Why I Give

WHY I GIVE Ron Hunter ’78

Since graduating from the University of Minnesota Law School, Ron Hunter ’78 has built a distinguished career in the service of others. He worked as a Minnesota assistant state public defender, special assistant Minnesota attorney general, and held several positions in the legal department of Cargill before retiring from that company as the assistant vice president and chief trademark counsel. While a civilian attorney, he also continued his U.S. Navy service in the reserves, retiring as a captain after 26 years.

Hunter, who is developing a new scholarship fund at Minnesota Law, also serves on the University of Minnesota Law School Board of Advisors, Plymouth Christian Youth Center’s Capri Real Estate Holding Co. board of directors, and his North High School class reunion committee. In the past, he served as a regent for St. Olaf College, was a co-founder of Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers, the Twin Cities Big Brother of the Year in 2006, and served on numerous charitable boards, professional organizations, and committees.

Hunter is motivated to support the Law School because he sees good lawyers as being a critical part of an ordered society. “Minnesota Law has provided an excellent education to lawyers and other professionals who have made a difference,” says Hunter. “I want the Law School to continue that important work—and that takes money. I believe in the value of education and what it can do for the common good. We must continue to strive for our aspirational goals of truth and justice. Ultimately, we all benefit.”

He believes that young lawyers can influence change in the legal profession and society by leveraging the knowledge, problemsolving skills, and discipline they gain from their legal education. Lawyer-leaders can promote positive growth and development in the law while seeking to work for truth, justice, fairness, and prosperity. They should have strong “commitment to and concern for the common good with the mission of improving society for everyone,” Hunter adds, “We all do better when we all do better.”

While in law school, Hunter enjoyed intramural sports and played on a title-winning Law School basketball team called “Ask Yo Mama.” There was a plaque in the Law School that included the years and the winning team’s names, he says. “It disappeared from the lounge wall many years ago. I’ve always wondered if the crazy names of the teams had anything to do with the plaque’s demise.”

HOMETOWN: Born in McMinnville, Tennessee, and raised in Minneapolis.

GIVING LEVEL: Binger Circle, William B. Lockhart Club

WHAT WON’T WE FIND ON YOUR RESUME? I enjoy dancing, woodworking, my extended family, and golf.

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO FIRST-YEAR LAW STUDENTS? Use all the resources available to you and get multiple perspectives when tackling an issue. ❘❘❘❘

WAYS TO GIVE There are many ways to give back to the University of Minnesota Law School. For more information, visit www.law.umn.edu/giving. Or send your gift directly to the University of Minnesota Foundation, P.O. Box 860266, Minneapolis, MN 55486-0266, noting “Law School” in the memo line.

ANNUAL FUND Student scholarships, clinics, and faculty support are just a few areas that benefit from annual gifts made to the Law School. Please contact Elissa Ecklund Chaffee, director of alumni relations and annual giving, at echaffee@umn.edu or call 612-626-8671 to learn more about how you can support the Annual Fund.

To make a gift, visit give.umn.edu/law

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Minnesota Law Gopher Gratitude Day 2021

On October 5, 2021, nearly 250 Minnesota Law students came together to show their appreciation for the philanthropic support that comes from our alumni and friends of the Law School. Everyday, students, faculty, and staff are positively impacted by gifts from our community. By supporting Minnesota Law students through scholarships, experiential learning opportunities, or innovative programming, our donors are building a strong foundation for the next generation of lawyer-leaders.

Thank you.