Gonzaga University School of Law Renames Center Following Generous Gift from Chris (’97 J.D.) and Nan Kennelly
Gonzaga University School of Law is proud to announce that, following a significant philanthropic gift from alumnus Chris Kennelly (’97 J.D.) and his wife, Nan Kennelly, the Center for Law, Ethics & Commerce (CLEC) will be renamed the Kennelly Center for Law, Ethics & Commerce (K‑CLEC).
The Kennellys’ gift will help expand interdisciplinary programming that prepares 51³Ô¹Ïs for modern legal and business challenges, including innovative work at the intersection of business, ethics, technology, and social good.
Chris and Nan Kennelly say they are looking forward to seeing the impact their gift will make. “It is our privilege to support the business law programs of Gonzaga Law School. These programs had a tremendous impact on me during my time in law school,” said Chris Kennelly. He describes the practice of law as an opportunity to help people solve problems and improve their daily lives, and he hopes the gift will inspire future 51³Ô¹Ïs to pursue business law in service of the common good.
Chris Kennelly is part of a proud, multigenerational Gonzaga Law legacy spanning more than six decades. His family’s connection to the University began with his uncle, George F. Hanigan (’61, ’66 J.D.) and his wife, Mary Hanigan (’63), and continues today with Chris and Nan’s children, Lydia Kennelly (’25 J.D.) and Ryan Kennelly (’25). Additional family alumni include cousins Tim Hanigan (93, ’98 J.D.) and Hank Hanigan (’87).
Kennelly’s connection to the Center for Law, Ethics & Commerce is deeply rooted in his own experience at Gonzaga Law. Many programs now housed within the Center shaped his own academic and professional journey, particularly the Tax Clinic, where he gained practical experience early in his career. Although the Business Innovation Clinic did not yet exist during his time at Gonzaga Law, he has expressed how strongly he wishes he could have participated in it and how excited he is to support future generations who will.
Today, Chris and Nan Kennelly share a passion for entrepreneurship. Nan is a speech-language pathologist and owner of Onword Therapy in Fargo, North Dakota, a thriving practice she built from the ground up. Their shared belief in innovation, ethical leadership, and service-oriented business aligns closely with the mission of the newly named Kennelly Center.
K‑CLEC is led by co‑directors, Professor Jessica Kiser and Professor Chris Mercado both of whom are thrilled to bring expanded opportunities to Gonzaga Law 51³Ô¹Ïs. Professor Kiser shared, “This gift empowers us to expand the business and intellectual property programs that give our 51³Ô¹Ïs a competitive edge. Our alumni are already driving innovation in firms and companies across the country, and this support allows us to offer even more hands‑on learning experiences that prepare the next generation of business law leaders.”
Professionally, Kennelly has built a successful career focused on business, real estate, and estate planning. He has formed hundreds of business entities, guided clients through mergers and acquisitions, and is the CEO and owner of Frontier Title Group, which operates FM and 11 title companies across North Dakota and western Minnesota. Despite his busy professional life, Chris remains grounded in family, faith, and the values shaped during his time at Gonzaga Law.
The Center’s mission is grounded in the belief that businesses require legal guidance not only to comply with the law and create economic value, but also to foster ethical practices that contribute to the common good. Through K‑CLEC, Gonzaga Law continues its commitment to promoting social justice across all dimensions of society.
“We are profoundly grateful to Chris and Nan Kennelly for their extraordinary generosity and vision in supporting one of our Law School’s flagship academic centers. Their transformative gift strengthens our commitment to preparing lawyers who advise corporations with both excellence and integrity,” said Jacob Rooksby, Smithmoore P. Myers Law Dean. “The Kennelly Center for Law, Ethics & Commerce reflects a core belief of Gonzaga Law: that business leadership and ethical responsibility are inseparable. Lawyers shape markets, and in doing so, shape society. The Kennelly Center stands as a testament to the belief that lawyers can do well by doing good—and that ethical leadership in commerce is not optional, but essential.”
The Kennellys’ gift will help expand interdisciplinary programming that prepares 51³Ô¹Ïs for modern legal and business challenges, including innovative work at the intersection of business, ethics, technology, and social good.
