2026 Edwin F. Jaeckle Award: David E. Franasiak JD/MBA ’78

Segment Synopsis: Stephanie Mack, Executive Director of the UB Law Alumni Association, opens the event. She introduces the head table, including the guest of honor, David Franasiak, Dean Todd Brown, Alumni Association President Patricia Cherelli, and Professor David Westbrook. The gathering serves two main purposes: presenting David Franasiak with the 2026 Edwin F. Jaeckle Award (the highest alumni honor) and celebrating the 20th anniversary of the New York City Program in Business and Law, a program David heavily supports. Pre-recorded remarks from UB President Tripathi are played, congratulating David on his distinguished career and thanking him for his enduring dedication to UB's future lawyers. Dean Todd Brown takes the podium to share recent successes at the law school. He highlights record-setting New York Bar Exam pass rates, employment rates exceeding 90%, strong enrollment numbers, a 26% spike in applications, and top national rankings for value and opportunity.

Keywords: Contributions; Greatest Achievement; Accomplishments

Subjects: PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; UB LAW MISCELLANEOUS

Segment Synopsis: The audience watches a video presentation celebrating 20 years of the NYC program. Alumni and students emphasize how the immersive experience in the world’s financial capital changed their career trajectories and highlight David’s indispensable financial and mentorship support. Dean Brown resumes speaking, highlighting David's exceptional career as a principal at Williams and Jensen in Washington, D.C. He shares an anecdote from alumna Daisy Thomaselli, who once worked on Capitol Hill and dealt with David’s relentless lobbying efforts, only to later benefit from his invaluable mentorship during her time in the NYC program. Program Director Professor David Westbrook reflects on his 30-year friendship with David. He contrasts traditional, adversarial legal education with the real world of business and law, noting that building cities, passing legislation, and closing deals requires navigating complex, multi-party interests. Professor Westbrook concludes his speech by calling David a "master weaver" of social and professional fabrics, noting that his ability to bring people together is urgently needed today.

Keywords: Alumni Association; Practitioners and Faculty; Relationships; Practice

Subjects: PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; UB LAW MISCELLANEOUS

Segment Synopsis: Dean Brown and Patricia S. Ciccarelli '93 formally present the 2026 Edwin F. Jaeckle Award to David Franasiak, thanking him for his tireless advocacy and the profound impact he has had on the nearly 300 students who have passed through the NYC program. David Franasiak expresses deep humility and gratitude to his mentors, colleagues, and family (many of whom are also UB alumni). He shares stories from his non-traditional legal career, recalling how he navigated major historical disruptions—like the Savings and Loan crisis, the dot-com crash, and the 2008 financial meltdown. He advises current students to "embrace the chaos" and rapid technological changes (such as AI), reminding them that disruption ultimately creates jobs and opportunities for sharp legal and business minds. Stephanie Mack wraps up the ceremony, thanking the speakers and inviting the guests to enjoy dessert and each other's company.

Keywords: Advice; Contributions; Greatest Achievement; Legal Education; Accomplishments

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