2026

SANTA CLARA, Calif., April 30, 2026—Santa Clara University School of Law has established the Nanette Cannon Fellowship in honor of Nanette Cannon, J.D. '94, who worked for the law school for 29 years. 

The Nanette Cannon Fellowship, endowed at $4.3 million, will be awarded to one student each year to cover the full cost of their tuition for the entirety of law school, allowing for three fellowships run concurrently in perpetuity. In the fall of 2026, the fellowship will cover tuition for one 1L student; in the fall of 2027, it will cover tuition for one 1L student and one 2L student; and in the fall of 2028 and beyond, the fellowship will cover tuition for one 1L student, one 2L student, and one 3L student. 

Cannon received her Juris Doctorate from Santa Clara Law and most recently served as the Assistant Director of Admissions, dedicating countless hours to helping aspiring lawyers embark on their legal journeys. Cannon sadly passed away on December 13, 2024 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Through her care and devotion to the students she supported, and now through this Fellowship, Cannon continues to be part of the fabric of the law school.

“The entire Santa Clara Law community was so blessed to be graced by Nan, who devoted herself to generations of students whom she admitted to our law school and supported throughout their life’s journey. We are incredibly grateful to Cole, Elease, Nikki, and Nan’s countless loved ones who have envisioned and established this endowed scholarship as a powerful way to honor Nan and to carry on her profound legacy of love and life,” said Santa Clara Law Dean Michael J. Kaufman.  

Created by Cannon’s father and Santa Clara Law alum, Cole B. Cannon, J.D. '72, sister Elease Cannon, and former Managing Director of the High Tech Law Institute (now named the Datta Center for High Tech Law), Nikki Pope, J.D. '04, the Nanette Cannon Fellowship joins a growing legacy of endowed support made possible through the generosity of alumni, faculty, law firms, and community partners. Together, these endowments reflect a shared commitment to access, equity, and excellence in legal education. 

“Nanette’s 29 years at Santa Clara Law were defined by a profound, succinct thoughtfulness and an unwavering belief in her students. What she gave to this community was simply who she was as a human being: a person of deep compassion and integrity. We established this Fellowship to ensure her spirit continues to guide future lawyers, reminding them that their greatest professional asset is the humanity they bring to the law,” said Cole Cannon.

Nikki Pope added, “Nanette had an incredible gift for making every student feel seen and supported. She was a foundational part of this community, and it is only fitting that her name is now synonymous with opportunity. Along with the Cannon family, I am honored to help launch this Fellowship, which reflects my dear friend Nanette’s deep commitment to equity and her unwavering belief in the power of a Santa Clara Law education.” 

Donations to the Nanette Cannon Fellowship can be made online and via mail.

About Santa Clara University School of Law

Santa Clara University School of Law is dedicated to educating lawyers who lead with a commitment to excellence, ethics, and social justice. Santa Clara Law offers students an academically rigorous program including certificates in high tech, international, public interest and social justice, privacy, and sports law, as well as numerous graduate and joint degree options. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara Law is nationally distinguished for its faculty engagement, preparation for practice, and top-ranked programs in intellectual property and international law. For more information, see law.scu.edu.

Media Contact

Pamela Nonga Ngue | Santa Clara Law Marketing & Communications | pnongangue@scu.edu | 408-551-1763