Endowment in Honor of Environmental Advocate Thom Rumberger To Fund Fellowships for Law Students

Jan. 28, 2013 - PRLog -- ORLANDO – The University of Florida Levin College of Law, The Everglades Foundation, and the Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell law firm will host a special reception and fundraiser to announce a landmark endowment that will fund environmental law education programs for attorneys. It will be named The E. Thomas Rumberger Everglades Foundation Fellowship Program, in honor of the late Thom Rumberger, a legendary Florida lawyer and staunch supporter of Everglades preservation.

“Thom Rumberger was not only a great lawyer and an accomplished alumnus of the University of Florida, but he has also been described as one of the most tireless, dedicated champions to ever fight for the State’s fragile and priceless Everglades,” said John Mills, Dean Emeritus of The University of Florida Levin School of Law. “It is most fitting for the Everglades Foundation, along with colleagues, family and friends, to establish an endowment in his name. It is a privilege and an honor for the College of Law to house such an endowment so that current and future generations of law students will have the opportunity to learn about his legacy and follow in his footsteps as advocates for Florida’s environment.”

The E. Thom Rumberger Everglades Foundation Fellowship Program will support law graduate fellows who will work under the umbrella of the Center for Governmental Responsibility (CGR) for study and research in the areas of environmental law and public policy in partnership with the Everglades Foundation.

Details regarding the formal announcement reception and fundraiser:

WHEN:

February 12, 2013

WHERE:

Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell

Lincoln Plaza, Suite 1400
300 South Orange Avenue
Orlando, Florida 32801

TIME:

6:00 – 8:00 PM

RSVP:

Please call 352-273-0640 or email development@law.ufl.edu with your name, and be sure to reference the “E. Thom Rumberger event” in your reply or subject line.

MEDIA RSVP:

Charles Jones

cjones@cjonespr.com

305-987-7418

Components of The E. Thom Rumberger Everglades Foundation Fellowship Program:

·      A competitive application process managed by the Center for Governmental Responsibility (CGR) will select the Fellows annually.

·      The students will work under the direct supervision of a CGR faculty member with expertise in relevant public policy and in management of legal research.

·      The research will focus on the Florida Everglades, water conservation, pollution and policy.

·      The Fellows will serve as interns at the Everglades Foundation, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, water management districts or other College and donor approved governmental or not-for-profit agencies with interests in these areas of study.

·      The Fellows will prepare a research paper to be presented at a UF Law or UF conference or symposium on related topics and shall be made otherwise publicly available.

About Thom Rumberger:

While Rumberger was known for his brilliant achievements in the courtroom and his leadership in building one of Florida's leading product liability law firms, it was the Ocala native’s passion for preserving Florida's Everglades and his efforts on behalf of educational and political reforms that shape his legacy.

Rumberger represented Save the Manatee Club and served as lead counsel for The Everglades Foundation. As chair of The Everglades Trust, Rumberger leveraged his legal and political experience to advocate for Everglades restoration, ultimately resulting in the passage of two constitutional amendments, including the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. The Audubon Society recognized him for his efforts to preserve the Everglades in 2004.

About The Everglades Foundation:

The Everglades Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to leading efforts to restore and protect the greater Everglades ecosystem. Since its founding in 1993 by a group of local outdoor enthusiasts, the Foundation has become a respected and important advocate for the sustainability of one of the world’s most unique ecosystems.

Funds raised by the Foundation are used for scientific research, advancing understanding of the Greater Everglades ecosystem and to provide grants to our conservation partners. In addition to grants, the Foundation supports necessary legal actions to help protect the Everglades. Through environmental leadership, scientific expertise and policy experience, the Everglades Foundation works to protect and restore America’s Everglades.

The Foundation’s world-class science department conducts and sponsors scientific research and analysis so that our policies, positions and actions are governed by facts.

About Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell:

Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell provides litigation and counseling services in a wide range of civil practice areas including product liability, commercial litigation, construction, intellectual property litigation, environmental, labor and employment law, insurance coverage, professional liability and administrative law. Offices are located in Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Tallahassee and Birmingham, Alabama. For more information, please visit www.rumberger.com or read more about us on our blog http://rumberger-kirk-caldwell.com.