woman and young man standing, man holding an awards plaque.

Dean Aviva Abramovsky and Giovanni Gaglianese, recipient of the 2023 UB Law Alumni Association GOLD Group Award

GOLD Award

Every year at Commencement, the Law Alumni Association's GOLD Group presents the GOLD Award to recognize a graduating UB School of Law student who has demonstrated leadership skills in enhancing the mission and reputation of the law school.

Qualifications: The nominee must be a graduating student from the University at Buffalo School of Law.  An application must be completed by the person nominating the student or by the student.  The award is not based on grades or any activities completed as a part of the student’s coursework.

Nomination Process: Nominees will be taken from law students, administrators, faculty, Law Alumni Association members, and GOLD Group members. A student can nominate him/herself for the award.  Each nominator/nominee will complete an application wherein the nominee’s activities will be listed and a short essay submitted on why the person should be selected for this award.

Selection Committee: The award recipient will be selected by an Ad Hoc Committee consisting of:  a minimum of two (2) members of the GOLD Group Board of Directors; Vice Dean of Experiential Education & Social Justice Initiatives (Bernadette Gargano); Vice Dean for Undergraduate Studies (Melinda Saran); Program Director for Externships, Public Interest Offerings, and Access to Justice Initiatives (Lisa Patterson); the Executive Director of the UB Law Alumni Association (Stephanie A. Mack); and the GOLD Group president.

Award: The recipient's name will be added to a plaque displayed in the Charles B. Sears Law Library. The recipient will also receive a commemorative desk clock or the cash equivalent. The award will be acknowledged at Commencement.

Solicitation of Candidates: The award will be publicized in the spring at the School of Law. The GOLD Group will accept applications on a year-round basis.

Nomination Form

To nominate a student or to apply, please submit the following online application.

The application deadline for the Award is Friday, April 12, 2024.

Questions about the award can be directed to the Law Alumni Office (law-alumni@buffalo.edu).