Ted Spak '53, '56 JD, '02 GP, '05 GP Supports Alma Mater Through Bequest

Theodore “Ted” Spak’s connection with Northwestern dates back to 1950, when he enrolled in the College of Commerce. The Chicago native earned his undergraduate degree in just over three years before attending Northwestern’s School of Law. 

While Ted remembers his days on the Evanston campus fondly, he credits the law school with teaching him “not just how to interpret the law, but more importantly, how to think.” Today, Ted advises students to consider a legal education as a way to sharpen their critical thinking skills in preparation for a range of career opportunities.

A loyal supporter of the Law School Annual Fund, Ted established the Joseph and Sophie Spak Scholarship Fund at the Law School in 1995 to honor his parents. This year, he included the law school in his estate plans so the Joseph and Sophie Spak Scholarship will support deserving Northwestern Law students in perpetuity.

Ted credits his parents—and his mother in particular—for insisting that he and his siblings pursue higher education despite the family’s limited resources. Through his gift, Ted celebrates the legacy of his parents and supports the institution that helped him achieve success—first practicing as a tax attorney and CPA and later leading a public insurance adjusting firm.

Ted, whose granddaughter, Michelle ’02, ’05 JD, is also a double Northwestern alumna, encourages others to consider supporting Northwestern Law through planned giving. “I am proud of the education that I have received and am honored to help others as Northwestern initially helped me,” says Ted. 

April, 2014

Editor’s note: Ted Spak passed away in January 2016.