SUNY BUFFALO LAW ALUMNI ASSOCIATION’S
54thAnnual Alumni Dinner
for the presentation of the 2016 Distinguished Alumni Awards Wednesday, May 11, 2016
E S T A B L I S H E D B Y T H E L A W A L U M N I ASSOCIATION'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN 1963, THE DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDS RECOGNIZE THE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT SUNY BUFFALO LAW SCHOOL ALUMNI HAV E M AD E T O T H E IR P R OF E S S ION A N D COMMUNITY.
R O G G R A P R P O R M A M DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDS PROGRAM
WELCOME Robert P. Heary ’91 President, SUNY Buffalo Law Alumni Association James A. Gardner Interim Dean, Bridget and Thomas Black Professor and SUNY Distinguished Professor Charles F. Zukoski Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs University at Buffalo
PRESENTATION OF AWARDS Brian D. Gwitt ’98 President-Elect, SUNY Buffalo Law Alumni Association AWARD FOR THE JUDICIARY Presenter: Pietra Lettieri Zaffram ’01 Recipient: Honorable Ralph A. Boniello ’69 AWARD FOR PRIVATE PRACTICE Presenter: Anne E. Joynt ’05 Recipients: Neil A. Goldberg ’73 and Thomas F. Segalla ’72 AWARD FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE Presenter: Pietra Lettieri Zaffram ’01 Recipient: Marilyn Tebor Shaw ’79 AWARD FOR PUBLIC SERVICE Presenter: Anne E. Joynt ’05 Recipient: Trini E. Ross ’92 AWARD FOR BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT Presenter: Pietra Lettieri Zaffram ’01 Recipient: Mason P. Ashe ’89 AWARD FOR SERVICE BY A NON-ALUMNA Presenter: Anne E. Joynt ’05 Recipient: Honorable Kathy C. Hochul
J U D I C I A R Y
HONORABLE RALPH A. BONIELLO ’69 Justice, New York State Supreme Court Eighth Judicial District, Niagara Falls, NY
I am very honored to be the recipient of the 2016 Distinguished Alumnus Award for the Judiciary and to be placed among such a distinguished group of jurists, all of whom accomplished remarkable things throughout their careers. I also congratulate the other award recipients. Each has made unique and valuable contributions to their profession and the community and are deserving of the recognition bestowed upon them tonight. It seems strange to receive an award for doing something that I love so much. It has been a true pleasure to serve on the bench. I enjoy the challenge of resolving legal issues, the camaraderie with my fellow judges, and the legal challenges and arguments constantly being advanced by the attorneys. Western New York has a judiciary and bar equal to none. Each day brings a new challenge. As my father used to say (also a graduate of UB Law), “If you get bored practicing law, you’re doing something wrong.” I received a wonderful education at UB Law, while also making lasting friendships. Every day I think about the professors who challenged me to do better. I accept this award on their behalf. It is my way of finally saying “Thank you.” I have also been blessed to have a wonderful family who understood (or at least tolerated) the delicate balance of the demands of the legal profession with the demands of raising a family. Equally deserving of the award are my wife, Kathy, and my three great children, Ralph, Michael and Kristen. I am so proud of all of them. In addition, I have also been fortunate to have a great staff that assisted me throughout my career and who also share in this award. I take this opportunity to say thank you all for all of your guidance and support.
For His Conscientious and Diligent Performance in the Judiciary
HIGHLIGHTS Professional
Justice, New York State Supreme Court, Eighth Judicial District, 2001-present Attorney-at-Law, The Law Offices of Ralph A. Boniello III, 1998-2000 Niagara County Attorney, 1999-2000 Agency Counsel, Niagara County Industrial Development Agency, 1990-1994; 1998-1999 Service
Member, The New York Bar Foundation’s Board of Directors Past President, New York State Association of Supreme Court Justices Past President and Member, Niagara County Bar Association Past President and Member, Niagara Falls Bar Association Member, New York State Bar Association’s Committee on Elder Abuse Member, SUNY Buffalo Law Alumni Association’s Board of Directors, 1987-1990 Honors
Lifetime Achievement Award, Western New York Trial Lawyers Association, 2014 Hon. Jacqueline Koshian Service Award, Niagara County Bar Association, 2013 Judge of the Year Award, Western New York Matrimonial Trial Lawyers Association, 2003 Business First, Who’s Who in the Law, 2003
P R I V A T E
P R A C T I C E
NEIL A. GOLDBERG ’73
Founding Partner, Goldberg Segalla LLP Buffalo, NY
It is an incredible privilege to be included in such a distinguished group of honorees. My heartfelt thanks go to the Law Alumni Association for this recognition. I would also like to extend sincere congratulations to my fellow award winners, whose dedication and commitment are unparalleled. This award would not be possible, however, without the support and friendship of my partner, Tom Segalla, who is also being honored with me tonight. I consider our friendship, which has sustained us for more than 40 years, to be one of my life’s greatest accomplishments. It has been a personal honor to work alongside him. I would also like to thank all of my partners at Goldberg Segalla, and especially Rick Cohen, Joe Hanna and Jack Freedenberg, who have worked tirelessly to advance our values and to make our firm the success it has become. I owe a great deal to UB Law. Tonight would be incomplete without my thanking the late W. Howard Mann, a great constitutional scholar and an even better mentor and person. I was struggling to pay my way through my second year of law school. Professor Mann, without my asking, helped me land a clerkship that paid as much as a first-year associate salary. I was able to continue my studies because of his kindness. It changed the course of my life and gave me the support I needed to complete law school. In his memory I feel privileged to pay it forward. Again, thank you for this great honor.
