The Stanley A. Star and Elizabeth A. Star Rule of Law Fund carries forward Stanley Star’s longstanding commitment to Duke Law.
Stanley A. Star ’61, who passed away in late May 2026, will be remembered for his generosity, leadership, and service, which left a lasting mark on the law school and the Bolch Judicial Institute.
Over decades, Stanley and his wife, Elizabeth A. Star, helped shape the life of Duke Law by supporting students and faculty, strengthening the institution, and inspiring others through their generosity.
At the Bolch Judicial Institute of Duke Law School, that legacy continues through the Stanley A. Star and Elizabeth A. Star Rule of Law Fund, established in 2025 to honor the Stars’ longstanding commitment to Duke Law and to support work that protects and advances the rule of law and judicial independence in the United States and abroad.
Created through a major gift from David F. Levi, director emeritus of the Bolch Judicial Institute and former dean of Duke Law School, and his wife, Nancy R. Ranney, along with contributions from Star family members and friends (and the Stars themselves), the endowment supports judicial education, scholarship, and related programs, including the Star Rule of Law Series, a set of public conversations examining the rule of law, judicial independence, and the role of courts in sustaining democratic institutions.
“Stanley Star’s commitment to Duke Law was both deep and lasting, and the Rule of Law Fund is a meaningful way to honor that legacy,” said Kim Mueller, director of the Bolch Judicial Institute. “The fund reflects the deep admiration Stanley inspired across the Duke Law community and creates lasting support for work that is central to the Bolch Judicial Institute’s mission. At a time of growing challenges to courts and legal institutions, that support is especially significant and stands as a fitting tribute to Stanley Star’s legacy.”
To learn more about Stanley Star’s life, leadership, and lasting impact on Duke Law, read Duke Law’s full tribute to Stanley Star.