USC officials have launched a $65-million fund-raising campaign to build a new law school.

Columbia lawyers Steve Hamm and Mike Kelly will chair the campaign titled "A Place of Purpose...A Place of Pride." David Wilkins, U.S. ambassador to Canada, and U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham are honorary chairs. All are alumni of the law school.

President Sorensen said funding for the new building is a top priority for the University.

"It is exciting to experience the momentum of the campaign and anticipate its successful completion," he said. "This new building will serve as a catalyst for important goals, including the recruitment of outstanding students and faculty, as well as the achievement of becoming one of the top 50 law schools in this country."

Sorensen said the University has $20 million in gifts and pledges, including state support, toward the goal. "This project is a public/private partnership," he said. "I have met with the leadership in the General Assembly and conveyed to them the importance of this new building. When the next capital construction bill occurs, I am very encouraged that additional funding will be forthcoming."

The  four-story, 220,000-square-foot building will be in downtown Columbia on the block bordered by Pickens, Gervais, Bull, and Senate streets.

Founded in 1867, USC's law school is the state's only public law school and has 723 students and 9,000 living alumni, many of whom have held prominent leadership posts in the state's political and business sectors.

A construction date has not been set.

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