For Their Leadership by Example as Private Practitioners
HIGHLIGHTS Professional
Founding Partner, Goldberg Segalla LLP, 2001-present Partner, Saperston & Day, PC, 1973-2001 Service
President, Defense Research Institute, 2001; President, Products Liability Committee, 1994-1997; Chair, Research and Development Committee, 1997; Current Member President, Lawyers for Civil Justice, 2004-2005; Current Member Executive Committee Member, USLAW Network Advisory Board Member, Bureau of National Affairs’ Product Safety & Liability Reporter Member, Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel Member, International Association of Defense Counsel Member, New York State Bar Association; Chair, Products Liability Committee, 1992 Member, American Arbitration Association Member, International Association for Insurance Law Member, Trial Lawyers of America Member, University at Buffalo School of Law’s Advocacy Institute, National Advisory Board Honors
Distinguished Service Award, Defense Research Institute, 1997 Distinguished Service Award, New York State Bar Association, 1992 Other
Editor-in-Chief, DRI's DAUBERT COMPENDIUM Editor-in-Chief and Contributing Author, PRODUCTS LIABILITY IN NEW YORK, STRATEGY AND PRACTICE, second edition (2012) Co-Editor-in-Chief, PREPARING FOR AND TRYING THE CIVIL LAWSUIT, second edition (New York State Bar Association, 2004)
P R I V A T E
P R A C T I C E
THOMAS F. SEGALLA ’72
Founding Partner, Goldberg Segalla LLP Buffalo, NY
I am thrilled and incredibly honored to be part of this year’s group of Distinguished Alumni. While my deepest thanks go to the Law Alumni Association for this special honor, this would have never been possible without the support of my longtime partner, Neil Goldberg, who is accepting the same award tonight. Neil has been a steadfast, loyal friend for more than four decades, and it has been tremendously gratifying to work alongside him at our firm, where we’ve spent the last 15 years building on a foundation of shared values, trust, and the joy that is inherent in the practice of law. Thank you. I would also like to thank my wife, Mary Lou, who is my constant companion, friend, and personal source of inspiration, as well as the rest of our family, whose support has meant everything to me. Many thanks go to Rick Cohen, another UB Law graduate and someone who was instrumental in bringing Goldberg Segalla to life. I am also deeply indebted to all of my partners at Goldberg Segalla, who help me to grow, both personally and professionally, on a daily basis. Of course there are so many others – friends, former partners, colleagues – to thank, but they are too many to name individually. For me, this award is validation that incredible things can happen when you surround yourself with people who share similar values of creativity, visibility, and persistence, and who put the same emphasis on teamwork and collegiality. My sincerest thanks again for this award.
For Their Leadership by Example as Private Practitioners
HIGHLIGHTS Professional
Founding Partner, Goldberg Segalla LLP, 2001-present Partner, Saperston & Day, PC, 1972-2001 ARIAS Certified Arbitrator Teaching
Continuing Education Instructor, New York State Insurance Department Service
Chair, USLAW Insurance Committee, 2010-2011; Current Member Editorial Board Member, Insurance Law360 Member, Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel Member, International Association of Defense Counsel Member, Claims and Litigation Management Alliance Member, American Association of Insurance Management Consultants Member, FC&S Legal Editorial Advisory Board President, American College of Coverage and Extracontractual Counsel, 2012-2013 Member, American Arbitration Association Roster of Neutrals, 2013 Publications Board Chair, Defense Research Institute, 2013-2014; Board Member, 2004-2013; Chair, Law Institute, 2009-2012 State Liaison, National Foundation for Judicial Excellence, 2011
Honors
James S. Conway Award for Outstanding Service to the Defense Community, Defense Association of New York, 2014 Lawyer of the Year, Buffalo Insurance Law, The Best Lawyers in America, 2014 Tom Segalla Chair of the Law Institute, Established by DRI in 2013 in honor of Tom’s longtime commitment to the Institute. Businessman of the Year, National Republican Congressional Committee’s Business Advisory Council, 2003 Andrew C. Hecker Award, Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, 2002 Other
Co-Author, COUCH ON INSURANCE 3D (West Publications, 2002-present) Editor, REINSURANCE PROFESSIONAL’S DESKBOOK (Thomson Reuters and DRI, 2015)
C O M M U N I T Y
S E R V I C E
MARILYN (MORIAH) TEBOR SHAW ’79
Associate Judicial Administrator, Cornell University Ithaca, NY
I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Law Alumni Association for selecting me as the recipient of the 2016 Distinguished Alumna Award for Community Service. I would like to extend my hearty congratulations to my distinguished brother and sister alumni and alumnae – each of whom is being recognized for achievement in his or her respective fields. It is indeed a privilege to be in their company on this special night. UB Law holds a very special place in my heart. Its long tradition and commitment to community service brought me to the Law School and I try to give back to it, in some small way, as an alumna. The Law School not only taught me the substantive areas of the law, but also imparted a message of the importance of pro bono service. It seemed to me as if it was in the very air I breathed in John Lord O’Brian Hall. It was for this reason I chose to receive my legal education at our wonderful law school and why I have supported its mission for close to, dare I say it, 40 years. Marian Wright Edelman famously said, “Community service is the rent we pay for living.” When you are reared, as I was, in a family and community that valued community service and saw it as an honor rather than a duty that accompanied one’s professional degree, it is humbling to be honored for doing what comes naturally. As the Talmud says of repairing a broken world, we are not required to finish the work, but we are commanded to begin it. I accept this award in honor of all those individuals with whom I have joined hands over the years in helping to improve the lives of others.
