Class of 2023 Alex Patafio Scholarship

Alexandra (Alex) Marie Patafio, 30, of Atlanta, Georgia passed away tragically on Friday, October 7, 2022. She was a third-year law student at Georgia State University College of Law, pursuing a Public Interest Law & Policy Certificate. 

Alex was a dedicated public interest law student and a tireless advocate for the underserved, a supportive friend, and someone filled to the brim with righteous indignation about the injustices of the world. She was actively involved in the College of Law's Pro Bono efforts, working with the Georgia Legal Services Program and the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation to help tenants facing eviction, a project that was recognized by the White House and the Department of Justice. She also led a group of student volunteers during the Center for Access to Justice Alternative Spring Break Program.

Alex was also involved in the Health Law Partnership (HeLP) Clinic, an opportunity that allowed her to support and advocate for children and families who were receiving care at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Hospital. In 2022, Alex was honored as a recipient of the HeLP Clinic Award. Alex also worked at the Arora Law in Atlanta, Georgia, a criminal defense firm. While there, she was recognized by WSB-TV news for her working on a case to get the charges dropped for a man who spent 6 months in prison for a crime that he did not commit. 

As a class, we hope to honor Alex's legacy by providing scholarships for future public interest-minded students. Because of Alex's dedication to criminal defense and helping those without the funds to hire an attorney, the scholarship in her honor will be for law students who also have a passion for public defense. 

The goal of the Class Gift Campaign is to reach 100 percent participation from the graduating class. A gift of any amount is included in the overall participation percentage and provides financial support to future law students.

Student donors for this project graduating with the College of Law Class of 2023 will receive: 

• Recognition in the official Hooding Ceremony printed program (if the gift is received by April 21st).
• Recognition in the college’s annual fund report with all fellow law graduates who contribute annually. 
• Recognition on the campaign plaque. 
• The satisfaction of helping to provide an affordable legal education to a future alumnus/a, colleague or friend.
  

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With your gift to this project, the Georgia State University Foundation will establish the Alex Patafio Public Interest Law Scholarship in memory of Alex Patafio in the Georgia State University College of Law. Any funds raised over the minimum $25,000 to establish an endowment will be applied to the principal of the endowment.