Neil Thomas Proto’s giving to Southern Connecticut State University reinforces the importance of donor intent and mission alignment in higher education philanthropy.
New Haven’s Southern Connecticut State University's enduring dedication to social justice has found a resonant advocate in Neil Thomas Proto, a distinguished alumnus from the class of 1967. A celebrated lawyer, author, and educator, Proto continues to build a vibrant legacy through his generous philanthropic efforts, underscoring the profound impact of donor intent and alignment with a university's mission.
Neil Thomas Proto, a New Haven, Conn., native and first-generation college student, has pledged a significant donation of $750,000 to support five endowments at Southern Connecticut State University. His contributions include a scholarship aimed at students aspiring to attend law school, funding for Southern's Pre-Law Society, and the establishment of an archive housing the papers of four New Haven mayors.
Proto’s commitment to Southern is deeply rooted in the university’s values. “From its inception, and with the renewed moral and deep scholarship imperative of its president, Dwayne Smith, this university has encouraged and supported values that define civic duty in America,” Proto remarked. “These values, born of hard choices soundly made, insist on fairness, the fearless intellect, insightful and shared reasoning, and the skilled exercise of ethical thoughtfulness.”
The endowments Proto has created have injected vibrancy into the university’s academic and social fabric. They span areas such as law, social justice, and scholarship, reflecting Proto’s lifelong dedication to these principles. These initiatives have not only enhanced the university’s academic offerings but have also expanded the horizons and aspirations of its students.
Proto’s initial endowment at Southern was a scholarship for budding lawyers, inspired by his own journey as a first-generation college student. This experience, he believes, paved the way for his successful career as an attorney in Washington, D.C. Building on this foundation, Proto has established other significant endowments, including The Neil Thomas Proto Scholar and Civic Fund in Law and Social Justice. This fund supports annual academic and performance-based presentations on these critical themes, fostering a spirit of civic engagement among students.
Interim President Dwayne Smith lauded Proto’s contributions, stating, “Neil Proto is a proud Southern alumnus who cares deeply about the university and its social justice-driven mission. Neil’s passion for community engagement and his generosity of spirit will further define our unique efforts to produce civic-minded students and help effect positive societal change.”
One of Proto’s notable gifts is the creation of the New Haven Mayoral Archive in Southern’s Hilton C. Buley Library. This archive preserves the documents, campaign materials, and memoranda from the careers of four New Haven mayors: Biagio DiLieto, John Daniels, John DeStefano, and Toni Harp, with plans to include the papers of the current mayor, Justin Elicker.
“Southern, as New Haven’s public university, is a natural home for this important archival collection,” Proto noted. “The contributions of these mayors to the civic good and political life of the city are significant and deserve to be preserved and chronicled.”
Proto’s illustrious career in law began early, marked by his leadership of Students Challenging Regulatory Agency Procedures (SCRAP), which led to a landmark Supreme Court case on the National Environmental Policy Act. His career, spanning public service and private practice, has been characterized by groundbreaking legal work in environmental law, civil rights, and historic preservation.
Proto’s passion for the arts and community service is equally noteworthy. He has served on the boards of the Shubert and Long Wharf theaters in New Haven and has been involved in various cultural and civic initiatives in the city.
In recognizing Proto’s extensive contributions, it is clear that his philanthropic efforts are not just about financial support but about fostering a legacy of social justice, civic duty, and academic excellence at Southern Connecticut State University. His commitment exemplifies the powerful role that dedicated alumni can play in advancing the mission and values of their alma mater.
Proto’s educational journey, from Southern to George Washington University, where he earned a master’s degree in international affairs and a juris doctor, highlights the transformative power of education. His continued engagement with Southern is a testament to the enduring bond between an alumnus and their university, driven by a shared commitment to making a positive impact on society.
As Proto himself stated, “Many graduates, myself included, always embraced Southern’s valued place in our lives. I applaud Southern’s ongoing imperative under President Smith to educate, inspire and elevate the meaning of law and social justice.” His story serves as an inspiring example of how individual dedication and philanthropy can contribute to the greater good, reinforcing the importance of donor intent in advancing the mission of educational institutions.