Awards

Presidents Circle Laurel Pin - 2026

Fellow

About Denise Birnbaum

Denise Birnbaum has long believed in the power of education to change lives, a belief strengthened by her late husband Gary’s experience as a scholarship student at the Maurer School of Law. After earning their degrees in Bloomington, Denise built a meaningful career in library administration, including 12 years with the Phoenix Public Library System before retiring in 2012. During his life, Gary remained deeply committed to the legal field, dedicating his career to mediation, real estate law, and teaching at Arizona State University—always crediting Maurer for giving him a strong foundation. Their shared gratitude for those early opportunities inspired a lifelong commitment to helping students pursue their dreams without the burden of overwhelming debt. Today, Denise continues that legacy of generosity by supporting Maurer scholarships, ensuring that future lawyers receive the same chance Gary had to succeed. We are deeply grateful for Denise’s dedication, compassion, and the lasting impact she and Gary have made on the IU community.