Diverse Stories of Sustained Giving at UNC School of Law
Devoted alumni, spanning generations—from Elizabeth “Betty” Quick ’74 to Dean Martin H. Brinkley ’92 to Meghan ’09 and Luis Lluberas ’08—drive impact through consistent annual support of the law school that laid the foundations for their successes. The spirit of leadership through sustained giving permeates the Carolina Law community. Engaged alumni actively uphold the school’s legacy of excellence through annual contributions. Their gifts empower rising generations of students while enriching their own lifelong connections to this influential community.
As dean, Martin Brinkley ’92 aims to increase alumni participation from 22% to at least 35% by promoting an understanding of the school’s immense value and return on investment compared to tuition costs. Brinkley believes that enabling alumni to see the school’s impact firsthand will foster engagement. He also points to Carolina Law’s gains in U.S. News rankings as proof of positive momentum. Achieving these engagement goals will require continued effort, as the school works to connect with alumni with varied experiences and priorities. As Brinkley reflected, “I believe that if people understood how much the school outperforms the investment that has been made in it, and how much more their diplomas are worth than what they paid for them, they would be eager to give back to it in a time of rising costs, particularly to keep it as prominent and successful as it is.” His pride in alumni generosity was apparent as he continued: “What makes me proudest is the way that alumni have stepped up to support scholarships. That is certainly the chief victory I think we’ve had. “
One way alumni Betty Quick has stepped up is through her regular contribution to the John Boger Scholarship Fund started by her 1974 graduating class to honor a well-regarded classmate. Quick and her fellow graduates created this fund as their 35th reunion gift in 2009, the same year Boger began working at Carolina Law, where he would eventually serve as dean from 2006-2015. As Quick recalled, “Everything happened in the summer of ’74,” for her Carolina Law class—graduation, the bar exam, starting their first law firm jobs, and in Quick’s case, getting married to classmate Robert “Bob” Quick ’74 soon after commencement. She launched her distinguished legal career at Womble Carlyle (now Womble Bond Dickinson), where she has remained for almost five decades and became a partner. After building a successful practice at the same firm throughout her entire career, she is now gradually transitioning into retirement.
Now, approaching her 50th class reunion, Quick hopes to motivate her classmates to build on the scholarship fund they established decades earlier, sharing: “I challenge everybody in my class, every graduate of 1974, to please contribute to this scholarship fund. I know the law school needs scholarship money, that’s always a need, and this is a fund that I think will help educate a lot of young lawyers coming along.”
From serving on the Law Foundation Board to establishing scholarships honoring beloved classmates, Quick has constantly sought impactful ways to uplift the school that ignited her passion for law, including advising the Cannon Foundation, where she is a board member, to give annually. Her dedication motivates Quick to challenge fellow alumni to match her consistent support over decades. She believes regular contributions of any amount collectively build momentum, which benefits students.
Like Quick, Meghan and Luis Lluberas found inspiration to give back annually stemming from their memories at Carolina Law. This young alumni couple has contributed consistently each year since graduating, staying engaged with the community that helped launch their careers. “As life marches on, you sort of detach from your law school days, and writing that check every year does bring you back to what it meant to you,” Meghan shared. The Lluberases met at Carolina Law when Luis worked in the law library, and Meghan came in with a research question: a chance encounter that sparked a relationship leading to their marriage shortly after graduation.
During his time as a student, Luis embraced leadership opportunities, including serving as Student Bar Association president and as a member of the prestigious Davis Society, which recognizes academic and personal excellence. He now applies the strong skillset he built at Carolina Law in his role as a restructuring attorney at Moore & Van Allen in Charlotte, where he represents creditors in financial restructurings. Meghan, also a double Tar Heel, has built a rewarding career in residential real estate in Charlotte, utilizing her Carolina Law contracts knowledge daily.
Fellow devoted alum Brinkley also recognizes the power of sustained giving in advancing Carolina Law’s mission to fund the future. As the current dean, he has made expanding engagement and philanthropy top priorities, observing firsthand how sustained giving fosters lifelong connections while driving impact. Since beginning his deanship, he’s focused on raising awareness of the urgent need for expanded philanthropy at Carolina Law to limit the burden of student debt. As he reflected, “I think if alumni understood the immense need for greater support to ensure Carolina Law’s upward trajectory in this time of rising costs, they would be motivated to increase their giving.” Communicating this message remains key to fostering higher participation from devoted alumni.
Brinkley also notes the great evolution in resources and support students receive today, compared to the sparse offerings of the past. When he attended Carolina Law, there was only one person in career development, while mental health and wellness support was virtually non-existent. In contrast, today’s Carolina Law students benefit from a robust career development team, academic support, extracurricular activities, and wellness resources. From 10 clinical offerings and 50 active student organizations, to embedded mental health counseling to an award-winning pro bono program, current students enjoy opportunities unimaginable in decades prior. This dramatic shift from the shoestring budget and minimal student offerings of the past provides a stark difference from Brinkley’s experience.
Alumni leaders like Martin, Betty, Meghan, and Luis are proof that consistent participation matters over time. Though their gift amounts differ, their collective impact ignites exponential growth by empowering generations. Sustainers model personalized leadership, laying stones that construct Carolina Law’s future. Their diverse involvement sparks inspiration, fueling new pathways for alumni to sustain Carolina Law’s mission.
Each donor spotlights personalized impact shaped by their passions. Quick showed honor and access through scholarships, while the Lluberases built lifelong bonds through small, consistent gifts, and Brinkley expanded contributions through transformative leadership. These unique stories shine light on diverse ways to drive change through regular participation over time.
Engaged alumni prove that everyday graduates can make an extraordinary difference. When participation expands, the collective strength of many small investments secures a vibrant future. Carolina Law sustainers illuminate how personalized, consistent support empowers generations of Tar Heels to serve North Carolina and beyond.