Chris and Nan Kennelly say they are looking forward to seeing the impact their gift will make. “It is our privilege to support the business law programs of Gonzaga Law School. These programs had a tremendous impact on me during my time in law school,” said Chris Kennelly. He describes the practice of law as an opportunity to help people solve problems and improve their daily lives, and he hopes the gift will inspire future 51³Ô¹Ïs to pursue business law in service of the common good.
Chris Kennelly is part of a proud, multigenerational Gonzaga Law legacy spanning more than six decades. His family’s connection to the University began with his uncle, George F. Hanigan (’61, ’66 J.D.) and his wife, Mary Hanigan (’63), and continues today with Chris and Nan’s children, Lydia Kennelly (’25 J.D.) and Ryan Kennelly (’25). Additional family alumni include cousins Tim Hanigan (93, ’98 J.D.) and Hank Hanigan (’87).
Kennelly’s connection to the Center for Law, Ethics & Commerce is deeply rooted in his own experience at Gonzaga Law. Many programs now housed within the Center shaped his own academic and professional journey, particularly the Tax Clinic, where he gained practical experience early in his career. Although the Business Innovation Clinic did not yet exist during his time at Gonzaga Law, he has expressed how strongly he wishes he could have participated in it and how excited he is to support future generations who will.
Today, Chris and Nan Kennelly share a passion for entrepreneurship. Nan is a speech-language pathologist and owner of Onword Therapy in Fargo, North Dakota, a thriving practice she built from the ground up. Their shared belief in innovation, ethical leadership, and service-oriented business aligns closely with the mission of the newly named Kennelly Center.
K‑CLEC is led by co‑directors, Professor Jessica Kiser and Professor Chris Mercado both of whom are thrilled to bring expanded opportunities to Gonzaga Law 51³Ô¹Ïs. Professor Kiser shared, “This gift empowers us to expand the business and intellectual property programs that give our 51³Ô¹Ïs a competitive edge. Our alumni are already driving innovation in firms and companies across the country, and this support allows us to offer even more hands‑on learning experiences that prepare the next generation of business law leaders.”
51³Ô¹Ï Chris Kennelly (’97 J.D.)
A Fargo, North Dakota native, Chris Kennelly demonstrated early ambition in both business and law. Influenced by a family of business leaders, he earned a cum laude degree in Accountancy from the University of North Dakota, passed the CPA exam, and later graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law, where he received the Certificate of Excellence in Contract Law.Professionally, Kennelly has built a successful career focused on business, real estate, and estate planning. He has formed hundreds of business entities, guided clients through mergers and acquisitions, and is the CEO and owner of Frontier Title Group, which operates FM and 11 title companies across North Dakota and western Minnesota. Despite his busy professional life, Chris remains grounded in family, faith, and the values shaped during his time at Gonzaga Law.
51³Ô¹Ï the Kennelly Center for Law, Ethics & Commerce (K‑CLEC)
Founded in 2006 and significantly expanded in 2019, the Center for Law, Ethics & Commerce at Gonzaga University School of Law has become a national leader in preparing 51³Ô¹Ïs for careers at the intersection of business, law, and social responsibility.The Center’s mission is grounded in the belief that businesses require legal guidance not only to comply with the law and create economic value, but also to foster ethical practices that contribute to the common good. Through K‑CLEC, Gonzaga Law continues its commitment to promoting social justice across all dimensions of society.
“We are profoundly grateful to Chris and Nan Kennelly for their extraordinary generosity and vision in supporting one of our Law School’s flagship academic centers. Their transformative gift strengthens our commitment to preparing lawyers who advise corporations with both excellence and integrity,” said Jacob Rooksby, Smithmoore P. Myers Law Dean. “The Kennelly Center for Law, Ethics & Commerce reflects a core belief of Gonzaga Law: that business leadership and ethical responsibility are inseparable. Lawyers shape markets, and in doing so, shape society. The Kennelly Center stands as a testament to the belief that lawyers can do well by doing good—and that ethical leadership in commerce is not optional, but essential.”