A New Legacy for Graduate Tax Alumnus and Adjunct Faculty Member
On March 7, Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law dedicated room 306 in John F. Scarpa Hall as The Lann S. and Christopher P. Woehrle Classroom. The installation recognizes a $100,000 gift from alumnus and Graduate Tax Program adjunct faculty and advisory board member Christopher Woehrle ’82 JD, ’85 LLM.
Woehrle’s history with Villanova Law spans several decades, beginning with his time as a JD student in the 1980s. Since 2009, he has taught various classes within Villanova’s Graduate Tax Program as an adjunct professor of taxation.
“Whether it’s been success within my business or philanthropic efforts, it all comes down to what I learned here at Villanova Law,” says Woehrle. “I can say over my lifetime that I have now given my time, talent and treasure here, and that is a wonderful feeling.”
Even more meaningful to Woehrle, he will now get to teach his various course offerings in the classroom that bears his name.
“I’ve literally lost track of the number of times I’ve taught in that space,” says Woehrle. “I used to walk around as a student and see the named spaces and wonder what the story behind them was and who the people were—so that definitely gives it extra special meaning.”
The gift cements Woehrle as the first LLM graduate to enter the university’s Reuschlein Society, which recognizes donors with $100,000+ in lifetime giving. It also follows a long line of philanthropy for Woehrle and his family.
“I’ve always felt that if you are in a position to give back to the causes that mean something to you, you are really duty-bound to do it,” explains Woehrle. “I’ve given back to my other alma maters, my wife’s alma mater, and it’s just a fantastic feeling.”
His generosity and continued support is esteemed by law school leadership.
“We could not be more thankful for Chris and his family’s continued support and enthusiasm for our program,” said Stephen Olsen ’07 JD ’09 LLM, associate professor of practice and faculty director of the Graduate Tax Program. “As an alumnus, adjunct faculty member and generous donor, Chris embodies exactly what it means to be a part of this community. We are thrilled to honor his legacy with this classroom dedication.”
Establishing a legacy at Villanova Law reflects his own mentors’ and peers' impact on Woehrle.
“I truly learned to teach and write under the guidance of Professor Ted Kurlowicz (’91 LLM) , a former colleague from The American College and Villanova LLM graduate,” he says. “I’ve also had the privilege to work with many fantastic colleagues within the program here—Professors Leslie Book, Edward Liva and Joy Sabino Mullane—I am so thankful for their leadership and friendship.”
Today, Woehrle remains committed to teaching and inspiring the next generation of Villanova Law students with his wisdom and experience.
“I really offer to my students the idea of being both alert and fearless,” says Woehrle. “I tell students that I envy them because they are at the beginning of their careers and, even though it may not seem like it all the time, it’s a wonderful feeling, and the journey is truly wonderful to take.”