2009 UB Law Alumni Association's Distinguished Alumni Awards

Segment Synopsis: Judge Jeannette Ogden, President of the UB Law Alumni Association, welcomes attendees and identifies individuals on the dais: Robert Boreanaz, Anna Marie Cellino, Paula Ciprich, Lynne Clark, Richard DiGiacomo, Ilene Fleischmann, Ronald Hayes Mallone, Professor Elizabeth Mench, Dean Makau Mutua, Justice Erin Peradotto, Hon. Sharon Townsend, Hon. Jeffrey S. White, and Brent Wilson. Dean Mukua congratulates the honorees. UB Law School is on the upswing, however my ambition is not to build an 'OK' Law School; it is not to build a regional Law School; it is not even to build a good Law School; my ambition is to build a great national Law School with a global reach . . . I will not rest -- we will not rest -- until we become a Top 50 Law School in this country. Four things we are doing to get there: [1] We are hiring faculty with star potential and stellar credentials, in spite of the challenging economic times; [2] We are recruiting highly qualified students while constructing a Law School that looks like America in its diversity; [3] We have the full support of UB's leadership as we push to create a first-class Law School, and are reaching out to Albany for support as the only State Law School in the SUNY system; and [4] We are reaching out to you, the Alumni, for support, and want you to reach deeper with your support. "I am confident we will get there in less than four years. Four things we are doing to get there: [1] We are hiring faculty with star potential and stellar credentials, in spite of the challenging economic times; [2] We are recruiting highly qualified students while constructing a Law School that looks like America in its diversity; [3] We have the full support of U/B's leadership as we push to create a first-class Law School, and are reaching out to Albany for support as the only State Law School in the SUNY system; and [4] We are reaching out to you, the Alumni, for support, and want you to reach deeper with your support. I am confident we will get there in less than four years.

Keywords: Alumni; Alumni Association; Faculty / Professors; Intellectual Tradition; Reputation; SUNY; UB Law School general

Subjects: UB LAW AS STUDENT; UB LAW FACULTY; UB LAW MISCELLANEOUS

Segment Synopsis: After acknowledging members of the Judiciary who are present, Judge Ogden turns the podium over to Richard DiGiacomo. He thanks the following law firms for their financial support: Cellino & Barnes, Connors & Vilardo, Damon & Morey, Delaware North Companies, Harris Beach Attorneys, Hiscock & Barclay, Hodgson Russ, Jaeckle Fleischmann & Mugel, Kavinoky Cook, Law Office of Frances M. Letro, Lippes Mathias Wexler & Friedman, Lipsitz Green Shemay & Cambria, Nixon Peabody, Phillips Lytle, Rupp Pfalzgraf Cunningham & Coppola, and Woods Oviatt Gilman. Corporate Underwriters in support: (Platinum Level) CTG; (Gold Level) M & T Bank, National Fuel Gas Distribution Corp.; (Silver Level) Bar Association of Erie County; (Bronze Level) Batavia Legal Printing; (Donors) Jack W. Hunt & Associates, Law Office of Lindy Korn, LCS Inc Environmental Consultants, Minority Bar Association of WNY, Nesper Ferber & DiGiacomo, Nussbaumer & Clarke Surveyors, R L Sonnenberger Land Surveyors, U/B Alumni Association, and the WNY Chapter of the Women's Bar Association of the State of NY; (Media Sponsors) Daily Record and the Buffalo Law Journal. Judge Ogden thanks the sponsors and underwriters. She thanks Co-Chairs of the event, Richard DiGiacomo and Mark Stuhlmiller, and thanks the Annual Dinner Committee: Robert Boreanaz, James Grable, Margaret Gryko, and Catherine Nagel. And a special thanks to Ilene Fleischmann and her staff: Lisa Mueller, Pat Warrington, Amy Atkinson, Amy Hypnarowski, and Cynthia Watts. New Alumni Directors for 2009-10: Ross Cellino, Jr., Thomas Cunningham, Thomas Frederick, Brian Glick, Jim Jabowski, Hon. Jack Quinn III, and Charles C. Swanick. Incoming GOLD Group Directors for 2009-10: James Oraccio, Teia Marie Bui, Joseph Endres, Jonathan Hickey, James O'Keefe, Michael Pastrick, Michael Reyen, Brennan Rich, Jennifer Flaherty, and Ann Joynt. Judge Ogden announces the 60th Anniversary of the Class of 1949 and the 50th Anniversary of the Class of 1959, the names of which appear in the event's printed program. Rob comments on the themes of ambition and leadership in Dean Mutua's speech. He asks for everyone's dedication and support for the Law School, citing the School's economical nature, and asks for attendees to become Law Alumni members. Rob reports on the 1963 establishment of the Distinguished Awards Program by the Alumni Association. They recognize the valuable contributions Law School Alumni have made to their profession and their community. He asks attendees to read comments by the award recipients that are printed in the event program.

