Leopold Family’s Gift to NSU Law Forges Legacy, Funds Future Lawyers

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – August 11, 2026 – In a move that underscores the strategic power of targeted philanthropy, Norman and Karen Leopold have bestowed a transformational gift upon Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law. The contribution establishes the Noah A. Leopold Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund and renames the law school’s central hub the Noah A. Leopold Atrium, creating a perpetual legacy for their late son, a distinguished alumnus.

This significant investment is designed not only to honor an inspiring life but also to strategically dismantle financial barriers for a new generation of legal professionals. By providing crucial tuition assistance, the fund aims to accelerate the careers of aspiring lawyers, with a particular focus on second-career students who bring invaluable real-world experience to the study of law.

A Legacy of Resilience and Purpose

The initiative is a profound tribute to Noah A. Leopold, whose life was a masterclass in perseverance. A childhood cancer survivor at age seven, Noah faced lifelong health challenges with unwavering determination. This resilience defined his professional path, first leading him to a successful career as a Certified Public Accountant. After earning both bachelor's and master's degrees in accounting and taxation from the University of Florida’s prestigious Fisher School of Accounting in 2007, he became a Tax Manager at the global firm Grant Thornton, LLP.

However, at age 35, Noah chose to pivot, embarking on a new journey to fulfill his dream of becoming an attorney. He enrolled at NSU’s Shepard Broad College of Law in 2018, where he quickly distinguished himself through his intellect and dedication. He graduated summa cum laude in 2021, a testament to his academic prowess. After excelling on The Florida Bar exam, he joined his family’s law firm, Leopold Korn, P.A., applying his unique blend of financial acumen and legal training to complex real estate transactions and regulatory compliance.

Tragically, Noah passed away in September 2023 at the age of 40 due to complications following a heart transplant. His journey, marked by overcoming adversity to achieve excellence in two distinct and demanding professions, serves as the core inspiration for the new endowment. “We want to do something significant for the law school that he loved,” said Norman and Karen Leopold in a statement. “The scholarship and the atrium are part of Noah’s legacy. We hope they will help future generations of students pursue their dreams and make a difference in the lives of others, just as Noah sought to do.”

Strategic Philanthropy: Investing in Human Capital

While the specific monetary value of the gift remains undisclosed, its designation as “transformational” and the establishment of an endowment signal a multi-million dollar investment with long-term strategic implications. Unlike a one-time donation, an endowment fund invests the principal and uses the annual returns to fund scholarships in perpetuity. This creates a sustainable resource that will empower NSU Law to attract and retain top-tier talent for decades to come, enhancing its competitive position.

This act of philanthropy serves as a powerful case study in strategic giving. In an era where the legal industry is undergoing significant disruption, the cultivation of diverse and experienced talent is a critical business imperative. By lowering the financial hurdles for exceptional candidates, the Leopold family’s investment directly strengthens the human capital pipeline, a move that benefits not just the university but the entire legal ecosystem that its graduates will serve.

Olympia Duhart, J.D., Dean of the Shepard Broad College of Law, underscored the profound effect of this strategic investment. “The Noah A. Leopold Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund will change the lives of the students who will benefit from this gift,” she stated. “We are grateful for the Leopold family’s investment in our students’ futures, and the commitment they have made to advance justice for the clients these students will one day serve.”

Breaking Down Barriers for Second-Career Professionals

A key innovation of this scholarship is its explicit focus on second-career applicants. This demographic, which Noah Leopold himself embodied, often faces the steepest financial challenges when returning to academia. The annual cost of attendance at a private law school like NSU can approach $91,000 when including living expenses. For individuals leaving established careers, this sticker price is compounded by foregone income and existing financial responsibilities like mortgages and family support.

The Noah A. Leopold Memorial Scholarship directly addresses this market failure. It recognizes that professionals from fields like accounting, technology, and healthcare bring a wealth of practical knowledge and maturity that enriches the classroom and, ultimately, the legal profession. By mitigating the financial risk of a career transition, the scholarship acts as a powerful incentive for high-caliber individuals who might otherwise be unable to pursue a legal education.

This targeted approach aligns with a broader trend in higher education focused on creating more flexible and accessible pathways for non-traditional students. It’s a strategic acknowledgment that the lawyers of tomorrow will need interdisciplinary skills and diverse life experiences to solve increasingly complex problems.

A Lasting Imprint on Campus and Community

The impact of the Leopold family’s gift will be felt both financially and physically. The renaming of the law school’s central gathering space to the Noah A. Leopold Atrium ensures that his story will be a visible and permanent part of the campus fabric. Located within Leo Goodwin Sr. Hall, the atrium serves as the primary hub for student life—a place for study, collaboration, and community. It will now also stand as a daily reminder of the values of perseverance, academic excellence, and service.

This contribution also places NSU Law at the forefront of a shifting landscape in educational philanthropy. In recent years, major gifts have begun to flow more broadly to a wider range of law schools beyond the traditional top-tier institutions, signaling a democratization of investment in legal education nationwide. The Leopold gift demonstrates how visionary donors can create a transformative impact and competitive advantage for institutions committed to innovation and access.

Dean Duhart captured the dual sense of remembrance and forward-looking optimism. “I am honored that Noah will continue to be part of the NSU Law community through a scholarship that will help more NSU students pursue their studies without significant financial burdens and bring them closer to their dreams of becoming lawyers and serving others,” she said. “It is a bittersweet, but powerful, reminder of the impact one family can make in our community.”