$1.25M Gift from Stellar Development Foundation Advances Law School’s Leadership in Blockchain and Tech Law
The University of San Francisco School of Law has received a $1.25 million gift from the Stellar Development Foundation (SDF), which has been matched by the Getty Geschke Fund, to establish the Stellar Development Foundation Law, Technology, and Social Transformation Professorship — a new initiative exploring how emerging technologies can advance equity and access in law and policy. Michele Neitz has been appointed by the law school to serve as the first holder of the professorship.
For SDF, a foundation that supports the development and growth of the open-source Stellar network, the gift reflects its broader mission to expand equitable access to the global financial system through education, research, and collaboration.
Candace Kelly, chief legal and policy officer at SDF, said the contribution reflects SDF’s mission to advance equitable access through responsible innovation. “At the SDF, we believe the future of finance is open, accessible, and built on innovative technologies, like blockchain. This gift to the University of San Francisco reflects our shared belief that responsible innovation and equitable access go hand in hand. Together we are investing in educating legal and policy leaders — both current and future — who will help shape a financial system that is open, fair, and built for everyone.
Dean Johanna Kalb emphasized the significance of the endowed professorship for students and the wider legal community. “I am grateful to SDF for this pivotal gift, which will help the law school continue to train students on the legal implications of blockchain and other emerging technologies,” said Kalb. “We feel very lucky to have Professor Neitz, an internationally recognized expert and a talented teacher and scholar, as a member of our faculty.”
Professor Neitz advises international and state organizations on emerging technologies and has trained more than 1,000 government officials on the responsible regulation of emerging technologies.
As the Stellar Development Foundation Law, Technology, and Social Transformation Professor, Neitz will lead the creation of pioneering tech law courses, collaborative student-faculty research opportunities, and policy resources for government officials—all focused on leveraging technology to advance equity and inclusive growth in our digital society.
“This gift ensures that future generations of lawyers will be prepared for the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies,” Neitz said. “I am honored to represent SDF’s commitment to global inclusion and transparency through the use of innovative technology.”
USF President Salvador D. Aceves ’83, EdD ’95, said the gift “reflects the kind of forward-thinking investment that positions our law school at the forefront of legal education and strengthens its leadership position in emerging technology law.”
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