Keywords: Alumni; Alumni Association; Continuing Role; Contributions; Financial Support; Judiciary; Law Firms; Practitioners and Faculty

Subjects: UB LAW MISCELLANEOUS

Segment Synopsis: Award recipient, Hon. Jeffrey S. White. Malone has known Judge White for almost 40 years, having practiced together at the Dept. of Justice from 1972. They were also in private practice together for about 15 years at the Orrick Law Firm in San Francisco, where Jeff was the head of the Litigation Department. Prior to his presidential appointment and Senate confirmation as a U.S. District Judge, Jeff White was one of the very best trial lawyers in America. He tried over a hundred jury trials without one loss. He is a nationally recognized instructor of trial advocacy. I don't know anyone who knows more about how to effectively, honestly, and conscientiously try a law suit than Jeff White. Since assuming the Bench, Jeff has become a distinguished and universally respected U.S. District Judge. Since assuming the Bench, Jeff has become a distinguished and universally respected U.S. District Judge, a judge who cares passionately about justice, who is possesses an incisive intellect, always prepared. He calls the 'balls and strikes' with accuracy and fairness, treating everyone with respect, with courtesy, and with compassion, taking his job very seriously. But he also has a sense of humor; his favorite movie is "My Cousin Vinnie." He has always conducted himself with uncompromising honor and integrity, with exceptional professionalism, and extraordinary competence. Most important: Jeff White is simply a wonderful human being, a loving and devoted husband and father, a mentor to many young people, and a true and loyal friend.

Keywords: Alumni; Alumni Association; Appointments; Family; Judiciary; Law Firms; Mentors; Practice; Trial Practice

Subjects: PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; UB LAW MISCELLANEOUS

Segment Synopsis: Private Practice Award recipient: Brent Wilson. Richard DiGiacomo and Brent Wilson graduated from UB Law in 1976. Brent moved to Georgia where he became one of the accomplished and pre-eminent employment and labor lawyers in the Atlanta area. After graduation, he took a job with the NLRB until 1980 when he joined his present firm, now called Elarbee Thompson Sapp & Wilson. He practices in the area of employment law, discrimination litigation, education law, and labor matters, devoting a significant portion of his practice to defending employers in employment-related litigation and traditional labor matters. He also counsels employers regarding day-to-day employment decisions to avoid litigation. DiGiacomo lists the type of clients Wilson represents. Brent is a frequent lecturer in continuing legal education programs and an adjunct professor of labor relations at the Emory School of Law. Brent is a great example of how to stay connected to UB and to this Law School. He is active in the Alumni Association and is a member of the Dean's Advisory Council. He has made a real contribution to the Law School.

Keywords: Alumni; Alumni Association; Career / Professional Experience; Continuing Role; Contributions; Practice; Relationship with UB Law; Teaching Law; UB Law School general

Subjects: PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; UB LAW MISCELLANEOUS

Segment Synopsis: Community Service Award recipient: Lynn Clarke. She donates her gift of song to raise funds for many charitable organizations. She's conducted the Court Tour program, spearheaded the collection of toys and food for disaster victims, and participated in programs that introduced the political process to people from all walks of life. She's a person that makes community service happen as a labor of love. Some people define community service as an act that benefits the community. Others equate it with punishment, like those that I MAKE do community service when they've done something wrong.

Keywords: Alumni; Alumni Association; Community Involvement; Community Service; Continuing Role; Relationship with UB Law

Subjects: PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; UB LAW MISCELLANEOUS

Segment Synopsis: Four things that define who Betty Mensch is: humility, excellence, brilliance, and dedication. I have never met anyone who is more self-deprecating or unassuming, and yet so substantial. She never belittled anyone, never raised her voice in frustration. She would invite you to talk with her, not so much by the spoken word but through her body language. The image of Mother Teresa always came to me when I was in the presence of Betty Mensch. She is a model professor. She was often the last to speak on many occasions but when she spoke, the matter was decided. She demanded academic excellence without hostility. She was dedicated to her students and the profession of teaching and that is why she has the rare distinction of being named a SUNY Distinguished Professor. An accomplished thinker and scholar, Prof. Mensch's articles and books have won national and international acclaim. Diversity is one of Betty Mensch's enduring legacies at the Law School. Serving on the Admissions Committee she made sure we constructed a class that looked like America. As Chair of the Appointment's Committee she also made sure that the Law School Faculty looked more diverse.

Keywords: Areas of Scholarship; Ethnicity / Diversity; Faculty / Professors; Law Faculty; Law Professor; SUNY; Teaching Law; UB Admission; UB Law School general

Subjects: UB LAW FACULTY; UB LAW MISCELLANEOUS; UB LAW: GENDER

Segment Synopsis: Business Award recipient: Anna Marie Cellino. She began her business career as an accountant, working in Buffalo and Florida, obtained her CPA, and returned to Buffalo for Law School, upon graduation becoming an attorney for National Fuel. Within ten years she became General Manager of the Consumer Business Dept., spearheading the customer service initiatives resulting in quick response time connecting customers with live, local National Fuel reps. She became an Officer and, through repeated promotions, managed a variety of departments. She served as Corporate Secretary for 13 years before being named President of National Fuel. Together with her husband Ross (also a UB grad) they have raised six children. She has incredible energy, business focus, and good judgment, is an outstanding mentor and good friend.

Keywords: Alumni; Career / Professional Experience; Mentors; Relationship with UB Law

Subjects: CAREER: GENDER; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Segment Synopsis: Recipient of the Outstanding Service Award to a non-Alumnus: Hon. Sharon Townsend. Honored because of her excellence in leadership, and her devoted service to UB Law School and the WNY legal community. She places great emphasis on improving justice in the lives of families and children. Her roles as Family Court Judge, Supervising Judge of the Family Courts in the Eighth Judicial District, Administrative Judge of the Eighth Judicial District, have given her the unique ability to make a positive difference in countless lives. She is thoughtful, dedicated to serving her constituency, and of the highest integrity, with a reputation for honesty, integrity, professionalism, and compassion. She is truly a role model for lawyers and judges. Upon her arrival in Buffalo, Judge Townsend embraced the WNY legal community and adopted UB Law School as her own.

Keywords: Career / Gender; Character and Values; Judiciary; Relationship with UB Law; UB Law School general

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