Fargo Native Donates to Gonzaga Law School

Center renamed in honor of Chris and Nan Kennelly's philanthropic gift.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Fargo native Chris Kennelly and his wife Nan have made a significant donation to the Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane, Washington. As a result, the university's Center for Law, Ethics & Commerce will be renamed in the Kennellys' honor.

Why it matters

This donation highlights the impact that philanthropic giving can have on educational institutions, allowing them to expand programs and facilities. The Kennellys' gift will help Gonzaga Law School continue to provide a high-quality legal education and foster important discussions around law, ethics, and commerce.

The details

The Kennellys' gift will rename the Center for Law, Ethics & Commerce at Gonzaga Law School. The center focuses on interdisciplinary studies and discussions around the intersection of law, ethics, and the business world.

  • The donation was announced on March 5, 2026.

The players

Chris Kennelly

A native of Fargo, North Dakota who, along with his wife Nan, made a philanthropic gift to Gonzaga University School of Law.

Nan Kennelly

The wife of Chris Kennelly, who together with her husband made a philanthropic gift to Gonzaga University School of Law.

Gonzaga University School of Law

A law school located in Spokane, Washington that received a philanthropic gift from Chris and Nan Kennelly, resulting in the renaming of the Center for Law, Ethics & Commerce.

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The takeaway

This donation demonstrates the power of philanthropic giving to enhance educational opportunities and support important interdisciplinary programs like the one focused on law, ethics, and commerce at Gonzaga Law School.