Three individuals stand in front of a University at Buffalo School of Law backdrop. The person in the center holds a framed award certificate, while the person on the left holds an envelope. The person on the right, dressed in a suit, stands beside them as part of an awards presentation.

Tyler Myszka '25 (center) receives the UB Law Alumni Association’s GOLD Group Award from Marina A. Barci '18 (left) and Dean S. Todd Brown (right) 

UBLAA GOLD Group Award

Each year at Commencement, the UB Law Alumni Association's GOLD Group presents the GOLD Award to a graduating UB School of Law student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing 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 submitted by either the nominee or a nominator.
  • The award is not based on grades or coursework-related activities.

Nomination Process:
Nominations are accepted from law students, administrators, faculty, Law Alumni Association members, and GOLD Group members. Students may also self-nominate. Each nomination requires an application listing the nominee’s activities and a short essay explaining why the nominee should receive the award.

Selection Committee:
The recipient will be chosen 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)
  • Executive Director of the UB Law Alumni Association (Stephanie A. Mack)
  • 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 receive a commemorative desk clock or a cash equivalent.
  • The award will be acknowledged at Commencement.

Solicitation of Candidates:
 The award will be publicized in the spring before Commencement. The GOLD Group accepts applications year-round.

Nomination Form

Application Deadline: Friday, April 10, 2026.

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

Nomination Form

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