As we remember those who have served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice, the University of Georgia School of Law has announced a new scholarship fund initiated by Johnson J. “Jay” Cooper and his wife, Hillary. The fund honors Jay’s father, Frederick E. “Fred” Cooper (J.D.’67), who also served in the U.S. Army, according to Dean Peter B. "Bo" Rutledge.
Consistent with the School of Law's commitment to veterans, the scholarship will support outstanding law students, particularly those who are veterans or plan to serve in the armed forces. It will also benefit students who have worked in the school’s Veterans Legal Clinic or similar initiatives during their studies and those demonstrating an exceptional commitment to veterans or active service members.
Fred Cooper, a native of Thomasville, Georgia, enlisted in the U.S. Army as a captain in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps after earning his law degree. Following his military service, he became a leader in the baking industry. He spent 16 years at Flowers Foods in various roles including general counsel, executive vice president, president, and vice chair. During his tenure, Flowers Foods transitioned from a regional southern bakery to a national food company and was listed on the Fortune 500.
In 1990, Fred founded CooperSmith, a small bread business that grew to become the 13th largest private employer in Atlanta within six years before being sold to Earthgrains in 1997. He was also active in the American Bakers Association and served as its chair.
"I would like to thank Jay and Hillary for allowing the School of Law to play a role in creating a lasting legacy for Fred – one that honors his military service," said Rutledge.
"As our law school seeks to redefine what it means to be a great national public law school, it is important we keep a world-class, hands-on and purpose-driven legal education affordable. This new scholarship will help make our vision a reality," he concluded.