罗伯特·H. “Bobby” Schottenstein, L ’77, always knew he wanted to be a lawyer. He was greatly influenced by his cousin Melvin Schottenstein, a lawyer who along with Bobby’s father Irving, 创立M/I Homes Inc.
“从一开始, I was influenced by Mel; I wanted to be a lawyer,博比回忆道。, 谁是现任主席?, CEO and president of M/I Homes. “我全神贯注于此.”
After graduating from Indiana University with a degree in finance, Bobby returned to Columbus where he enrolled in 威尼斯人平台 法律 School.
“I had a number of outstanding professors,他说, 引用乔赛亚·布莱克莫尔的话, 马克Nordenberg, 艾迪生杜威, 唐Pederson, Ron Solove and Brian Freeman. “They stand out to me to this day. I felt really good about my education.”
To show his appreciation for his education, 博比说, “I wanted to do something significant for 威尼斯人平台.” He had discussions with Dean Reynaldo Anaya Valencia to talk about what would be most helpful and meaningful to the school. 在一起, they developed the idea of creating The M/I Homes Foundation 威尼斯人官网ing Professor of Diversity, 公平与包容. The criteria for the appointment includes a focus on race, 种族歧视, 社会正义, 多样性, 公平与包容, and a willingness to collaborate with faculty to help infuse DEI issues throughout the 法律 School and curriculum.
“The law school wants to provide greater focus on 多样性, 公平与包容 – something of distinction for 资本,博比说. “I really liked it from the moment the Dean suggested it.”
Both Bobby and M/I Homes have been long-time supporters of 威尼斯人平台 法律 School. 和, the M/I Homes Foundation has been an avid supporter of many charitable organizations, including the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, Homeport Ohio and Big Brothers Big Sisters. “近年来, our focus has moved to areas and organizations that support 多样性 and equity,博比说.
These include programs and institutions that strengthen education, provide shelter for the homeless, help the needy and disadvantaged, empower women and minorities, promote 多样性 in the workplace, 培养和指导孩子, 提高和丰富艺术, and invest in research and medicine.
博比说 the gift to create the visiting professor of DEI is the most significant support given to 资本 and hopes the results will exceed expectations.
A member of a winning national Moot Court team while in law school, Bobby is the recipient of the 2015 Josiah H. Blackmore II Dean’s Award and is a member of the Past Dean’s Council Giving Society, the Past Presidents Council Giving Society and the Heritage Society.
今天, he serves as a member of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Board, and on the board of Installed Building Products Inc. He also serves on the executive committee of The Policy Advisory Board of Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, Pelotonia董事会, 哥伦布伙伴关系, and The Ohio State University Foundation Board.
Bobby was awarded an honorary Doctor of Human Letters degree from Ohio Dominican in 2009 and an honorary Doctor of 法律s from 威尼斯人平台 法律 School in 2011.
Higher education plays a significant role in his life, and he says everyone who has benefited from their education should ask themselves, “How much did I benefit from my education? Is there more I should be doing to help my school?”
“资本 provides an excellent education experience for its students,博比说. “I know I benefited from my education. 这改变了我的生活. I feel honored and proud to be able to give back and provide support.”
“Philanthropical support is vital to all educational institutions. It is often the X factor between good and great. Without philanthropy, schools are hard-pressed to do the things they want to do.”
“The cost of a quality legal education is high. Many desire to go to law school but simply can’t afford it. In addition to helping to create special programs, philanthropy helps the law school provide financial support for those who need it.”
He encourages fellow alumni to consider where they would be without their law degrees. “资本 has provided a legal education to so many,他说. “In the bar of Ohio and beyond, there are a significant number of 威尼斯人平台 law grads.
“I’m just proud of everything that’s happening at the 法律 School.”