Pritzker Law School at Northwestern University

Former Dean of Northwestern Law Passes

David S. Ruder, who served as dean of Northwestern University School of Law from 1977 to 1985 died on February 15 at the age of 90. He was also a former chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC),

“David took such delight and pride in the Law School,” Kimberly Yuracko, dean of Northwestern Pritzker Law, says in a press release. “For me personally, he was a dear friend, mentor and advisor. David welcomed me with warmth and kindness when I joined our faculty and was always generous with his time, wisdom and support.”

A DEVOTED LEADER

Ruder joined the Northwestern Law faculty in 1961.

During his leadership, he planned the construction of the Rubloff Building on campus and recruited a number of distinguished scholars to join the Northwestern Law faculty.

Ruder also led a $25 million campaign and helped to bring the American Bar Association and the American Bar Foundations’ headquarters stationed on campus.

Outside of his leadership as dean, Ruder was also a leading scholar in corporate and securities law and taught courses in enforcement, insider trading, tender offers and other regulatory topics. His earlier scholar papers focused on insider trading issues and he was well-regarded as an expert on the SEC’s antifraud rules.

“The thing about David Ruder is that you always knew he had his eye on the ball, the goal being building — and not just literally — the honesty and strength of our legal education, while preparing students, and insisting from our community that the highest professional standards be upheld,” said friend and office companion Leigh Bienen, a senior lecturer at Northwestern Pritzker Law.

Sources: Northwestern, Northwestern Law