Haub Law Remembers Dennis Kenny and His Legacy in the Fight for Civil Rights and Equality

October 20, 2021 Statement
Dean Horace Anderson and Dennis Kenny
Dean Horace Anderson with Mr. Dennis Kelly, Distinguished Service Award Honoree, at the 2019 Law Leadership Dinner.

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law mourns the passing of Dennis James Kenny, long-time member of the Law School’s Board of Visitors, whose support and partnership has made an impact on our students.

“We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Dennis Kenny, who was a dedicated member of our board since its inception, a passionate philanthropist and an involved member of the Haub Law community,” said Horace E. Anderson Jr., Dean of the Law School. “Dennis stood with us as advocate for social justice, and his life and career will serve as a model and legacy for our students.”

Mr. Kenny, a 1961 graduate of Fordham Law School, had a long and distinguished career in legal practice and as a volunteer with the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights (established at the behest of President Kennedy). In this capacity he fought for the voting rights of Black Americans in Mississippi in 1965 at great personal risk, becoming a lifelong advocate for civil rights and equality. Following his retirement, he devoted his years to his family, and to charitable causes, including The Elizabeth Seton Children's Center in Yonkers, the Feerick Center for Social Justice at Fordham Law School, and various humanitarian efforts in Ghana, West Africa. 

As one of the original members of Haub Law’s Board of Visitors, Mr. Kenny contributed immeasurably to the Law School, serving as co-head of the development committee and as a member of the School’s Campaign Committee. He was honored with the Distinguished Service Award at the 2019 Law Leadership Dinner for his contributions. Most recently, Mr. Kenny established an endowed scholarship at Haub Law for students pursuing careers in civil rights.

The full obituary for Mr. Kenny can be found in The New York Times.

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