do the same.

“Legacy giving is a great idea, and I’d encourage all alumni to do something — large or small,” Karahan said. “If more alumni choose to create a legacy at the law school, STCL Houston will be in very good shape far into the future. It’s a great law school, and I’m so proud to support it.”

Become a Member of the Fred Parks Legacy Society

The Fred Parks Legacy Society, a tribute to our late 1937 alumnus and Texas legal legend Fred Parks, was established in 2007. Through his estate plan, Parks left a bequest to South Texas, making it the largest planned gift in the almost 100-year history of the law school. This society serves as a way to honor donors who have made a planned gift and continue Mr. Parks’ tradition of investing in South Texas.

Membership Benefits

• Invitation to annual appreciation reception

• Recognition in donor report

• Membership gift

• Lapel pin

• Access to exclusive content and events

For more information on how to leave your legacy at South Texas, please visit stcl.planmylegacy.org.