James F. & Donna T. Springfield Scholarship

The Springfield Family Scholarship was established to recognize the family’s strong connection and history with Rhodes College and the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. The scholarship was formed in 1997 through an endowment fund by James F. Springfield. One scholarship is awarded annually to an entering student who is a graduate of Rhodes College.
The family’s history and connection between Rhodes and Memphis Law begins with C.L. Springfield. C.L. served as the bursar, the business manager and ultimately the comptroller during a 32-year time period at Southwestern (now Rhodes College). Prior to joining Rhodes, he graduated from University of Memphis Law School (a predecessor school of the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law) in 1931. In his service to Rhodes, he literally gave the best years of his life to the college. At the same time, he instilled in those who knew him best, the very highest work ethic. C.L. passed away in 1991 at the age of 90.
C.L’s son, James F. Springfield is a retired executive vice-president and general counsel of Union Planters National Bank. He earned his law degree in 1960 from University of Memphis Law School after receiving his BA with distinction in economics in 1951 from Rhodes College (formerly Southwestern at Memphis). James felt that the most important thing that he could do was provide his children with the best education – something no one could ever take from them.
Other members of the Springfield family who are graduates of the Law School are James’ daughter, Sidney Evans, a 1983 graduate of the Law School and James’ grandson, Scott Evans, a 2015 graduate of the Law School and a 2012 graduate of Rhodes College.