Christina and Chris Combe Make Gift to Advance Global Health and Human Rights Work at Northwestern Pritzker Law

Longtime Northwestern University donors Chris ’70 and Christina Combe have made a new gift to Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, reinforcing their multigenerational commitment to interdisciplinary education, global engagement, and public service.

The gift will support both the Schuette Global Fellowship in Health and Human Rights and the Schuette Clinical Fellowship in Health and Human Rights, helping sustain and expand opportunities for students to engage in community-centered, solutions-oriented work. The funding builds on a series of prior gifts from the Combe family that established and strengthened the Access to Health Project, at the intersection of law, medicine, and business, a hallmark interdisciplinary initiative launched in 2015.

Rooted in the work of Northwestern Pritzker Law’s Center for International Human Rights, the Access to Health Project brings together students from across disciplines at Northwestern to collaborate with communities around the world on urgent health challenges, from Louisiana to Latin America and Panama to India.

“Our ability to impact our world has never been more necessary,” Christina said. “Whether it is on a micro or macro level, people need to contribute their resources—time, expertise, and financial support. That has been a lifelong commitment for our family.”

The Combes’ philanthropy is deeply informed by a longstanding family connection to Northwestern. Chris Combe’s father, Ivan Combe, attended Northwestern University for undergraduate and law school on scholarship during the Great Depression, and Ivan remained closely engaged throughout his life, setting a precedent of service and institutional stewardship that has extended across generations. The family tradition continues with the election of Chris’ daughter Keech Combe Shetty (’99, Kellogg’06) recently elected as a Northwestern University Trustee. Chris has been a Northwestern Trustee for 28 years.

“We have always believed in the power of education to open doors—not just professionally but in understanding the needs of the world,” Chris said. “Programs like Health and Human Rights expose students to real challenges and teach them how to work collaboratively across disciplines.”

That emphasis on collaboration remains central to the Combes’ giving philosophy. Their support has helped ensure that students collaborate on integrated problem-solving that reflects real-world complexity rather than working in isolation.

“One of the things that sets Northwestern apart is its commitment to breaking down silos,” Chris added. “When lawyers, doctors, and business leaders work together, the impact is far greater than if each approaches a problem alone.”

The most recent iteration of the course, which focused on the links between environmental and climate harms this past year, continues to draw strong student interest and deliver tangible outcomes for partner communities. According to Priyanka Motaparthy, director of the Center for International Human Rights, the Combes’ support has been instrumental in sustaining the program’s momentum.

“Christina and Chris have shown true leadership in pairing the expertise of this University with true grassroots and community-led work,” Motaparthy said. “Over the years, they have built something with enduring appeal for students and real impact for our partners. We are seeing that in the strength of student engagement and in the quality of the work being produced.”

At the Center for International Human Rights, interdisciplinary teams of students research and consult with community members to develop practical, community-informed interventions in collaboration with local stakeholders. Recent projects have identified critical health challenges around the world, including water contamination in India, agrotoxin exposure in South America, pediatric health risks tied to industrial pollution in Louisiana, and the health rights of Indigenous communities in Panama.

Interest in the program continues to grow. This year, the Schuette Clinical Fellowship drew a record number of applications, while the Global Fellowship attracted a highly competitive pool of candidates, underscoring the increasing demand for opportunities in global health and human rights.

For the Combes, the goal is not only to support current students but also to shape the next generation of globally minded leaders.

“We hope students come away with a deeper understanding of the world beyond their immediate surroundings,” Chris said. “There is a real need for global citizens—people who recognize challenges across borders and feel a responsibility to engage.”

Northwestern Pritzker Law Dean Zachary D. Clopton emphasized the broader significance of the Combes’ giving, noting its role in advancing both the Law School’s mission and its interdisciplinary strengths.

“Chris and Christina’s support is a powerful example of philanthropy that not only advances important work but also brings together different parts of the University to address complex global challenges,” Clopton said. “Their leadership and long-standing commitment have had a lasting impact on our students and on the communities they serve.”

The Combes’ gift also aligns with Northwestern Pritzker Law’s broader fundraising priorities, including expanding access to public-interest careers. Their contributions toward fellowships and experiential programs help reduce financial barriers for students pursuing work outside of traditional private-sector paths.

As their legacy continues, the Combes remain focused on encouraging others to engage in meaningful giving.

“We hope others will join in supporting efforts that equip students to make a difference in the world,” Christina said.