The College of Law recently celebrated a significant milestone in its history by establishing the Eric C. Padrón, Esq. Endowment and dedicating its primary courtroom in Padrón’s honor. The endowment was funded through a transformative gift bestowed upon the College by his mother, Ms. Anolan Ponce.
“We are deeply honored that Ms. Ponce trusted FIU Law to immortalize Eric’s legacy,” said Interim Dean Michelle D. Mason. “This transformative gift will foster greater access to the profession for prospective lawyers with whom Eric shared the core values of passionate advocacy and commitment to justice.”
The endowment will provide perpetual support for students seeking to pursue a career in law.
A first-generation Cuban-American, Padrón was born in Miami and earned his bachelor’s degree from FIU in 1993 before earning his JD from The Catholic University of America. He served for more than a decade in the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, where he became Chief Prosecutor, and then embarked on a 16-year career in private practice.
The dedication ceremony drew loved ones and former colleagues from across the country, a testament to Padrón’s lasting imprint on those around him. Known for his extensive pro bono work and willingness to advocate for the underserved, he exemplified the courage and humanity that lies at the heart of the legal profession. The Eric C. Padrón, Esq. Courtroom now will stand as a lasting symbol of those values.
In her closing remarks during the ceremony, Ms. Ponce summarized the vision behind the endowment – and in the process, revealed the depth of her own belief in the future generations of FIU law students who will perpetuate her son’s legacy.
"I wanted to make an endowment to FIU, so that it can fund for eternity students who want to study law," Ms. Ponce said. “When I’m not here, when none of us are here, this scholarship will keep going. Needy students who want to become lawyers will be able to do it. Their dream is going to be fulfilled. And my son’s mission in life to help others is going to be fulfilled.”