Moe M. Tonkon & Frederick H. Torp Scholarship

The Tonkon scholarship was originally established in 1987 by Portland’s Tonkon Torp law firm in memory of cofounder Moe Tonkon, who died in 1984 at the age of 78. Tonkon was an alumnus of Northwestern School of Law (Lewis & Clark Law School), earning his J.D. in 1928. He became a prominent citizen in Portland, receiving numerous awards for his civic and professional activities, including Lewis & Clark Law School’s Distinguished Graduate Award and the Aubrey R. Watzek Award from Lewis & Clark College.

In December 2003, the firm enhanced the scholarship to also honor cofounder, Frederick Torp, who died on Sept. 15, 2003 at the age of 89. Torp, a leading Portland business lawyer, began his law career with Davis, Auerbach and Cornell in New York City from 1938 through 1942. Relocating to Portland in 1946, he joined the firm now known as Stoel Rives. In 1974, he cofounded Tonkon Torp. Torp specialized in tax, corporate and banking law and represented a number of major Oregon public and family businesses. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Columbia College and his L.L.B. from Columbia University Law School.

The Moe M. Tonkon & Frederick H. Torp Scholarship provides financial support of approximately $7,000 to a deserving student. This endowed scholarship can be awarded to any student in any class at the sole discretion of the Dean of the Law School.