Brian Bender ’12 was a 1L when the unthinkable happened. During winter break, he, along with his wife Meredith and their nine-month-old daughter Samantha took a trip to California to visit relatives. His wife wouldn’t make it back home.
While there, Bender’s wife became very ill. And as time passed, it became apparent that Bender would have to stay in California and not be able to return to school any time soon.
“While I was caring for my wife out of state, it would’ve been very easy for the law school to wash its hands of me,” said Bender. “Instead, school administrators and professors checked on me on a regular basis. They even went so far as to explore transferring to a nearby law school so I could continue my education while staying close to my wife in the hospital.
“I chose against transferring because if the worst were to happen, I would have little support in California.”
Sadly, Bender’s wife passed away on their daughter’s first birthday.
“This was another opportunity for the school to look the other way, but they supported me,” he added. “They put me on a leave of absence so I could get my affairs in order. When I was ready to return, they were very accommodating and allowed me to schedule classes across sections to make sure it worked with my schedule.”
The student body proved to be equally supportive. The class Bender started with was now in its second year together and the class he joined had a semester to establish relationships, so he thought he would return as a lone student without a class. Both cohorts embraced him.
Some of his classmates put together a Relay for Life team two weeks before finals to walk or run across a track for 24 hours. Bender’s wife had been a volunteer for the organization, making the gesture extra special.
“Doing something so time-consuming, so taxing, and so close to finals was a truly selfless act.”
Brian and former President and Dean Eric Janus sign the Bender Family Memorial Scholarship Endowment Agreement on Oct. 19, 2011.
While still a student himself, Bender created the Bender Family Memorial Scholarship at Mitchell Hamline in his wife’s honor to help other students facing tragedy.
“The outpouring of support I received from the school and its students uplifted me during my time of grief and contributed to my success as a student and attorney,” said Bender. “I’m fortunate to have attended this school during one of the darkest periods of my life. Establishing and continuing to contribute to the Bender Memorial Scholarship to give back to students in times of need is the least I can do for Mitchell Hamline.”
Brian, his wife Leah, and their children Samantha and Calvin.
Currently, Bender is an intellectual property counsel for 3M legal affairs at its St. Paul headquarters and primarily supports its health information systems division. He takes advantage of his employer’s matching gifts program to double the impact of his gift for Mitchell Hamline students. His daughter, Samantha, is a thriving teenager who enjoys reading, animals, being an older sister to her seven-year-old brother, Calvin, and is interested in a career in veterinary medicine.
To give, visit mitchellhamline.edu/giving.