Our Stories

Faculty Tributes

Generosity of spirit and dedication to helping others mark tenure of retiring faculty members. The retirement of eight faculty is unprecedented in our history, and we want to recognize and salute Robert I. Reis, Alfred S. Konefsky, Dianne Avery, R. Nils Olsen Jr., Suzanne E. Tomkins, Anthony H. Szczygiel, George M. Hezel and Lynn Mather.

These eight individuals have truly shaped our Law School. When we think of the features of our institution that are most distinctive, the things that bring the most pride in being part of UB, we are reminded in countless ways of their efforts and contributions over many years.

Thanks to them, our Law School has tried to stand for something special. We’ve aspired to the highest values of service, self-sacrifice and intellectual innovation. They have been generous to colleagues and have helped many to become part of the academic community and to realize our potential as scholars and teachers. They have spent countless hours reading our work, offering support and encouragement, and guiding us past barriers and obstacles.

Thousands of alumni recall that their student experiences at UB were exciting and inspiring because they associate their best memories as students with these eight individuals. They are an important part of the public face of our Law School, and their stellar reputation has contributed substantially to our favorable recognition in the world of legal academia and in our community. But most of all, I think of their generosity of spirit and their dedication to helping others. With gratitude and affection,

David M. Engel
SUNY Distinguished Service Professor

  • Robert I. Reis
    9/15/15
    “The reason Bob and I immediately got to know each other is that Bob decided in the early 2000s that he was interested in intellectual property.” Prof. Mark Bartholomew
  • Alfred S. Konefsky
    9/15/15
    “Fred has been a good academic citizen and generous to a fault with his time.” - Prof. Robert J. Steinfeld
  • Dianne Avery
    9/15/15
    “In all of her work Dianne has offered an object lesson in the importance of meticulousness when doing law. She never accepted the standard 'Good enough for government work.'”- Prof. John Henry Schlegel
  • R. Nils Olsen Jr.
    9/15/15
    “Nils has been a key member of the University’s leadership team, providing advice and counsel to presidents and provosts for decades.” - Prof. Charles P. Ewing
  • Suzanne E. Tomkins
    9/16/15
    “Suzanne Tomkins changed the landscape for domestic violence victims locally while also impacting legal responses throughout the country and in Ukraine, Russia and Brazil.” - Prof. Susan V. Mangold
  • Anthony H. Szczygiel
    9/16/15
    “Tony listens closely, without interruption, and thinks before replying. This trait, which operates so effectively and respectfully in Tony’s teaching, is taught to his students by example.” - Prof. Emeritus R. Nils Olsen Jr.
  • George M. Hezel
    9/15/15
    "The more lasting and impressive part of George’s legacy are the many former students he inspired to go into this field.” - Clinical Prof. Emeritus Thomas Disare
  • Lynn Mather
    9/16/15
    “Lynn Mather has been one of the most recognized, respected, and influential figures in the international Law and Society field." - SUNY Distinguished Service Prof. David M. Engel