American University’s Washington College of Law (AUWCL), boasting the #2-ranked Clinical Law program among law schools nationwide by U.S. News & World Report, reached new philanthropic heights during fiscal year 2026, with generous donors investing in opportunities that prepare students to meet the evolving needs of the legal profession and the communities they serve.  

Among this year’s highlights, W.E. “Chip” Gaylor, WCL/JD ’89, established the Janet R. Spragens Federal Tax Clinic Capacity Endowed Fund with a $330,000 gift. The fund will support the continuation of two student fellows’ client caseloads throughout the summer, provide faculty supervision, and strengthen the overall capacity of the clinic.  

Anita Horn Rizek, WCL/JD ’02, is also helping expand these opportunities, committing support to fund an additional fellow for the next five years.  

Their generosity comes at a pivotal moment for the legal profession. Changes ranging from federal hiring restrictions to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence are reshaping the legal landscape, making meaningful experiential learning opportunities more important than ever. By supporting summer fellowships, in particular, Gaylor and Rizek are ensuring that AUWCL students gain essential, uninterrupted hands-on experience throughout the year while preparing to make the transition from law school to law practice.  

For students in the Janet R. Spragens Federal Tax Clinic, that experience has a direct impact on the community. The clinic—bearing the name of its late founder, respected AUWCL professor Janet R. Spragens—gives student attorneys the opportunity to represent low-income individuals facing audits and other disputes with the Internal Revenue Service, providing critical legal assistance to clients while helping students develop the skills and judgment required of practicing attorneys.  

For Gaylor, supporting the clinic is an opportunity to help carry that legacy forward.  

“Supporting the Tax Clinic seemed especially fitting because it brings together two things that Professor Spragens valued deeply: educating future lawyers and using the law to serve people who need help,” says Gaylor. “For me, this gift is a way of saying thank you—to Professor Spragens and to the law school for the education that helped make my career possible—and, at the same time, helping provide that opportunity to the next generation of lawyers.”  

Rizek’s support similarly reflects a commitment to ensuring students have opportunities to gain practical experience and make a difference through their legal education.  

Together, these investments are helping AUWCL expand the opportunities available to its students while strengthening the college’s ability to serve the broader community.  

As AUWCL looks toward the year ahead, new Dean Michael Barry sees continued momentum and opportunity.  “Our donors' passion for Washington College of Law is reflected in their generosity,” said Barry. “In the year ahead, I look forward to building on last year's momentum to support initiatives that strengthen the WCL student experience, advance our commitment to justice, and prepare our graduates for a rapidly changing legal profession.”  

FY26 by the Numbers  

• 533 alumni donors  
• Five new endowed funds  
• During AU Giving Day 2026, WCL had the highest donor count and raised more money than any other school on campus, showing a clear culture of philanthropy among alumni, faculty, and staff.  

As AUWCL enters a new fiscal year, the support of alumni, friends, and philanthropic partners will continue to play an essential role in preparing the next generation of lawyers, advancing access to justice, and ensuring that students are ready to navigate an increasingly complex legal world.