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Attorney Peirce & the Concept of “Paying it Forward”
The philosophy of “paying it forward” spans countless cultures and belief systems. The concept is simple but altruistic: one person performs a good deed or a random act of kindness for another, and that person, in turn, performs similar favors for others, ultimately creating an ongoing network of kindness and humanity. Attorney Robert Peirce is a firm believer in this concept, which is why he and his wife, Joan, have donated $450,000 to Duquesne University, Attorney Peirce’s alma mater.
In the Fall 2019 edition of Duquesne University Magazine, Attorney Peirce explains how he received financial assistance as a student of Duquesne University School of Law: “I presented myself to the dean and told him I didn’t have any money. I had an average law school aptitude test score. I had decent grades, but nothing outstanding. Still, Duquesne gave me an interest-free loan to be repaid after graduation.” When remembering how the dean also gave him a job at the school, Attorney Peirce adds, “Duquesne was very good to me, and I have always looked for ways to repay them.”
Due to the kindness of the dean and the programs at Duquesne University, Attorney Peirce was able to build a successful legal career and establish his own 15-member personal injury firm, Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C.
Decades of Philanthropy
Over the years, Attorney Peirce and his wife have donated to diocesan schools, libraries, history and arts organizations, and more – but they never forget Duquesne University. One of their greatest contributions was an interest-free grant-loan program that was awarded to 10-15 Duquesne students per year for roughly 20 years. Attorney Peirce provided $2 million to that program and is proud of it – and the students who benefited from it – to this day.
How $450,000 Can Benefit the Children & Teachers of Pittsburgh
Dyslexia is the most common language-based learning disability in the United States. This learning disorder affects 5-10% of the population – with 3 million new cases reported each year – and is prevalent in children of all intelligence levels. Fortunately, diagnosed children can achieve their educational goals by utilizing specialized tutoring options and schooling programs.
Two years ago, Attorney Peirce visited a local parochial school in Pittsburgh and offered to pay for a professional to come and test the students for dyslexia. The principal replied that their school doesn’t have any dyslexic kids, which caused Attorney Peirce to laugh and exclaim, “You must be the only school in America that doesn’t have any dyslexic kids.” He quickly learned that most parochial schools don’t have any teachers or professionals on staff who are trained to help students with dyslexia – training that involves a master’s degree.
Attorney Peirce and his wife are determined to remedy this situation. In fact, about $380,000 of their generous gift to Duquesne University will help 20 teachers from Pittsburgh Catholic Schools earn a master’s degree in structured reading. The remaining $70,000 will provide structured literacy training to tutors at the Duquesne University Reading Clinic. The long-term vision of this program is to educate reading specialists who can help dyslexic students in every parochial school in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. According to Dr. Michael Latusick, the superintendent of schools in the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, over 100 people have already expressed an interest in the new program.
Robert Peirce & Associates, P.A. Is Committed to Making a Difference
The personal injury attorneys at Robert Peirce & Associates, P.A. proudly support a variety of nonprofit organizations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Alliance for Infants and Toddlers. We also take great care in providing compassionate guidance and legal support to the members of our community. Please contact our firm if you are interested in learning more about our charity work or require legal representation in a personal injury matter.
Contact Robert Peirce & Associates, P.A. at (844) 383-0565 to arrange a free, no-risk consultation with our experienced legal team.