Funded By Friends, New Scholarship Provides Support and Opportunity

A commitment to paying it forward can spark a transformative impact. For Anthony Boone ’74 and Steve Jemison ’75, starting a new scholarship at Moritz College of Law was a powerful way to empower students like Darren Williams ’28 in their education.  

Boone and Jemison have been friends for over 50 years. Their shared experiences and deeply rooted want to give back inspired them to start a scholarship fund. 

“We both came from modest beginnings, and we wanted students from similar backgrounds to have a boost,” said Jemison.  

Impressed by the sustained excellence of the College, the two felt confident in investing in the next generation of students coming to Ohio State Law.  

“I use the phrase ‘but for’ when I think of Ohio State,” said Boone. “But for the opportunities I had in law school, I would not be where I am today. I hope we can pay it forward and help give those opportunities to others, too.” 

Williams, the first recipient of the scholarship, comes from a similar background and shares many of the same values as Boone and Jemison. His reasons for attending law school are clear and service focused.  

“I wanted to go to law school to help others, provide for my mom and sister, and be a reflection of the community I come from,” he said.  

Originally from North Carolina, Williams grew up watching Ohio State football games with his mom. Ohio State was his “dream school,” and visiting campus on Admitted Students Weekend sealed the deal.  

“Seeing how passionate the professors and students were about the school really convinced me,” Williams said. “I knew this could be a place where I could find community and be myself.”  

Williams recognizes that the best way he can give back right now is with his time. He serves as an ambassador and helps prospective students imagine themselves as Buckeyes on their own Admitted Students Weekends. He also volunteers his time doing legal aid work and will be working at a firm this summer.  

“If you have the means to help others, you should,” he said.  

This scholarship provides relief financially and serves as reassurance that he is in the right place. 

“Everyone here is working so hard, and I’m very grateful to be recognized in this way,” he said.