For Her Many Contributions to the Betterment of Our Community
HIGHLIGHTS Professional
Associate Judicial Administrator, Cornell University, Office of the President, 2015-present Principal, TeborShaw Law LLC, 2009-present Associate General Counsel, National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 1992-2001 Partner, Bean, Kinney & Korman, P.C., Arlington, Virginia, 1989-1992 Service
Volunteer Poll Monitor, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Voting Rights Project, 2004, 2008, 2012-present Member, City of Ithaca Board of Zoning Appeals, 2010-present Founding member (Soprano II), Dorothy Cotton Jubilee Singers, Ithaca College Pro Bono Attorney, New York State Bar Association’s Hurricane Sandy Project, 2012-2013 Pro Bono Attorney Emerita, LawNY (formerly Tompkins/Tioga Neighborhood Legal Services), 2012 -2013 Trustee and Legal Advisor to the Board, Nomadic Kenyan Children’s Educational Fund (now the Kenya Education Fund), 2004-2007
Honors
Empire State Counsel Award, New York State Bar Association, 2012 Alumni Who Have Influenced the World Honoree, Cornell University, 2007 AV (highest peer reviewed rating) Martindale-Hubbell Lawyers Directory, 1980-2016
P U B L I C
S E R V I C E
TRINI E. ROSS ’92
Senior Litigation Counsel, US Attorney’s Office Western District of New York Buffalo, NY
First, I thank God for my blessings, including the opportunity to attend UB Law. Without God’s love, compassion and mercy, my life would not be what it is today. Thank you to the Law Alumni Association for honoring my public service work and congratulations to the other awardees being honored this evening on their accomplishments. Thanks to my husband, Geoffrey, for his love and his support while I obtained my education and began my law career, and for his continued love and support. I also want to give recognition to my four children and my grandchildren, who inspire and motivate me every day to do my part to make the world a better place for them, and others, in our society. To all the extraordinary professors I had while attending UB Law, there are no words to express my gratitude to you for sharing your knowledge and providing guidance. I must especially thank Dr. Charles Patrick Ewing, Professor Nils Olsen and Dean Alan Carrel for the impact they have had on me. Last, thank you Justice Samuel Green, my first mentor in the legal profession, and Justice Patrick NeMoyer, who hired me as an AUSA at the U.S. Attorney’s Office over 21 years ago, setting my course as a public service attorney. Without both of you I would not be here today. I accept this award with gratitude and in honor of my parents, who instilled in me important values, a sense of justice and life lessons that I will never forget.
For Her Commitment to Public Service
HIGHLIGHTS Professional
Senior Litigation Counsel, United States Attorney’s Office, Western District of New York, 2016-present; Chief, Fraud and Corruption Section, 2012-2016; Deputy Chief, White Collar and General Crimes Section, 2010-2012 Assistant Counsel, U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Professional Responsibility, 2007-2009 Teaching
Trial Technique Instructor, University at Buffalo School of Law, 2015-present Adjunct Professor, Department of Homeland Security, Medaille College, 2013-present Adjunct Professor, Political Science Department, Canisius College, 2006-2007 Service
Member, Western New York Chapter of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York’s Board of Directors Member, The Park School of Buffalo’s Board of Directors Member, Buffalo City Swim Racers Board of Directors Member, Character and Fitness Committee, Fourth Judicial Department Emeritus Member, University at Buffalo School of Law’s Dean’s Advisory Council Honors
Values Award, Leadership Buffalo, 2016 Leader in Law Award, The Daily Record, 2015 Prosecutor of the Year, Federal Law Enforcement Association, 2015 and 2010 Trailblazer Award, Minority Bar Association of Western New York, 2014 Women of Influence Award, Business First, 2014 Other
Lead Attorney, Western New York Human Trafficking Task Force Civil Rights Point of Contact, United States Attorney’s Office, Western District of New York
B U S I N E S S
MASON P. ASHE ’89
Founder/CEO Ashe Sports & Entertainment Consulting Washington, DC
I thank the Law Alumni Association for this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award for Business. Congratulations to all of the other recipients who are being honored this evening for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions. I knew that UB Law was the right place for me during my first week on campus. Associate Dean Alan Carrel, who is a fellow alumnus of Hamilton College, made it clear that I was welcome here and that he believed my sales and marketing training at Procter & Gamble would be a fantastic foundation upon which to build a strong law practice. That week, I also established lifelong friendships with classmates Michael Marsh, Michael Smalls and Kevin Carter. My experience continued to improve as I enjoyed excellent lectures about fascinating topics ranging from mergers and acquisitions to race law. Professors such as the late Muhammad Kenyatta made me feel comfortable to share my thoughts in class and expand my research on global issues that were brand new to me. My graduate assistant position in the Admissions Office working with Assistant Dean Aundra Newell helped me sharpen my marketing and communication skills. My internship in Environmental Crimes with mentor John Elmore gave me an advantage over my competition for summer associate positions at large law firms in New York City and North Carolina. At every turn, UB Law has served me well. I am very appreciative for that blessing. Finally, I have to thank God and my parents, wife, daughter and brother for all of their unconditional love and encouragement. They mean the world to me. Thank you.
