2016 UB Law Alumni Association's Distinguished Alumni Awards

Segment Synopsis: Bob Heary welcomed guests and introduced the head table, including the evening's award recipients. He thanked the alumni for their support, noting that dues and donations fund tuition scholarships, stipends for public interest law, active chapters, and the efforts of the Gold Group, which recently conducted a food drive providing over a thousand meals. Interim Dean Jim Gardner
discussed the essential nature of teaching in law school. He emphasized that the complete education of a professional is an ongoing partnership involving the entire community, where senior lawyers, mentors, and experienced professionals instruct students and graduates through example, ethics, and professionalism. Charles Zukoski (Provost, University of Buffalo) spoke about the sense of "Buffalo Rising," referencing the expected economic impact of the new medical school complex. He addressed the significant changes occurring in the law profession and praised the law faculty for adapting, highlighting their effective teaching and the students' brilliance and commitment to justice. He noted the law school's role in experiential learning through clinics and pro bono services, and its deep involvement in the University's multi-disciplinary "Communities of Excellence" to advance understanding of justice, policy, and law. Bob Heary Acknowledged the event sponsors and underwriters, stating the dinner proceeds support the Law Alumni Association's social, educational, and networking programs. He thanked the dinner committee, the executive director Eileen Fleshman, and her staff. He recognized the officers and directors, welcomed new directors for 2016-2017, and congratulated the 60th and 50th anniversary classes. He concluded his remarks and announced the break for dinner. Brian Gwitt thanked Bob Heary for his service as president. Promoted Alumni Association membership, particularly the lifetime membership, noting that dues support CLE programs, scholarships, and online databases. He introduced the 54th Awards Dinner and the Distinguished Alumni Awards, mentioning that the presentation would include clips from each honoree's oral history interview.

Keywords: Accomplishments; Alumni Association; Contributions; Greatest Achievement; Alumni

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; UB LAW AS STUDENT; UB LAW FACULTY; UB LAW MISCELLANEOUS

Segment Synopsis: Hon. Ralph A. Biondello '69 (Judiciary Award): Recognized as a New York State Supreme Court Justice, noted for his professionalism, warmth, and deep commitment to fairness.
Neil Goldberg '73 and Tom Segalla '72 (Private Practice Award, Co-recipients): Honored as founding partners of Goldberg Segalla LLP, recognized for building a successful firm with a strong corporate culture, and for their firm's significant financial support of the law school's Advocacy Institute.
Marilyn Tebor Shaw '79 (Community Service Award): Recognized for her commitment to breaking down barriers, her volunteer work providing secondary education for children in Kenya through the Kenya Education Fund, and her pro bono legal service in New York.
Trini E. Ross '92 (Public Service Award): Honored as Senior Litigation Council in the US Attorney's Office, celebrated for her commitment to giving "more than 100%" to her service, her effectiveness as a federal prosecutor, and her dedication to mentoring and reform within the criminal justice system.
Mason P. Ashe '89 (Business Award): Recognized as CEO and founder of Ash Sports Entertainment and Consulting for his quarter-century career as a contract negotiator, legal advisor, and brand strategist for professional athletes and entertainers, known for his integrity and empathy.
Hon. Kathy Hochul (Non-Alumna Award): Honored as Lieutenant Governor of the State of New York, recognized for her deep commitment to public service, high energy, and work on economic development initiatives. In closing, Brian Gwitt offered final thanks to the presenters and the awardees, and concluded the dinner.

Keywords: Contributions; Greatest Achievement; Satisfaction; Significant Cases; Accomplishments

Subjects: PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; UB LAW MISCELLANEOUS; CAREER: LEGAL