Roger Williams University’s School of Law is set to receive a $750,000 gift from the Hassenfeld Family Foundation. The gift, according to the foundation, will be used to expand awareness of the school’s mission of public service in the New England area.

“The Hassenfeld Family Foundation is thrilled to support the Roger Williams University School of Law’s powerful mission of legal education and public service,” Alan Hassenfeld said in a statement. “We believe in the school’s commitment to preparing changemakers who will champion justice and uphold the highest standards of ethical lawyering. This partnership is an investment not only in the School of Law but also in the future of our communities and the enduring values of equity and service.”

The RWU Law School, which is entering its fourth decade of existence, was the first school to require the role of race in law, part of the previously mentioned ethical lawyering. According to law school Dean Gregory Bowman, the school has an online speaker series called “Integrating Doctrine and Diversity.”

“Through that program, we have interacted with and helped to support over 90 faculty and staff at 95% of U.S. law schools,” Bowman said.

According to Bowman, the gift will be used for the purpose of getting the word out about the program and what they have been doing in the local communities. While there will be some printed advertisements, the bulk of the work is going to be done via online video content, which he says is the number one way young people interact with law schools.

He said they’ll tell the stories about the communities around the state, such as Barrington with their Coastal Community Law and Resilience Policy Clinic. In addition, they will also bring attention to other programs that have been used to help other members of the community, such as the business law clinic, which has been credited with helping women and minorities, and the Eviction Help Desk, which helps with tenets who are facing homelessness.

“This investment will enhance RWU Law’s reputation and ensure that its work in public service, policy, and pro bono initiatives receives the recognition it deserves,” Assistant VP of Communications Jill Pais said in a press release.

Bowman reiterated that the school is fully committed to strengthening the brand of its law school, saying, “If we’re going to do something, we’re going to do it the right way. The Hassenfeld family’s generous support is going to allow us to do that.”