For His Exemplary Performance in Business
HIGHLIGHTS Professional
Founder & CEO, Ashe Sports & Entertainment Consulting, Inc., 2004-2009; 2013-present Partner, Collegiate and Professional Sports Group, Jackson Lewis, LLP, 2011-2013 Of Counsel, Schulman, Treen & Gilden, 2009-2011 Co-Founder, COO & General Counsel, Strickland & Ashe Management Consulting, LLC, 1997-2004 Vice President, Team Sports, International Management Group, 1993-1997 Teaching
Academic Director, Sports Management Industry Institute, Georgetown University Adjunct Professor, Sports Law, Howard University Law School, 2012; 2013; 2016 Adjunct Professor/Lecturer, Sports Law, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, 2015 Adjunct Professor, Sports Law, Florida A&M University Law School, 2015 Adjunct Professor, Sports Law, Georgetown University Law School, 2013 Adjunct Professor, Sports Law, DeVos Sport Management MBA Program, University of Central Florida, 2004-2009 Service
Chairman, Washington Jazz Arts Institute’s Board of Directors Member, Orlando Chapter of the 100 Black Men of America Member, Hamilton College’s Board of Trustees, 2002-2006; Alumni Council, 1993-2002 Member, University at Buffalo School of Law’s Dean’s Advisory Council, 2006-2008 Honors
Sports Lawyer of the Year Award, National Bar Association, 2015 101 Most Influential Minorities in Sports, Sports Illustrated, 2003 and 2004
N O N - A L U M N A
HONORABLE KATHY C. HOCHUL Lieutenant Governor State of New York
Thank you President Heary, Executive Director Fleischmann and the entire Law Alumni Association for choosing me as the recipient of this prestigious award. It has been a privilege to serve the Western New York region for more than 20 years – as a Hamburg Town Board Member, Erie County Clerk, Congresswoman and now as Lieutenant Governor. Under Governor Andrew Cuomo, the city where I grew up and still call home has seen a revitalization that few could have imagined. The economic downturn that plagued Western New York for decades has been reversed and now we are witnessing a literal transformation with record job creation, new construction and an influx of never-before-seen culture and innovation. The positive momentum created over the past five years will surely keep our region growing for decades to come. One key to this success has been the University at Buffalo and the Law School. Your network of alumni are pioneers and leaders working to shape our future here in Buffalo, across the country and around the globe. As a proud adopted member of your Law School family and spouse of another one of your awardees, I know that the Law School will continue to play a prominent role in the future revitalization of our community. Again, thank you for this generous recognition and congratulations to the other honorees.
For Outstanding Service to the University and the Community by a Non-Alumna
HIGHLIGHTS Professional
Lieutenant Governor, State of New York, 2015-present Congresswoman, New York’s 26th Congressional District, 2011-2013 County Clerk, Erie County Clerk’s Office, 2007-2011 Councilmember, Town of Hamburg, 1994-2007 Service
Co-Founder, Kathleen Mary House Co-Founder, Village of Hamburg Action Coalition Honors
Share of Voice Award, Arc of Westchester, 2016 Power 250, Ranked #1 by Business First, 2015 Doctor of Humane Letters Honorary Degree, Hilbert College, 2015 Doctor of Humane Letters Honoris Causa, Hofstra University, 2015 Centennial Women’s Leadership Medal, Women’s City Club of New York, 2015 Congressional Achievement Award, Congressman Greg Meeks, 2015 Spirit of Hamburg Award, Town of Hamburg, 2015 Liberty Bell Award, Bar Association of Erie County, 2015 Teddi Award, Camp Good Days & Special Times, 2015 Champion Award, Women Builders Council, 2015 Seneca Falls Legacy of Leadership Award, Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy, 2013 William B. Hoyt Advocacy for Choice Award, Planned Parenthood of WNY, 2013 Young Women’s Working Woman Award, YWCA, 2013 Trailblazer of Democracy Award, Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy, 2011 Other
Panel Participant, US Chamber of Commerce Invest in America Summit, 2016 Panel Participant, Clinton Global Initiative: Comeback Cities, 2015 Safe Rider Rookie of the Year, New York State Snowmobile Association & SLEDNY, 2015
P A S T
A W A R D
R E C I P I E N T S
1963
1975
Hon. Charles S. Desmond ..................Judiciary John Lord O’Brian ......................Public Service Harry J. Kelly ............................Private Practice
Hon. Sebastian J. Bellomo ..................Judiciary Robert W. Grimm........................Public Service M. Robert Koren ......................Private Practice John E. Leach (Posthumous) ........................Special
1964
Hon. Philip Halpern ............................Judiciary Elmer S. Stengel ..........................Public Service G. Sidney Shane ........................Private Practice 1965
1976
Hon. Gilbert H. King ..........................Judiciary Adolf Homburger ........................Public Service Joseph P. Runfola ......................Private Practice
Sidney F. Pfeifer ........................Private Practice
1977
1966
Hon. Frederick M. Marshall ................Judiciary Aaron Weinstein ..........................Public Service Philip H. Magner, Jr. ................Private Practice
Hon. Alger Williams ............................Judiciary Hon. Frank Moore ......................Public Service David Diamond ........................Private Practice 1967
Hon. Philip Weiss (Posthumous) ............Judiciary Edwin F. Jaeckle ..........................Public Service Charles J. McDonough..............Private Practice 1968
Hon. Burke I. Burke (Posthumous) ........Judiciary Elmer R. Weil ..............................Public Service Frank J. Raichle, Jr.....................Private Practice 1969
Hon. Matthew J. Jasen..........................Judiciary Manly Fleischmann ....................Public Service Lawrence J. Schork (Posthumous)....................................Private Practice 1970
Hon. Reid S. Moule..............................Judiciary Owen B. Augspurger (Posthumous) ......................................Public Service Eugene M. Downey ..................Private Practice 1971
Hon. John O. Henderson ....................Judiciary Roland E. Logel............................Public Service William J. Flynn, Jr. ..................Private Practice 1972
Hon. John T. Curtin ............................Judiciary Margaret D. Hazel........................Public Service William B. Mahoney ................Private Practice 1973
Hon. Frank J. Luchowski ....................Judiciary Samuel C. Battaglia (Posthumous) ......................................Public Service Clarence R. Runals ....................Private Practice 1974
Hon. Walter J. Mahoney ......................Judiciary Hon. Michael F. Dillon ................Public Service Robert I. Millonzi......................Private Practice
1978
Hon. Norman A. Stiller........................Judiciary Willard A. Genrich ......................Public Service Wallace J. Stakel ........................Private Practice 1979
