On May 1, 2026, Wilmington University dedicated the Farnan School of Law in honor of The Honorable Joseph J. Farnan Jr. and his more than five decades of service to the University.
Long before Wilmington University established a law school, The Honorable Joseph J. Farnan Jr. was helping shape the institution it would become.
His relationship with the University began in 1970, when he joined then-Wilmington College as a Political Science faculty member. Over more than five decades, he taught students, served in academic and student life leadership roles, established the College’s Criminal Justice program and provided legal counsel during consequential periods in the institution’s growth.
On May 1, 2026, Wilmington University honored that legacy by formally naming its law school the Farnan School of Law.
The distinction recognizes Judge Farnan’s service to the University in addition to his long and distinguished legal career. He was an assistant public defender, County Attorney for New Castle County, Chief Deputy Attorney General for the State of Delaware, United States Attorney for the District of Delaware, Chief United States District Court Judge for the District of Delaware, a trial lawyer, mediator, and arbitrator.
Beyond his distinguished legal career, the naming also reflects Judge Farnan’s years of service to Wilmington University and his role in advancing the idea that education, including legal education, should be available to talented and determined students from all walks of life.
“I’m honored and humbled by this recognition, and I share it with the many people whose vision, dedication and hard work built this law school,” Judge Farnan says.
Judge Farnan’s commitment to educational access has remained a constant throughout his association with Wilmington University. As the institution evolved from a small college into a comprehensive university, he helped extend educational opportunities to traditional students, working adults and others seeking new pathways to personal and professional advancement.
His service continued through the Wilmington University Board of Trustees. Judge Farnan joined the Board in 2001, was elected vice chair in 2012 and became chairman in 2014, a position he continues to hold. During that time, he has helped guide the University with careful judgment, institutional knowledge and a strong commitment to its mission.
That commitment helped lead to the creation of Wilmington University’s School of Law.
In 2019, Judge Farnan proposed to the Board of Trustees the idea of developing a law school program that would create a new pathway to legal education. He envisioned a school that would broaden access while maintaining the academic rigor and professional preparation required of future attorneys.
That idea took root, and in August 2023, the originally named Wilmington University School of Law welcomed its inaugural class.
“Judge Farnan has always understood how education can open doors for students,” says Wilmington University President Dr. LaVerne Harmon. “The Farnan School of Law reflects that commitment and honors a leader whose wisdom, service and belief in our students have helped shape Wilmington University.”
The Farnan School of Law carries forward the values that have defined Judge Farnan’s more than five decades of service to Wilmington University: service, opportunity and a belief in the transformative power of education.
Want to read more in-depth stories? Explore our latest magazine articles.
On May 1, 2026, Wilmington University dedicated the Farnan School of Law in honor of The Honorable Joseph J. Farnan Jr. and his more than five decades of service to the University.
Long before Wilmington University established a law school, The Honorable Joseph J. Farnan Jr. was helping shape the institution it would become.
His relationship with the University began in 1970, when he joined then-Wilmington College as a Political Science faculty member. Over more than five decades, he taught students, served in academic and student life leadership roles, established the College’s Criminal Justice program and provided legal counsel during consequential periods in the institution’s growth.
On May 1, 2026, Wilmington University honored that legacy by formally naming its law school the Farnan School of Law.
The distinction recognizes Judge Farnan’s service to the University in addition to his long and distinguished legal career. He was an assistant public defender, County Attorney for New Castle County, Chief Deputy Attorney General for the State of Delaware, United States Attorney for the District of Delaware, Chief United States District Court Judge for the District of Delaware, a trial lawyer, mediator, and arbitrator.
Beyond his distinguished legal career, the naming also reflects Judge Farnan’s years of service to Wilmington University and his role in advancing the idea that education, including legal education, should be available to talented and determined students from all walks of life.
“I’m honored and humbled by this recognition, and I share it with the many people whose vision, dedication and hard work built this law school,” Judge Farnan says.
Judge Farnan’s commitment to educational access has remained a constant throughout his association with Wilmington University. As the institution evolved from a small college into a comprehensive university, he helped extend educational opportunities to traditional students, working adults and others seeking new pathways to personal and professional advancement.
His service continued through the Wilmington University Board of Trustees. Judge Farnan joined the Board in 2001, was elected vice chair in 2012 and became chairman in 2014, a position he continues to hold. During that time, he has helped guide the University with careful judgment, institutional knowledge and a strong commitment to its mission.
That commitment helped lead to the creation of Wilmington University’s School of Law.
In 2019, Judge Farnan proposed to the Board of Trustees the idea of developing a law school program that would create a new pathway to legal education. He envisioned a school that would broaden access while maintaining the academic rigor and professional preparation required of future attorneys.
That idea took root, and in August 2023, the originally named Wilmington University School of Law welcomed its inaugural class.
“Judge Farnan has always understood how education can open doors for students,” says Wilmington University President Dr. LaVerne Harmon. “The Farnan School of Law reflects that commitment and honors a leader whose wisdom, service and belief in our students have helped shape Wilmington University.”
The Farnan School of Law carries forward the values that have defined Judge Farnan’s more than five decades of service to Wilmington University: service, opportunity and a belief in the transformative power of education.
Want to read more in-depth stories? Explore our latest magazine articles.
