Demand The Limits Establishes $50k Criminal Justice Student Scholarship

Florida Atlantic University’s School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, within the College of Social Work and Criminal Justice, has selected Maya Rogalski and Maria Rivera as the inaugural recipients of the newly established Demand The Limits (DTL) Injury Attorney's Scholarship. The scholarship provides $5,000 annually to two Criminal Justice students over five years, supporting persistence to graduation and career readiness in public service fields. This five-year, $50,000 scholarship now stands as the highest value award in the School's history, marking a transformative milestone for both the university and the law firm.

Chosen from a competitive pool of more than 50 applicants, Rogalski and Rivera exemplify academic excellence with a steadfast commitment to advancing the field of criminal justice and public service. Their selection underscores the scholarship's purpose: to empower future leaders who will shape the future of Florida's justice system. 

“Thank you for believing in me and taking a chance on those who truly believe they can change the world,ˮ said Rogalski, reflecting on what the scholarship means to her academic and professional journey.

Rivera shared a similar sentiment, emphasizing the personal impact of the award. “Thank you so much for choosing to support students like me. Your generosity reaches far beyond tuition. It touches lives. It brings light into places where doubt and struggle once lived.”

The scholarship fund was launched in 2025 through a strategic collaboration between Florida Atlantic University and Boca Raton-based Personal Injury firm Demand The Limits. The $50,000 commitment represents the largest single donation ever made to FAU's School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, setting a new standard for philanthropic support and student opportunity.

"The generosity of Demand the Limits is creating life-changing opportunities for our Criminal Justice students," said Ryan Meldrum, Ph.D., professor and director of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. "This scholarship not only eases the financial costs of higher education but also empowers our future leaders to pursue their passion for justice with confidence."

Beyond financial support, the collaboration between FAU and DTL extends to internships, employment pathways, and hands-on learning experiences, including the School’s Criminal Justice Summer Camp and Mock Trial programs. These initiatives reflect a shared commitment to preparing students to implement positive change in the wide-ranging field of Criminal Justice.

 

 

CELEBRATING IMPACT: (L-R) Alan Siegel, co-founder and equity partner at Demand the Limits, LLC (DTL); Maria Rivera, scholarship recipient and Criminal Justice major; Dr. Ryan Meldrum, director of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice (SCCJ); Dean Naelys Luna; Andrew Odza, DTL co-founder and equity partner; Maya Rogalski, scholarship recipient and Criminal Justice major; Sigal Rubin, SCCJ undergraduate program coordinator and senior instructor; Tootie Martin, college development officer; and Frank de la Torre, interim associate dean for academic affair and student services, and SCCJ online instructor.

 

 

 

 

COMPANY CAR: Following a celebration luncheon, Maria Rivera and Maya Rogalski, the inaugural recipients of the Demand the Limits Injury Attorneys Scholarship for Criminal Justice majors, scope out the firm’s eye-catching wheels, alongside Alan Siegel and Andrew Odza, co-founders and equity partners at DTL.

 

 

 

The partnership is further strengthened by its shared leadership ties. Alan Siegel, co-founder of DTL and FAU Criminal Justice alumnus c/o 2007, was named the 2025 Distinguished Alumni for the FAU College of Social Work and Criminal Justice in recognition of his professional achievements and ongoing commitment to the Florida Atlantic community.

“This is about honoring the promises we’ve made to our community,ˮ said Siegel.

“This scholarship gives students the opportunity to focus on their education while preparing for meaningful careers that will positively impact our Florida communities.ˮ

The FAU School of Criminology and Criminal Justice plays a pivotal role in developing the next generation of ethical, workforce-ready professionals for Florida's evolving criminal justice system. The DTL Injury Attorneys Scholarship helps the School ensure that students with the drive and potential to lead are supported every step of the way.

“Partnerships like this one are essential to our college mission,” said Naelys Luna, Ph.D., MSW, founding dean of the College of Social Work and Criminal Justice.

“It is especially meaningful to see this level of generosity come from one of our alumni. Alan’s dedication exemplifies the lasting impact our graduates can have on the next generation of changemakers.”

Together, FAU and Demand the Limits are setting a model for how strategic partnerships can expand opportunity for academic excellence, strengthen our communities and shape the future of Criminal Justice in Florida.