Hon. William J. Regan ........................Judiciary Maurice Frey ................................Public Service Albert R. Mugel ........................Private Practice 1980
Hon. M. Dolores Denman ..................Judiciary Louis J. Russo ..............................Public Service Everett M. Barlow......................Private Practice 1981
Hon. Joseph P. Kuszynski ....................Judiciary Edward V. Regan ..........................Public Service J. Eugene McMahon..................Private Practice 1982
Hon. Samuel L. Green..........................Judiciary Robert E. Casey, Jr. (Posthumous) ......................................Public Service Philip J. O’Shea, Sr. ..................Private Practice 1983
Hon. Ann T. Mikoll ..............................Judiciary Frank J. Boccio ............................Public Service Edmund S. Brown, Sr. ..............Private Practice 1984
Hon. Rudolph U. Johnson (Posthumous) ................................................Judiciary
Louis A. DelCotto ........................Public Service Herald Price Fahringer ............Private Practice 1985
Hon. Rose D. LaMendola ....................Judiciary Hon. Henry J. Nowak ..................Public Service George M. Zimmermann ........Private Practice Hon. Charles Ryan Desmond (Posthumous)....................................................Special
1986
1995
Hon. Michael A. Telesca ......................Judiciary George M. Martin........................Public Service Richard F. Griffin ......................Private Practice
Hon. Joseph P. McCarthy ....................Judiciary Thomas G. Maligno ....................Public Service John H. Stenger ........................Private Practice Anthony J. Colucci, Jr. ......Community Service Diane J. McMahon................................Business Hon. John J. LaFalce ..................Non-Alumnus
1987
Hon. Ernest L. Colucci ........................Judiciary Leslie G. Foschio ..........................Public Service Samuel D. Magavern ................Private Practice 1988
Hon. Theodore S. Kasler......................Judiciary Maryann S. Freedman ................Public Service William R. Brennan ..................Private Practice 1989
Hon. John J. Callahan ..........................Judiciary Hon. Dale M. Volker....................Public Service David G. Jay ..............................Private Practice Sue S. Gardner ..................Community Service 1990
Hon. Edmund F. Maxwell....................Judiciary Paul Gonson ................................Public Service J. Mason Davis, Jr. ....................Private Practice Carl J. Montante ................Community Service Harold A. Dautch (Posthumous) ..............Business 1991
Hon. Joseph S. Mattina........................Judiciary Clarence J. Sundram ....................Public Service Joel L. Daniels............................Private Practice Thomas R. Beecher............Community Service Gerald S. Lippes ....................................Business 1992
Hon. Thomas P. Flaherty ....................Judiciary Harold J. Brand, Jr. ......................Public Service Daniel T. Roach ........................Private Practice William H. Gardner ..........Community Service Joseph G. Makowski ............................Business 1993
Hon. Beryl E. McGuire ........................Judiciary Richard M. Tobe ..........................Public Service Harold J. Boreanaz ....................Private Practice Pamela Davis Heilman ......Community Service William A. Niese ..................................Business 1994
Hon. Vincent E. Doyle, Jr.....................Judiciary Winnie F. Taylor ..........................Public Service Terrence M. Connors ................Private Practice James L. Magavern ............Community Service Owen F. Mangan ..................................Business
1996
Hon. Jacqueline M. Koshian................Judiciary Hon. Kevin M. Dillon..................Public Service H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. ........Private Practice Brian D. Baird ....................Community Service Gordon R. Gross ..................................Business John B. Sheffer II ........................Non-Alumnus 1997
Hon. Joseph D. Mintz ..........................Judiciary Hon. Dennis C. Vacco..................Public Service John D. Canale ..........................Private Practice Hon. Michael A. Battle ......Community Service Thomas R. Bremer................................Business Hon. Arthur O. Eve ....................Non-Alumnus 1998
Hon. Paul L. Friedman ........................Judiciary George M. Hezel ..........................Public Service Peter J. Fiorella, Jr. ....................Private Practice Paul C. Weaver ..................Community Service Hon. Michael A. Amico ........................Business Hon. Mary Lou Rath ....................Non-Alumna 1999
Hon. Frank A. Sedita, Jr. ......................Judiciary Hon. Patrick H. NeMoyer ..........Public Service Samuel L. Shapiro ....................Private Practice Gayle L.V. Eagan ................Community Service Anthony J. Renaldo ..............................Business Hon. Thomas M. Reynolds ........Non-Alumnus 2000
Hon. Rose H. Sconiers ........................Judiciary Howard R. Relin ..........................Public Service Kenneth B. Forrest ....................Private Practice Irving M. Shuman ............Community Service John J. Nasca ........................................Business Paul I. Birzon ..............................Non-Alumnus 2001
Hon. Barbara Howe ............................Judiciary Joseph F. Crangle ........................Public Service Carl A. Green ............................Private Practice Judith B. Ittig......................Community Service Linda J. Nenni ......................................Business Pamela R. Jacobs ..........................Non-Alumna
P A S T
A W A R D
R E C I P I E N T S
2002
2009
Hon. Julio M. Fuentes..........................Judiciary Robert M. Elardo ........................Public Service Kenneth A. Manning ................Private Practice John T. Frizzell ..................Community Service Vikki L. Pryor........................................Business R. Nils Olsen, Jr. ........................Non-Alumnus
Hon. Jeffrey S. White............................Judiciary Elizabeth B. Mensch ....................Public Service Brent L. Wilson..........................Private Practice Lynn A. Clarke ..................Community Service Anna Marie Cellino ..............................Business Hon. Sharon S. Townsend ............Non-Alumna
2003
2010
Hon. Hugh B. Scott ..............................Judiciary Barbra A. Kavanaugh ..................Public Service Lawrence H. Wagner ................Private Practice Michael R. Wolford............Community Service David F. Smith ......................................Business Hon. Paul A. Tokasz....................Non-Alumnus
Hon. Erin M. Peradotto ......................Judiciary Hon. Frank J. Clark......................Public Service Roger J. Jones ............................Private Practice Hon. E. Jeannette Ogden....Community Service Harvey L. Kaminski ..............................Business Hon. Thomas P. Franczyk ..........Non-Alumnus
