Philanthropist Zilber dies at 92

Listen to this article

One of Marquette University Law School Dean Joseph D. Kearney’s favorite lines is from one of the institution’s most distinguished alum, who never practiced law.

Joseph J. Zilber graduated from the law school in 1941 at the top of his class, but opted to enter the business world instead and found long-term success.

“He would often quip to faculty and students at the law school, that ‘I never lost a case’,” Kearney said.

Zilber, 92, passed away on the morning on March 19 at the Zilber Hospice in Wauwatosa.

The Milwaukee native helped propel the ongoing effort to construct a new law school for Marquette when he announced a $30 million gift toward the project in 2007.

Five million of the donation is going toward construction of the new facility, expected to open this fall, and $25 million will be used for scholarships.

Kearney recalled the groundbreaking ceremony in May 2008, which Zilber attended and had hoped he would be present to witness the finished project.

“It would have been wonderful to have him there for the dedication and to see the interior crowned by Zilber Forum, the four-story atrium, around which the life of the law school will revolve,” Kearney said.