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Loyola appoints inaugural Rodin professorships

Teaching and advocacy will strengthen law programs that advance equity and justice in underrepresented communities

Loyola University Chicago School of Law has named seven distinguished faculty as Curt and Linda Rodin Professors of Law and Social Justice. The inaugural professorships were created as part of a transformative gift from alumnus Curt Rodin (JD ’75) and his wife, Linda Rodin, who recently established the Curt and Linda Rodin Center for Social Justice at Loyola to strengthen and further develop several leading law school programs that advance fairness, equity, and justice.

The Curt and Linda Rodin Professors of Law and Social Justice, as well as the newly established leader-in-residence, will support meaningful teaching, scholarship, and advocacy on behalf of underrepresented and marginalized communities in areas that include health, education, and criminal justice.

"Curt and Linda Rodin have shown long-standing generosity in supporting Loyola’s social justice mission of service to others,” said Michael J. Kaufman, dean of the School of Law. Previous gifts from the Rodins have established scholarships, fellowships, and a professorship in Loyola’s Health Justice Project.

The following faculty members have been named Curt and Linda Rodin Professors of Law and Social Justice: 

Anita M. Weinberg (JD '86) has been named the director of the Curt and Linda Rodin Center for Social Justice. She is also the director of the ChildLaw Policy Institute, a component of Loyola’s internationally recognized Civitas ChildLaw Center. Weinberg is the recipient of the University’s inaugural St. Ignatius Loyola Award for Excellence in Teaching for her commitment to excellence, raising global awareness, and promoting social justice.

Bruce A. Boyer, director of the Civitas ChildLaw Clinic, works with students to represent clients in a wide range of proceedings that focus on children and families. His work and scholarship have been shaped by his long-standing commitment to justice.

Josie M. Gough (BA '74, MEd '78, JD '84) is the director of Experiential Learning at the School of Law, where she develops externships opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in social justice.    

Juan F. Perea is associate dean for faculty research at the School of Law.  His teaching and scholarship focus on social justice issues, including racial inequality, the legal history of race relations in the United States, and the civil rights of Latinos.

Stacey E. Platt, associate director of the Civitas ChildLaw Clinic, has dedicated her legal career to representing low-income children and families. Her scholarship focuses on improving justice for families, including bringing forward the voice of the child.

Alan Raphael focuses his scholarship on social justice issues, including capital punishment and racial discrimination in jury selection.

Henry G. Rose served as director of Loyola’s Community Law Center for almost two decades. His principal areas of academic interest include civil law as it affects low-income persons and property. 

In addition, Mary J. Bird (JD ’87) director of Public Interest Programs at the School of Law, has been named Loyola’s Curt and Linda Rodin Social Justice Leader-in-Residence. Bird has created and strengthened numerous innovative outreach programs and initiatives at Loyola that have advanced the school’s mission of service and helped to launch the careers of hundreds of public interest advocates.