2004
2011
Hon. Eugene F. Pigott, Jr. ....................Judiciary Oliver C. Young............................Public Service Dianne Bennett ........................Private Practice Jean C. Powers....................Community Service Erik D. Lindauer ..................................Business Matthew J. Murphy III ..............Non-Alumnus
Hon. Paula L. Feroleto ........................Judiciary Kathleen M. Mehltretter..............Public Service Jeffrey L. Tanenbaum ................Private Practice Howard S. Rosenhoch ......Community Service Christopher J. O’Brien................Non-Alumnus
2005
Hon. Cynthia M. Rufe..........................Judiciary William J. Hochul, Jr. ..................Public Service Mark K. Suzumoto....................Private Practice Vincent E. Doyle III ..........Community Service Jill M. Bond ..........................................Business Michael S. Taheri ........................Non-Alumnus
Diane F. Bosse ..............................Public Service David R. Pfalzgraf..............Community Service Hon. Judith S. Kaye ......................Non-Alumna 2006
Hon. John P. Lane ................................Judiciary Hon. Elena Cacavas-Schietinger..Public Service Garry M. Graber ......................Private Practice Christopher T. Green ........Community Service Robert P. Fine........................................Business 2007
Hon. Thomas M. Van Strydonck ........Judiciary Alan S. Carrel ..............................Public Service Margaret W. Wong ....................Private Practice Richard Lipsitz ..................Community Service William E. Mathias II ..........................Business Frederick G. Attea ......................Non-Alumnus 2008
Hon. David J. Mahoney ......................Judiciary Denise E. O’Donnell....................Public Service Francis M. Letro ........................Private Practice Daniel T. Lukasik ..............Community Service Thomas E. Black, Jr...............................Business Makau W. Mutua ........................Non-Alumnus
2012
2013
Hon. John M. Curran ..........................Judiciary Mark G. Pearce ............................Public Service James P. Harrington ..................Private Practice Christopher L. Jacobs ........Community Service Carol M. Matorin..................................Business Lauren D. Rachlin ......................Non-Alumnus 2014
Hon. Eugene M. Fahey ........................Judiciary Michael J. Surgalla, Jr...................Public Service Robert C. Schwenkel ................Private Practice Hon. Lisa Bloch Rodwin ....Community Service William F. Savino ..................................Business Hon. Robert T. Russell, Jr. ..........Non-Alumnus 2015
Hon. Judith J. Gische ’80 ....................Judiciary Nicole C. Lee ’02 ..........................Public Service Dennis R. McCoy ’77 ................Private Practice Ann E. Evanko ’79 ............Community Service Jonathan S. Beane ’98 ..........................Business Hon. William M. Skretny ..........Non-Alumnus
L E T T E R
F R O M
T H E
P R E S I D E N T
The 2015-16 SUNY Buffalo Law Alumni Association Year in Review On behalf of the SUNY Buffalo Law Alumni Association, I want to welcome you to the 54th Annual Alumni Dinner and presentation of the 2016 Distinguished Alumni Awards. Congratulations to all the honorees – thank you for being exemplary members of the legal profession and judiciary. Your outstanding achievements are reflective of the exceptional graduates of our Law School. I would like to thank the many sponsors who have supported this annual event. Because of your generosity, our Alumni Association is able to provide much needed financial support to our law students. By way of example, we annually award threeyear alumni scholarships to deserving students. We are also able to provide support for students to participate in public interest summer placements through the Buffalo Public Interest Law Program. And, just this year, our GOLD Group worked with the Admissions Office to establish a GOLD Group Scholarship to assist with student recruitment and to foster student engagement and connection with our alumni. Robert P. Heary ’91
I also want to thank all of our regional chapter members. Our regional chapters, located in Albany, Central New York, New York City, Rochester, and Washington, D.C., have been instrumental in connecting alumni on a regional basis and in assisting Law School students through networking events, career advice, and identifying professional opportunities. These efforts by our regional chapters, as well as other informal regional alumni networks, have had a tremendous impact in expanding the reach of our Law School, literally around the world. Once again, our GOLD Group, under the leadership of Mike Hecker and his fellow GOLD Group officers and board members, has had an extremely productive year. The GOLD Group planned and presented multiple CLE programs, coordinating participation from prominent local attorneys, local and national law firms, in-house counsel, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The GOLD Group’s well-attended social events help connect students, recent graduates, and long-standing alumni and provide wonderful
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networking opportunities. Our organization and our alumni network are stronger because of the work of the GOLD Group. We continue to develop a strong student membership base, providing unique benefits to our student members. Those benefits include opportunities to shadow attorneys and judges, and access to attorney panel discussions on various legal issues. In addition, many of our members act as mentors to law students, serve as judges for moot court competitions, assist with the Law School’s Annual Fund, and otherwise engage in activities which have a meaningful impact on our Law School and the students attending our Law School. Thank you to all the alumni volunteers who have donated countless hours in support of our Law School. I also would like to express my appreciation for all the hard work of the officers and board members of the Law Alumni Association. Your efforts on behalf of the Association and the Law School are nothing short of extraordinary. It has been my great pleasure to serve the Alumni Association with such a wonderful group of lawyers and judges. The experience has been truly rewarding, and I am thankful for the opportunity to give back to the institution that gave so much to me. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the Law Alumni Office staff, which is both professional and exceptional in all that they do. Vice Dean and Executive Director Ilene Fleischmann, Assistant Dean and Assistant Director Lisa Mueller, and the rest of the staff are nothing short of remarkable. Their tireless support and dedication to our alumni and students is beyond compare and we are truly fortunate to have such tremendous staff working at the Law School. Lastly, GO BULLS!!
