Championing Higher Learning At Hofstra Law

James C. Metzger and E. David Woycik, two Hofstra University alumni who also played for the university’s men’s lacrosse program during the 1970s, extended their support to the university’s Maurice A. Deane School of Law in Hempstead while the school addressed fundraising, operation and other concerns for its programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

James C. Metzger is the founder, chairman and CEO of The Whitmore Agency, a leading Long Island insurance brokerage and financial services firm headquartered in Garden City. He presented a considerable donation late last year to the law school in honor of Colonel E. David Woycik, Jr. (Ret.), United States Army and a senior trial partner concentrating on personal injury, construction, highway design and toxic torts at The Sanders Law Firm of Mineola.

Associated through Hofstra University’s alumni organizations, Metzger and Woycik for decades have supported nonprofits, education and athletics on Long Island. They continued their support during the pandemic to assist a number of programs, including those at Hofstra’s law school, that were suspended or altered by COVID-19.

Woycik is a 1980 graduate of the Maurice A. Dean School of Law. He has lectured at the law school, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, in the Trial Litigation Program for more than 20 years. The nationally renowned Trial Techniques Program is now known as the “E. David Woycik, Jr. Trial Techniques Program” for his commitment to Hofstra Law School and his skills as a trial attorney.

Woycik received the 2005 Distinguished Law School Graduate Award from Hofstra for his outstanding achievements in the field. He is a guest lecturer for the New York State Bar Association, the Nassau County Bar Association and the American Trial Lawyers Association. He was chairman of the Nassau County Bar Association Plaintiff’s Round Table Committee for 2000 and 2001.

Hofstra Law

“David has been a steadfast supporter of Hofstra Law, and we are so grateful for his commitment to the Law School, and to preparing students to be outstanding attorneys,” said Judge Gail Prudenti, dean of Hofstra Law. “We also thank James Metzger for his investment in our Law School and Hofstra University in a year where it was so greatly needed.”

Since 1970, the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University has provided more than 12,000 students with an education rich in both the theory and experiential skills needed to produce outstanding lawyers, business executives, and community leaders. Hofstra Law is widely recognized as a pioneer in fully integrating clinical education into a traditional law school curriculum, while continuing to be at the forefront of legal education with programs in law and technology, health law and family law. Located on the campus of Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, Hofstra Law is 25 miles east of New York City in suburban Long Island.

Woycik’s Undergraduate Leadership Academy

At the university, Woycik also leads the Pride Leadership Academy for undergraduates. The academy promotes success by instilling his motto (H-Honesty, I- Integrity, L-Loyalty, L- Leadership and S-Service -- the HILLS FACTOR) to selected student-athletes. The program features world-class speakers who teach values and lifelong lessons.

“This certainly has been a difficult time for all of us,” said Mr. Metzger, “especially for our undergraduate, graduate and law school students at Hofstra. As we move closer to returning to our normal lives, the administration and faculty at Hofstra will help students return to their routines to continue their education as they prepare to become the next wave of leaders in our society. I am honored to support these initiatives while also celebrating David’s contributions to our country, to our communities on Long Island and to the field of law.”