NSU Horizons Spring 2017

19 NSU HORIZONS The NSU Shepard Broad College of Law has received a $1-million grant fromThe Taft Foundation to establish an innovative clinical program to address the legal needs of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (AIDD) and their families. The NSU AIDD Law Clinic is being staffed by third-year students. “Individuals with intellectual and develop- mental disabilities have myriad legal issues that can impede their independence and infringe on their individual rights,” said Jon M. Garon, J.D., dean of NSU’s Shepard Broad College of Law. “This is an exciting opportunity for us to serve this vastly underserved population by partnering with The Taft Foundation to provide pro bono legal services.” While representation will vary depending on client needs, the most likely focus areas will be public benefits, housing, and educational rights. NSU’s College of Law will be working closely with the Brooklyn Law School, which introduced a similar clinic last spring, also funded by a grant fromThe Taft Foundation. In addition, the AIDD clinic will provide community outreach through workshops, events, and community training to educate and encourage these adults, their families, service providers, and the general public regarding issues facing the affected population. The $1 million grant will be distributed in $250,000 increments over four years. “The clinic will offer our students the opportunity to realize their potential by exposing them to a wide range of skills, including litigation, planning and drafting, and mediation. It’s an unparalleled laboratory for them to develop their profes- sional identities,” added Garon. n $1-MILLION GRANT CREATES INNOVATIVE LAW CLINIC Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, Ph.D., NSU vice president for Advancement and Community Relations, has been named Out- standing Fundraising Professional of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Fort Lauderdale/Broward Chapter. O’Flannery Anderson provides leadership for NSU’s efforts regarding community engagement and support, including all philanthropic and stewardship activities, alumni relations, and special events. Under her leadership, NSU has received a national Silver Anvil award from the Public Relations Society of America and several national awards of excellence from the Council for the Advance- ment and Support of Education. She is focused on raising the profile of NSU, growing support for the university, and engaging with the institution’s constituents. She is currently spearheading Realizing Potential—The Campaign for Nova Southeastern University , the largest philanthropic campaign in the history of NSU. She reports directly to NSU president and CEO, George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D. For the past four years, NSU has exceeded its annual goals and raised more than $88 million. During that time, O’Flannery Anderson’s team efforts have resulted in 19 $1-million gifts to support initiatives such as cancer research, programs for developmentally challenged youth, and students’ scholarships. O’Flannery Anderson joined Nova Southeastern University on August 1, 2013, from Florida Atlantic University, where she was vice president for Community Engagement and executive director of the FAU Founda- tion. Previously, she was president and CEO of the United Way of Broward County. n NSU VICE PRESIDENT RECEIVES HONOR AROUND NSU