Terrence M. Connors ’71 delivers the 2018 Commencement keynote address.
Renowned trial attorney addresses School of Law graduates
The University at Buffalo School of Law welcomed trial attorney Terrence M. Connors ’71 to its 129th Commencement exercises on May 20. The ceremony was held at the Center for the Arts and featured Connors as the keynote speaker.
Approximately 155 judicial degrees were conferred including 148 J.D.s and seven master of laws degrees. Dean Aviva Abramovsky presided over the ceremony, addressing the Class of 2018 and sharing her observations during her first year as dean of the law school, “… I have learned what differentiates us from many other fine educational institutions. I look at our seal and our bison and it shows me, you don’t have to be a predator to be strong. You don’t have to be a predator to be tough. A simple observation all too often absent in other corners of society.”
She continued, “Like the bison in our seal, it is certainly easy to stand proud. For I am proud of you, the assembled guests here are proud of you, your families and your communities are proud of you - proud of our successes and proud of our collective values as we strive to live our own lives and make our own professional choices.”
Terrence M. Connors '71 delivered the keynote addrress. Connors began his legal career as a litigation associate at a large Buffalo law firm before joining Lawrence J. Vilardo, Esq., in 1986, to form the litigation boutique firm now known as Connors LLP. Connors LLP is devoted to trial and appellate advocacy in civil and criminal trials.
He reminded the graduates of both the pride and the power that accompanies a law degree. “Every day we have an opportunity to change people’s lives, and in the process effect a positive change in the law,” he said. “It happens regularly and routinely. It doesn’t matter … whether or not that change that you effect comes in a matter of high profile, or in the closed quarters of your conference room. For those individuals that you speak for, for those individuals that you advocate for, to them, it is the most important matter in their lives.”
See Also
A video message to the Class of 2018
Watch the ceremony: Part 1, Part 2, & Part 3
View Commencement photos
Hon. Eugene F. Pigott, Jr. ’73
Among the major recognitions at the Commencement ceremonies, Dean Aviva Abramovsky presented the Dean’s Medal to Hon. Eugene F. Pigott, Jr. ’73, a New York State Supreme Court justice and former senior associate judge of New York’s highest court, the New York State Court of Appeals. The Dean’s Medal is awarded to an individual who is distinguished by their commitment to justice and the rule of law.
Justice Pigott commended the members of the Class of 2018, remarking “Everyone that I have met... has proven themselves to be outstanding. I think they could have gone to any type of school they wanted to. They chose to be lawyers. It is to our great benefit that these outstanding men and women have chosen this profession.”
Jennifer R. Scharf ’05
The Ken Joyce Excellence in Teaching Award was presented to Jennifer R. Scharf ’05 recognizing her excellence in teaching and her longstanding service to the School of Law. Scharf is a healthcare attorney at the Erie County Medical Center Corporation and the co-director of the University at Buffalo School of Law’s Trial Advocacy Program.
Scharf gave sage advice to the graduates to motivate them as they begin their legal careers. “Every day in your career you can tap into…why you went to law school – to give a voice to those who don’t have one, to fight against injustice,” she said. “Be proud of that. Focus on that.”
Margaret W. Wong ’76
The University bestowed a SUNY honorary doctorate of law to Margaret W. Wong ’76 during the law school’s Commencement ceremony. An international leader in the area of immigration law, Wong has remained a dedicated supporter of the law school, where she has mentored many students, serves as a longtime member of the law school’s Dean’s Advisory Council and co-chaired the successful $30 million Campaign for UB Law. Wong has endowed scholarships for 15 UB law students to date and a named professorship in the law school.
“UB took a risk on me. The first day I came in, I felt welcome,” said Wong describing her pride in her alma mater. “I still think that 1976 was the best year at UB. And I loved it. And I want you to say one day, 2018 is better than 1976.”
Christine Bartholomew receives the Faculty Award from Annabelle Gao '18.
The three top awards in the graduating class went to: Christian Alan Cassara who received the Max Koren Award for scholastic achievement, leadership and dedication to the ideals of the law; Timothy Banker who received the John N. Bennett Achievement Award for the highest scholastic achievement; and Jordan Nicole Sieracki who received the Dale S. Margulis Award for contributing the most to the School of Law and community.
Additional awards presented by Student Bar Association President Annabelle Gao on behalf of the graduating class included the Faculty of the Year Award given to Professor Christine Bartholomew, and the Staff of the Year Award given to Amy Atkinson, director of student life.
Christian Cassaro provided the student address, encouraging his classmates to take action. “It’s been an honor spending the past three years with all of you,” Cassaro said. “Today is a day to celebrate our accomplishment – without a doubt, well deserved. But when the partying dies down, and the euphoria dissipates, we’ll confront the reality that there are a lot of problems out there that need solving. Let’s get to work.”