Philip C. Kaplan Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Philip C. Kaplan Memorial Scholarship Fund honors a beloved Suffolk Law graduate and associate professor whose decades of teaching were marked by kindness, humor, and an unwavering commitment to student success. By supporting this fund, you help carry forward Professor Kaplan’s legacy by ensuring that future students with financial need will receive much-needed scholarship support.
Support The Philip C. Kaplan Memorial Scholarship Fund
About Professor Philip C. Kaplan
Philip C. Kaplan, JD ’88, was a cherished member of the Law School community whose impact spanned nearly three decades. A proud Suffolk Law graduate, Professor Kaplan devoted his career to the academic success—and personal wellbeing—of generations of students.
Professor Kaplan brought energy, humor, and an unwavering commitment to every class he taught. His students felt seen, supported, and inspired. They knew he rooted for them, believed in them, and—most of all—loved teaching them. Colleagues across the Law School and University remembered his kindness, warmth, and genuine decency. They described him as a gifted educator, “a gem,” and an extraordinary colleague who lifted spirits wherever he went.
Professor Kaplan’s commitment to Suffolk extended well beyond the classroom. As a member of the University’s faculty senate, he was the calm voice in the room—steady, thoughtful, and always ready with a perfectly timed moment of humor to bring balance.
After earning his Suffolk Law degree, Professor Kaplan spent nine years practicing law in Boston before returning to his alma mater to teach in the Legal Practice Skills program in 1997. He joined the Academic Support Program in 2014, where he continued to shape the paths of countless students.
Though he was not married and did not have children, Professor Kaplan adored his dog, Krystal, and often referred to Suffolk as his home. As Dean Perlman reflected, “Suffolk was his family, and we thought of him the same way.”
About The Philip C. Kaplan Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Philip C. Kaplan Memorial Fund (“the Fund”) is an endowed fund. Established in Professor Kaplan’s memory, this scholarship supports Suffolk Law students, reflecting his belief in academic excellence, fairness, and the power of legal education to transform lives. Gifts to the Fund honor his contributions to the Suffolk community and help carry forward his dedication to preparing aspiring legal professionals.
Funds may support academic and personal expenses associated with being a currently enrolled student at Suffolk University Law School (“the Purpose”). Contributions may be made by faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and others to this Fund. If contributions to this Fund do not total $50,000 or more, the Fund will have the same purpose but will be considered current-use and administered in accordance with Suffolk University’s administrative guidelines and procedures.
If, in the opinion of the University, all or part of the Fund cannot at some time in the future be usefully or practically applied to the Purpose or if the Purpose cannot be achieved because of a future change in law or unforeseeable circumstances, it may be used for any related purpose which in the opinion of the University will most nearly accomplish the Purpose as determined by the donor(s) who established the Fund.