McCaffrey also was named the 2017 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate for his unparalleled contribution to the evolution and progressive realization of international water law.

McCaffrey’s expertise has also shaped international policy through his role as Counselor on International Law for the U.S. Department of State (1984-1985) and as legal counsel to Slovakia, India, Uruguay, Nicaragua, and Chile on complex water treaty, border, river, and navigational rights issues.

The campaign to establish this professorship was spearheaded by Margaret J. Vick, JD ‘83, JSD ‘10, a fellow McGeorge School of Law adjunct faculty member and a prominent legal expert with over 40 years of experience in international and domestic water law and tribal relations.

Her leadership and dedication were instrumental in securing support for this endowed professorship.

“Professor McCaffrey shaped my career,” Dr. Vick said. “The simple fact that I studied international water law with him opened professional opportunities for me.”

She continued by explaining why the campaign was so meaningful to her: “I am pleased to help repay this by assisting to make this professorship possible. It is not often that we have the chance to personally honor someone who has profoundly influenced global civilization through their research, publications, and litigation.”

She added, “His work created and implemented the law of the non-navigational uses of international watercourses and established the processes for the peaceful resolution of disputes over water.”

Dr. Vick concludes by expressing her excitement for the future, explaining that she is thrilled to see a professorship carry Professor McCaffrey’s legacy forward at McGeorge.

McGeorge Dean Michael Hunter Schwartz celebrated the campaign’s success, emphasizing the profound impact the new professorship will have on the law school’s academic reputation.

“Professor McCaffrey is a legend in his field, a wonderful teacher, a fabulous colleague, and a good friend,” Schwartz said. “I am delighted that McGeorge is able to honor his legacy in this way while enhancing our ability to influence global policy and practice in water and environmental law.”

In celebration of this achievement, McGeorge School of Law will host a special reception on August 30, 2024, in the Hugh and Hazel Grand Salon, open to the law school’s faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. The event will honor Professor McCaffrey’s remarkable career and mark the establishment of the Stephen C. McCaffrey Endowed Professorship, a key moment that will undoubtedly shape the future of water and environmental law education at McGeorge School of Law.

For more information about McGeorge School of Law, visit our website. 

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