California Western Mourns the Loss of Former Law School President and Noted Philanthropist
Dwight E. Stanford helped build the foundation for California Western's present-day successes

Dwight E. Stanford, celebrated law school visionary and philanthropist

He orchestrated the move of the school from the Hillcrest area to the Point Loma location, personally moving the institution's law books and materials over the course of more than a year. This move was seen as one of many building blocks for the School's current successes.

"California Western School of Law owes today's accomplishments to Dwight's vision for the School and I thank him for his legacy," said Dean Steven R. Smith. "Not only did he have the foresight to secure a prominent location for the school, but his personal commitment to students is reflected in our practices today. Dwight personally co-signed loans of $100,000 to bridge the gap for World War II veterans between school starting and the G.I Bill funds being received. This sense of personal commitment serves the basis of our relationship with our students still today."

A lifelong resident of San Diego, Stanford graduated from both San Diego State College (now SDSU) and Balboa University in 1936, later receiving a Master's Degree from Stanford University. In addition to his legal work, Stanford served as a director of Lucky Stores, International Director of the Lions Club, and president of the San Diego Foundation. The Dwight E. Stanford Chair in American Foreign Relations at San Diego State University is named in his honor.

After his tenure as President, Stanford served on the Balboa Law School board of trustees and received an honorary degree from the school in 1975. The Stanford Reading Room at California Western School of Law was named in his honor in 1994.

Stanford is survived by his children Ray and Gail and their extended families.