Opening doors: How the Goldwater family is giving back to ASU Law

For Bob Goldwater, giving back to ASU Law isn't simply about honoring his past — it's about opening doors for the next generation of lawyers.

A 1992 JD graduate of the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University and founder of the Goldwater Law Firm, Goldwater credits ASU with shaping not only his legal career, but also his belief in the importance of giving back. Today, he and his wife, Shannon, continue to support ASU Law as a way of investing in a place that has meant so much to their family.

Over the years, the Goldwaters have found several ways to give back. They have contributed to the campaign that built the Beus Center for Law and Society, established the Goldwater Family Endowed Scholarship and, most recently, created the Bob Goldwater Endowment for Mock Trial Support.

For Goldwater, each gift reflects an opportunity that helped shape his own experience as a student.

"ASU invested in me long before I was in a position to give back," Goldwater said. "I was fortunate to receive scholarships for both my ASU undergraduate education as well as law school. Those opportunities changed the trajectory of my life."

Looking back, Goldwater says his time at ASU Law taught him lessons that extended far beyond the classroom.

"My experience at ASU Law taught me that success is rarely achieved alone," Goldwater said. "My professors, classmates and school resources all played a role in helping me build my career. Giving back is my way of expressing gratitude for those opportunities and helping ensure that future students have access to the same support and encouragement that I received."

That appreciation for community has remained a constant throughout the Goldwaters' relationship with ASU. Between them, Bob, Shannon, Bob's mother, two sisters and one of their sons all attended the university, making ASU an enduring part of the family's story.

"Shannon and I have always believed in giving back to our community," Goldwater said. "Philanthropy has been an important part of our lives. Remaining engaged allows us to support a place that has meant so much to our family."

Goldwater also credits the experiences he had outside the classroom with helping prepare him for his career. He competed in the Canby Moot Court Competition and served on ASU Law's Moot Court team, experiences that strengthened his writing, advocacy and analytical skills and ultimately inspired the couple's support of today's Mock Trial students.

"Those experiences strengthened my writing, advocacy and analytical skills, all of which have served me well throughout my legal career," he said.

"Student success means much more than academic achievement," Goldwater said. "It means helping students develop the skills, confidence, judgment and professional relationships that will serve them throughout their careers."

For Goldwater, however, the most meaningful impact of philanthropy isn't measured in programs or buildings. It's measured in people.

One of his most memorable experiences came when he and Shannon met one of the recipients of the scholarship they established. Over lunch, they discussed law school, career goals and the legal profession.

"That experience reinforced the fact that philanthropy is ultimately about people," Goldwater said. "Scholarships and programs are important, but at the end of the day they create opportunities for individual students who are working hard to build their futures. Seeing that impact firsthand was incredibly rewarding."

Looking back on his own journey, Goldwater hopes today's students leave ASU Law with more than legal knowledge.

"I hope they gain confidence in themselves, practical skills that will serve them well, and an appreciation for the importance of relationships," he said. "Many of the people I met at ASU Law remain important parts of my life today. The professional network I developed through ASU has been invaluable throughout my career."

He also hopes they remember the responsibility that comes with practicing law.

"I hope students learn that the practice of law is ultimately about serving others," Goldwater said. "Whether you represent individuals, businesses or public institutions, the opportunity to help people solve problems and improve their lives is one of the profession's greatest rewards."

More than three decades after graduating, Goldwater still credits ASU Law with shaping the person and attorney he is today. The mentors who challenged him, the classmates who became lifelong friends and colleagues, and the opportunities he received continue to influence his career. Today, he and Shannon hope their philanthropy helps create those same opportunities for future generations of ASU Law students.

"ASU Law opened doors for me, introduced me to lifelong friends and mentors, and helped me build a career that I love," Goldwater said. "Shannon and I are grateful for all it has given us, and we are proud to support the next generation of ASU Law students."

To learn more about ways to support ASU Law students and programs through philanthropy, visit https://bit.ly/4oZSbub.