In Memoriam: Rapheal M. Prevot Jr., JD'84
Rapheal M. Prevot Jr., JD'84, a devoted Indiana Law supporter and 2004 recipient of the School's Distinguished Service Award, died at his home June 25, 2008, surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was 49 years old.
Prevot lived the dream of many young attorneys, serving for more than 15 years as
Labor Relations Counsel for the National Football League in New York. Prior to this
role, he worked as assistant attorney and division chief for Janet Reno in the Dade
County, Fla., State Attorney's Office and as a litigator for Florida-based Adorno
& Zeder. Prevot was a dedicated member of the National Bar Association and was
inducted into the Hall of Fame for the group's Entertainment, Sports, and Art Law
section. He was a regular speaker at universities and legal seminars nationwide.
Regardless of how busy his career kept him, Prevot always found time for others and nurtured the dreams of many young attorneys, particularly Indiana Law graduates. Despite living on the east coast, he was a fixture at the Law School, serving faithfully on the Alumni Board since 1993 and on the Board of Visitors since 1997, where he was elected the youngest president in Board history. Prevot mentored hundreds of IU students and would regularly attend Law School events such as the Barrister's Ball. For his incredible and dedicated service to the Law School community, Prevot was honored in 2004 with the Distinguished Service Award.
Prevot once said that his Indiana Law experience inspired him to reach back over the years and help students. He contributed to the Charles Wilson Memorial Scholarship, named for a classmate who died in 1984. "[Charles Wilson] was an inspiration to me and showed me how to make it through law school," he said. "I wanted to be able to give another student the opportunity to be inspired by someone else's generosity." Likewise, Prevot's warm heart and generous spirit have been an inspiration to so many.
"Rapheal was special. He was never 'just' one thing," Assistant Dean of Admissions Frank Motley recalled with affection. "He came at you — all 360 degrees six foot of him. He made you smile and think and reminded you how good it is to love something and someone. He was someone who had come up the rough side of the mountain and appreciated getting to the other side but never forgot what the rough side was like. Perhaps that is why he always was giving back to the School, his family, his friends."
Dean Lauren Robel added, "The Law School has lost one of its greatest champions and friends, and our students have lost a devoted mentor. For more than 15 years, Rapheal made countless trips to Bloomington, reaching back to pull the next person forward. He was much loved by all of us, and he leaves an unfillable void."
Services will be held Monday, June 30, 2008, (visitation at 1 p.m., funeral mass at 2 p.m.) at St. Paul the Apostle Church at 59th and Columbus Avenue, New York, NY.
In coordination and consultation with his beloved wife, Roberta Gumbel, and best friend and fellow alumnus, Tony Prather, JD'83, the Law School will receive contributions in Prevot's memory, and will establish a fund in his name to continue his legacy at the School. Please send your memorial gift to the Arthur M. Lotz Office of Alumni & Development, 211 S. Indiana Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405. Checks may be made payable to the Law School; the memo line should mention the "Rapheal Prevot Memorial Fund." His family will be notified of your generous contribution. The National Football League is also establishing a college fund for Rapheal Prevot III.
Your Remembrances of Rapheal
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