Robert P. Heary ’91 Partner, Barclay Damon LLP
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Class of 1956 The Law Alumni Association congratulates the following members of the Class of 1956 who are celebrating their 60-year anniversary. Joseph V. Abbate
William H. Gorman Jr.
Hon. Joseph S. Mattina
William J. Barrett
Gordon M. Grant
Gerald W. Miller
Frank J. Boccio
Harry J. Gray
Hon. Joseph D. Mintz
Walter D. Bowman
Lt. Daniel F. Janik
Hon. Edward J. O’Connor
John J. Carney Sr.
John Daniel Lenahan
Evelyn O’Connor
Ross M. Cellino Sr.
Alan H. Levine
Theodore J. Pyrak
Rosamond E. Ettlinger
Arnold Lieberman
John P. Quinn Jr.
David P. Evans
Michael Likoudis
Col. Robert E. Switzer
Herbert V. Fink Jr.
Owen F. Mangan
Eileen Tomaka
Hon. Dawn B. Girard
Robert P. Martin
Class of 1966 The Law Alumni Association congratulates the following members of the Class of 1966 who are celebrating their 50-year anniversary. Roger Aceto
Donald N. Fries
Remy R. Perot
F. Rene Alvarez Jr.
John J. Fromen Sr.
Paul S. Petronack
Thomas E. Andruschat
James W. Grable Sr.
Robert S. Roberson
Richard D. Batiste Jr.
Richard G. Jackson
James N. Rogers
Karl A.H. Bohnhoff
Ronald L. Jaros
Thomas J. Sciolino
Robert J. Bolm
Richard M. Johnson
Richard B. Scott
Mary Ellen M. Borja
Robert W. Keller
Terry D. Smith
Kevin J. Brinkworth
Stephen Kellogg
Michael Swart
David M. Brown
James J. Kirisits
Wilbur K. Swick
Craig L. Bryant
Peter M. Kooshoian
Dolores Trojnar
John A. Cirando
Joel D. Lasky
Hon. Dale M. Volker
Samual J. Civiletto
Courtland R. LaVallee
Richard P. Vullo
Marshall Lawrence Cohen
Arthur W. Lazarowitz
Thomas M. Ward
James C. Collins
Paul T. Murray
Norman J. Weslow
Peter Crotty
James P. Naples
Thomas Whissel
Thomas L. David
Terrence P. Naples
Peter L. Wolf
David E. Flierl
Robert L. O’Connell
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Law Alumni Association Officers 2015-2016 President President-Elect Immediate Past President Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President Treasurer Assistant Treasurer Secretary Secretary Emerita Executive Director Assistant Director
Robert P. Heary ’91 Brian D. Gwitt ’98 Hon. Lenora B. Foote-Beavers ’97 Hon. Tracey Bannister ’84 Scott C. Becker ’93 Christopher E. Copeland ’02 Jeffrey F. Reina ’99 Stephanie A. Saunders ’00 Marc W. Brown ’99 Pietra G. Lettieri Zaffram ’01 Amy P. Herstek ’04 Marion K. Henderson ’65 Ilene R. Fleischmann Lisa M. Mueller ’93
Board of Directors 2015-2016 Beverley S. Braun ’07 Melissa A. Foti ’03 Jaime C. Gallagher ’02 Kenneth M. Gossel ’91 Christopher M. Grant ’05 Amy L. Hemenway ’01 Anne E. Joynt ’05 Thomas F. Knab ’88 Elizabeth A. Kraengle ’07 Joseph D. Morath Jr. ’05 Tiffany R. Perry ’00
Brendan J. Rich ’05 Paulette E. Ross ’97 Elizabeth M. Savino ’00 Andrea Schillaci ’82 Stephen A. Sharkey ’98 Jeffrey C. Stravino ’97 Jason G. Ulatowski ’07 Dr. Sylvia Valentín ’97 Pauline Costanzo Will ’96 Preston L. Zarlock ’92
Regional Chapter Chairs 2015-2016 Albany Central New York New York City Rochester Washington, D.C.
