TALLAHASSEE — With a commitment of $100,000, Florida State University College of Business graduate James R. “Jim” Douglass, Jr., whose son is a student at Florida State Law, has endowed the Colonel James R. Douglass Veterans Scholarship. The scholarship is in the name of Douglass’ father, who during his 33 year military career earned a bachelor’s degree after more than 20 years of steady effort. 

The Pennsylvania attorney’s gift to Florida State Law will be eligible for a 50 percent match from the state of Florida. The $50,000 state match will be added to the permanent endowment, creating a total endowment of $150,000. The income generated by the endowed scholarship will be used to award at least one scholarship each year to a law student who is currently serving in the armed forces or who is a former member of armed forces. 

“We are all very grateful for Jim’s generous financial support of Florida State Law,” said Dean Don Weidner. “Jim has personal knowledge of the effort and dedication required to earn an advanced degree while serving in the armed forces. This scholarship will help us recruit and support top students who have military ties and a goal of obtaining a law degree.” 

“I am proud to establish this scholarship in tribute to my father, his lifetime service to our country and his stubborn pursuit of a degree at night and on weekends,” 1 2 Douglass said. “If this scholarship fund can assist veterans on active duty or in transition to civilian life with their educational goals or quality of life, then my family’s objectives will have been achieved.” 

Douglass was a corporate turnaround expert who specialized in energy companies before he retired. Coming out of retirement, he has settled in Pittsburgh, Pa. and formed a private capital investment group, Douglass & Associates. Following his father’s example, he earned an M.B.A. by attending evening and weekend classes while he was serving in the military. He earned his law degree at night, with partial funding by the G.I. Bill.