Albany Law School Receives $250,000 Gift for The David Justus Scholarship
Albany Law School announced today that it received a commitment of $250,000 to establish an endowed scholarship in memory of David Justus ’94—a friend, husband, and father who passed away in March 2020 after a two-year battle with glioblastoma.
Matthew F. Herman ’94 made the commitment to start the fund in honor of his dear friend.
“Through this scholarship, even more people will learn about David and the impact he made on the law school community. If you look at his record of involvement, the way he was with people, and his passion for the study of law—it’s a great thing to share with other people,” Herman said. “If it inspires someone else, then we’ve achieved something great.”
The money will be added to Albany Law School's endowment, creating lasting legacies that will benefit students in perpetuity.
Justus was Vice President of Data Acquisition & Operations at Lotame, a data solutions company that helps agencies find new customers and increase quality engagement. Though he didn’t practice law in the traditional sense, he always took an interest in technology and digital communications. In law school, his forward thinking was noticed by classmates then and later, colleagues and family.
“There are two things I will always remember about David. One, he was extremely devoted to the study of law. The other was that he was an extraordinarily giving person. He was a good friend, someone who cared more about other people than himself,” Herman said. “His colleagues, his wife, and others he met later in life all shared the same sentiment. He really had your back and was important to so many people.”
“We can honor David in memory but we can also pay it forward by creating opportunity for others through support from this award,” Herman said. “Law is a storytelling profession. Honoring someone through a legacy gift allows us to share the stories of David’s life and create tradition in his memory that ties to a sense of community.”
Justus’s wife, Rachel, and his children, Emma, 13, and Oliver, 9 call themselves “The Justus League.”
“Matt Herman’s gift honoring David Justus is especially meaningful to me as a law school classmate of both It is a wonderful tribute to David’s brilliant life and beautiful family,” said President and Dean Alicia Ouellette. “Student scholarships remove a significant barrier to the profession, and Albany Law School is honored to create opportunities for future legal professionals in David Justus’s name.”
As the cost of a legal education continues to climb, Albany Law School remains committed to enrolling and educating a diverse pool of talented students. Endowed scholarships ensure that Albany Law School remains accessible to any qualified student, regardless of their economic status.
The law school has secured more than $29 million in gifts and commitments toward We Rise Together: The Campaign for Albany Law School. The campaign, announced in 2019, is an ambitious fundraising effort to support student scholarships, innovation, and programs that make an impact on the community.