Caroline B. Brancatella ’07 & Kevin M. Grossman ’10 Sam M. Tamburo ’68 Robert J. Gutowski ’99 Michelle A. Daubert ’07 & Wende J. Knapp ’10 Michelle M. Radecki ’96
Incoming Directors 2016-2017 Thomas C. Burnham ’03 Megan A. Gomez ’05 Thomas M. Gordon ’05
Rachel M. Hezel ’07 Erika M. Marabella ’04 Dennis K. Schaeffer ’99
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GOLD Group Officers 2015-2016 President
Michael J. Hecker ’09
President-Elect
Jeffrey P. Gleason ’08
Immediate Past President
Kevin J. Espinosa ’09
Secretary
Ryan P. Crawford ’06
Secretary-Elect
Marnie E. Smith ’09
Treasurer
Jeffrey T. Fiut ’10
Treasurer-Elect
Elizabeth R. Blazey-Pennel ’11
Executive Director
Ilene R. Fleischmann
Assistant Director
Patricia L. Warrington
GOLD Group Board of Directors 2015-2016 Lydia H. Beebe ’12
Caitlin E. O’Neil ’15
Teia Marie Bui ’08
Paul C. Parisi ’06
Jessica M. DeMichiel ’11
Ryan K. Parisi ’10
Joshua E. Dubs ’08
Seth D. Pullen ’09
Eliza P. Friedman ’14
Nicholas A. Romano ’13
Bradley S. Loliger ’13
Emily M. Rudroff ’15
Melissa M. Morton ’07
Christopher S. Safulko ’13
Cristin L. Murray ’12
Aaron M. Saykin ’13
James M. O’Keefe ’07
Incoming GOLD Group Directors 2016-17 Heather L. Dechert ’10
Patrick D. Leavy ’16
Andrea K. DiLuglio ’15
Vincent M. Miranda ’10
Sarah M. Draper ’16
Henry A. Zomerfeld ’14
P A T R O N S
The Law Alumni Association gratefully acknowledges the support of the following firm/corporate patrons:
Barclay Damon LLP Delaware North Companies Goldberg Segalla LLP Harris Beach PLLC Harter Secrest & Emery LLP Hodgson Russ LLP Kavinoky Cook LLP Nixon Peabody LLP Rupp Baase Pfalzgraf Cunningham LLC UB Alumni Association, Inc WNY Chapter of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP
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The Law Alumni Association gratefully acknowledges the support of the following individuals:
Scott C. Becker ’93 Marc W. Brown ’99 Hon. Paul G. Buchanan ’89 Jeffrey T. Fiut ’10 Margaret (Peggy) Gryko ’77 Robert P. Heary ’91 Marion K. Henderson ’65 Seth D. Pullen ’09 William F. Savino ’75 Michael J. Surgalla Jr. ’82
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Jack W. Hunt & Associates, Inc., would like to congratulate these Distinguished Honorees for 2016 The Judiciary Hon. Ralph A. Boniello III 69 Justice, New York State Supreme Court, 8th Judicial District (Niagara Falls, NY) Private Practice Neil A. Goldberg 73 and Thomas F. Segalla 72 Founding Partners, Goldberg Segalla, LLP (Buffalo, NY) Community Service Marilyn Tebor Shaw 79 Principal, TeborShaw Law (Ithaca, NY) Public Service Trini E. Ross 92 Senior Litigation Counsel, US Attorney s Office (Buffalo, NY) Business Mason P. Ashe 89 Founder/CEO, Ashe Sports & Entertainment Consulting (Washington, DC) Outstanding Service to the University and Community by a Non-Alumnus Hon. Kathy C. Hochul, Lieutenant Governor, New York State
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THINK ABOUT A PLEDGE It’s easy – give up one cup of designer coffee or juice every month for a year – that’s about $100. Then take that $100 and make a pledge for the next five years – you have just contributed $500 to the Campaign for SUNY Buffalo Law. The time is now to think about giving! Our fiscal year ends June 30, so why not make a pledge today? $100 a year is the minimum for a five-year pledge, but you can give whatever works for you – every dollar counts. Be a part of the Campaign for SUNY Buffalo Law! For more information please visit www.law.buffalo.edu/giving. Or contact Shatorah Donovan at snr4@buffalo.edu or 716-645-9048.
Shouldn’t you be a member of the Law Alumni Association? If you have already joined or renewed your membership, you received a glittering star tonight as our thank-you gift. These stars are meant to symbolize how your support shines its light on UB Law School. Look around and see the impressive galaxy of alumni members.
If you are not currently a member, then please join tonight. For a relatively small amount of dues – $35 for new lawyers, $60 for others, lifetime membership for just $1,000 – the Law Alumni Association is able to direct money to projects and concerns that are of particular importance to alumni.
Take advantage of many membership benefits such as free remote access to online databases including HeinOnline and Ebsco The Charles B. Sears Law Library provides access to a myriad of digital resources through an online portal called Law School Alumni Connect. Paid members of the Law Alumni Association can establish an account and take advantage of these resources at no additional cost.
Join us today at: www.law.buffalo.edu/alumni
Thank you to our annual dinner committee for their outstanding work and dedication to our Association. 2016 Annual Dinner Committee Co-Chairs: Anne E. Joynt ’05 and Pietra Lettieri Zaffram ’01 Scott C. Becker ’93 Christopher M. Grant ’05 Seth D. Pullen ’09 Stephanie A. Saunders ’00
John Lord O’Brian Hall Buffalo, New York 14260 716-645-2107 www.law.buffalo.edu/alumni Like us on Facebook