Power Circles

The Center for Women in Law (CWIL) represents the vision and commitment of its Founders, a dedicated group of alumnae and friends, who conceived of CWIL and provided the initial funding for its endowment. CWIL proudly has 50 Founding members, 38 of whom are Texas Law alumnae. We hope you will follow their example and consider supporting one of CWIL’s Power Circles with a generous gift or pledge to secure the future of CWIL and, through its work, of all women in law.

Support in these special circles recognizes gifts at various levels and helps to integrate our donors into our work. Both alumnae and non-alumnae are welcome to participate in CWIL’s Power Circles.

Join a Power Circle

Alice Sheffield Circle – Cumulative gifts of $100,000

The Alice Sheffield Circle consists of donors whose cumulative gifts to CWIL exceed $100,000. This Circle honors Alice Sheffield, Class of 1918, the second woman to graduate from Texas Law and the youngest woman certified at that time to practice before the Texas Supreme Court. Sheffield donated more than $500,000 to The University of Texas during her lifetime and bequeathed $3.5 million upon her death, making her the school’s most generous benefactor up until 1985. She began working for the Gulf Oil Corporation in 1925 and spent her long and successful career in its legal department, advancing to associate general counsel. We look forward to the day that our collective efforts match her generous gifts.

CWIL recognizes these generous donors on a listing on a plaque at Texas Law as well as on our website and in the Center’s annual Impact Report. They are invited to the Women’s Power Summit, the Annual Retreat, the Award Luncheon, and other CWIL events. 

Champions Circle – Gifts of $50,000 (or $10,000/yr for 5 years)

The Champions Circle consists of donors making pledges and gifts of $50,000 or more. CWIL recognizes these generous donors on a listing on a plaque at Texas Law as well as on our website and in the Center’s annual Impact Report. They are invited to the Women’s Power Summit, the Annual Retreat, the Award Luncheon, and other CWIL events. Join the Champions Circle.

Leaders Circle – Gifts of $25,000 (or $5,000/yr for 5 years)

The Leaders’ Circle consists of donors making pledges and gifts of $25,000 or more. CWIL recognizes these generous donors on a listing on a plaque at Texas Law as well as on our website and in the Center’s annual Impact Report. They are invited to the Women’s Power Summit, the Annual Retreat, the biennial luncheon, and other CWIL events. Join the Leaders Circle.