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Gift names new UC College of Law building atrium

Alumnus Niehoff honors his longtime law firm

headshot of Julia Mace By Julia Mace
4 minute read May 23, 2022

A University of Cincinnati alumnus has made a gift of $500,000 to the new University of Cincinnati College of Law building. H.C. Buck Niehoff, JD ’72, HON ’11, is honoring his former law firm, Peck, Shaffer & Williams LLP, by naming the two-story atrium.

The grand opening of the College of Law’s new home is September 13, 2022. Niehoff said his gift celebrates the firm where he spent his 40-year law career and coincides with his 50-year class reunion.

Former Chair of the Board of Trustees Buck Niehoff

H.C. Buck Niehoff, JD ’72, HON ’11. Photo by Andrew Higley/UC Creative + Brand.

“It is important that this significant contribution to the legal profession not be forgotten,” Niehoff said. “By memorializing this legacy, I hope to inspire future generations of lawyers by the leadership of Peck, Shaffer & Williams in helping to develop an important area of the law over a span of 125 years.”

Peck, Shaffer & Williams, which merged with Dinsmore & Shohl LLP in 2014, served as a leader in public finance law, specializing in the municipal bond industry. The revitalization of UC’s campus in the 1990s was one of many projects financed by bonds approved by the firm.

Niehoff is a long-time supporter of the university, serving his alma mater with time and financial support.  He is a former chair of the UC Board of Trustees and was a co-chair of the Proudly Cincinnati fundraising campaign. 

Naming the atrium for Peck, Shaffer & Williams is so fitting,” said Verna Williams, Dean and Nippert Professor of Law. “That firm was well known for serving municipalities and public institutions – for example, helping UC fund the architectural transformation that has made this university one of the world’s most beautiful campuses.  Buck’s generosity means that legacy will live on to inspire tomorrow’s leaders.”

Niehoff said Cincinnati has been fortunate to have UC Law as a resource since 1833. A state-of-the-art facility is as crucial as having outstanding professors, he added.

The $45.6 million renovation of the former Lindner Hall building along Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., will transform the existing 84,443-square-foot facility in the heart of campus. Enhancements include upgraded classroom technology, expanded library facilities and centralized student services. 

Naming the atrium for Peck, Shaffer & Williams is so fitting. That firm was well known for serving municipalities and public institutions – for example, helping UC fund the architectural transformation that has made this university one of the world’s most beautiful campuses.

Verna Williams Dean and Nippert Professor of Law

“The new law school building creates a focal point to enhance the practice of law in Cincinnati and we need to support its successful completion as the construction moves to its final phases,” Niehoff said.

Thinking back to his time in law school, Niehoff adds, “It seems like yesterday that we were attending graduation in Nippert Stadium. The professional skills I learned at UC formed the basis of the career that I enjoyed and that I became successful doing.”

This donation supports the priorities of Next, Now: The Campaign for Cincinnati, the comprehensive fundraising effort for UC and UC Health. 

Featured image at top: Rendering of atrium at the new College of Law building. 

Next, Now

With its focus on innovation and impact, Next, Now: The Campaign for Cincinnati is where ambition meets action. At the University of Cincinnati and UC Health, we’re driven by next; thinking bolder and dreaming bigger to create the tomorrow we envision, today. Learn more at nextnow.uc.edu.

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