Page 16 - Briefcase Volume 37 Number 2

The Legacy of John M. O’Quinn ’67

The late John M. O’Quinn ’67 was a renowned trial attorney and
philanthropist who left his mark on the Law Center and the City
of Houston. In November, his foundation approved a major gift
to help the Law Center build a new facility. His generosity is also
recognized in the library bearing his name and two endowed chairs
– the A.L. O’Quinn Chair in Environmental Studies, named in
honor of his father, and the Dwight Olds Chair, named in honor of
a UHLC professor.
O’Quinn was also a benefactor of the University of Houston
and many charities and institutions, including the Harris County
Children’s Assessment Center, the Houston Council on Alcohol
and Drugs and various Texas Medical Center entities. He was a
frequent speaker at the law school, sharing his expertise with the
next generation of attorneys.

During his lengthy career, he handled numerous high-profile
personal injury cases.
He was raised in West University Place where his father operated a
small garage. He attended Rice University as an engineering major
before enrolling in the law school and finding his true calling.
“From minute one of day one of class one, I felt like a duck who’d
gone to water,” he told the Houston Chronicle for a lengthy profile
in 1998. “I knew this is where I should be.”
John M. O’Quinn

$1 MILLION MATCH ANNOUNCED AS UH LAW CENTER BUILDING

CAMPAIGN ENTERS FINAL PHASE

With the support of generous alumni donors, the University of The additional funds raised will make a difference for the long-
Houston Law Center has launched a $1 million challenge match to term planning of the school, including enhancements to the student
support the new John M. O’Quinn Law Building. The funds will experience,
provide a dollar for dollar match for new gifts or pledges to the ensuring space
building campaign until the goal is reached. for programmatic
With the campaign approaching its last phase, the Law Center is growth and
seeking $1 million to ensure the new facility that matches the caliber establishing a Match
of the Law Center’s students, programs and faculty. technology fund
to implement
“This gift serves as a capstone for our building campaign,” Dean and maintain
Leonard M. Baynes said. “The donors hope this challenge match will technology for
take us across the finish line by inspiring alumni to reflect on the the future. A
impact the Law Center has had in their lives and invest in its bright greenspace and
future.” event spaces will
The More Than Bricks Campaign has currently topped $90 million also be supported
toward a new Law Center building. with the additional
resources.

16 Briefcase 2019