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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
Realizing Potential: Three NSU Colleges to Benefit from NSU Ambassadors Board Member’s Pledge
Through his 44 years in the practice of law, Gordon James III has mentored younger lawyers and held an interest in education and what it can do for people. Now, through a bequest, he has decided to support future students and endeavors at NSU Shepard Broad College of Law (SBCOL), NSU Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship (HCBE), and Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography (HCNSO).
James first became aware of NSU while serving in an early leadership role with the Florida Defense Lawyers. He and Michael Richmond, a professor of law at NSU Shepard Broad College of Law (SBCOL), collaborated on a project, and James participated in NSU mock trials and classes at Richmond’s invitation. James involvement deepened as a member of the college’s Board of Governors, a member of the search committee that recommended Jon Garon, J.D. as dean, and as an employer (James is a partner with Brinkley Morgan Attorneys at Law) who has hired NSU law alumni. He also joined NSU Ambassadors Board and serves on the executive committee.
In addition, James has family ties to university. His stepson, Brent, attended SBCOL. His son Danny, a major in the Marines, fostered his entrepreneurial interests by earning his M.B.A. through the weekend program at Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship. Son in law Dr. Matt Ferenc, Assistant Director of Imperial Point Emergency room and member of NSU Ambassador’s Board is currently studying for his MPH at NSU.
NSU also matched with another one of James’ interests. Living in Florida, his love for nature extends to scuba diving, fishing, and an appreciation for our coral reefs. He attended a seminar at NSU Oceanographic Center and joined its advisory board soon thereafter. Rounding out this passion includes volunteering to help with the Carpenter House Marine Environmental Education Center, operated by NSU through a partnership with Broward County. The Center is expected to open to the public next year.
James credits his wife, Loni, with first suggesting that he give to NSU because she was grateful and so impressed with the professors and the legal education Brent was receiving there, which enabled him to excel and become editor and chief of The Law Review. He said they both also appreciate everything that NSU does, and they recognize that the university has to compete with larger schools that have existed longer.
“Life currently is about our community, our young people, and trying to create the best we can. The best place to give back is where there is a need for growth. There is so much being done at NSU to enhance medical care, business, law, society, everything,” James said. “Recognizing that, it is time to make decisions about how to give back and set up an estate plan, [I am also] recognizing that the primary interest is what I’m most involved in. It’s a great thing to be partners with NSU.”