Law Alumni Association Report

This past year, the Law Alumni Association celebrated remarkable success, hosting a wide range of events in Buffalo and beyond from career development and networking programs to educational offerings and the timeless joy of reconnecting with old friends.

Building Paths that Last a Lifetime

From the moment they begin their UB Law journey, our students are alumni in the making. For many, that path continues through the vital work of the UB Law Alumni Association. On day one, alumni help students forge connections, linking them to a supportive professional network that spans the globe.

And it all begins at the Association’s Annual Welcome Party for New Students. Held at the Center for Tomorrow on UB’s North Campus during Orientation Week, members of the bench and bar gather to greet their future colleagues at an early Thanksgiving feast celebrating all we’re grateful for— new friends, lasting bonds and a bright future ahead.

Zoom image: Kayla-Ann Haynes ’28, Sheyma Yeseen Shabna ’28, Presley S. Gerena ’28 and Caroline E. Nowak ’28 toast to new beginnings with Thanksgiving in a glass.

Four people standing close together indoors, each holding a glass dessert dish. Two are wearing dark blazers, one is in a dark suit with a tie, and one is in a blue blazer. The background is a light gray wall.

Kayla-Ann Haynes ’28, Sheyma Yeseen Shabna ’28, Presley S. Gerena ’28 and Caroline E. Nowak ’28 toast to new beginnings with Thanksgiving in a glass.

Zoom image: Stephanie A. Mack ’08, executive director of the Law Alumni Association, welcomes guests.

Person wearing a royal blue blazer speaking at a wooden podium with a microphone. The podium is draped with a blue cloth displaying the University at Buffalo School of Law logo. To the right, a vertical banner reads ‘University at Buffalo School of Law’ and ‘Law Alumni Association’ with a decorative crest featuring a buffalo and shield. White balloons are visible on the left.

Stephanie A. Mack ’08, executive director of the Law Alumni Association, welcomes guests.

Zoom image: Kathleen Boyd ’90, Hon. Barbara Howe ’80 and Sylvie Novak ’28.

Three people standing close together at an indoor event. One person is wearing a short-sleeved navy dress with decorative buttons, another is in a black top with a white fringe detail and a statement necklace, and the third is in a light blue collared shirt holding a drink. A man in a suit is visible in the background near a window.

Kathleen Boyd ’90, Hon. Barbara Howe ’80 and Sylvie Novak ’28.

Zoom image: Isabella Blauvelt-Mercado ’28.

Person wearing a black suit with a white collared shirt, holding a stemmed glass filled with layered dessert. The individual is standing indoors at a reception with other people in the background dressed in formal attire.

Isabella Blauvelt-Mercado ’28.

Person with straight, shoulder-length dark brown hair wearing a dark gray blazer over a black top, accessorized with small hoop earrings and a thin necklace, posed against a plain gray background.

Our 2025–26 LAA President

Patricia S. Ciccarelli ’93
Founding member, Schnitter Ciccarelli Mills PLLC in Williamsville, N.Y.

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to represent and promote our great law school, its talented students and our exceptional alumni. While we will continue to honor the wonderful traditions of our association, I am most looking forward to expanding and diversifying our offerings and events to further increase our alumni base and provide a welcoming place for all of us to continue to learn and grow together."

Community and Connection at Every Step

New friends in new places

Rochester
New Admittee Reception
January 15, 2025

Zoom image: Alyson R. Tufillaro ’23 and Eric J. Herrmann ’24.

Two people standing indoors at a restaurant or café with warm lighting and framed artwork on the walls. One person is wearing a plaid coat over a patterned top, and the other is wearing a dark coat over a white dress shirt with a red textured tie. Other patrons and decorative elements are visible in the background.

Alyson R. Tufillaro ’23 and Eric J. Herrmann ’24.

New York City
Network New York Reception
March 20, 2025

Zoom image: Alexa Rissoff ’11, Rainy Liu ’26 and Sean Eccles ’10

Three people standing close together at an indoor event with white tiled walls and other attendees in the background. One person is wearing a shimmering blue patterned top, another is in a black blazer over a white shirt, and the third is in a dark suit with a white shirt and striped tie.

Alexa Rissoff ’11, Rainy Liu ’26 and Sean Eccles ’10

Washington, D.C.
Alumni Reception at U.S. District Courthouse
July 30, 2025

Zoom image: Chief Judge James E. Boasberg (back row, center) joined Dean S. Todd Brown, law school staff and members of the D.C. Law Alumni Chapter.

Group of people posed on an indoor staircase in front of curved wooden paneling. They are dressed in business and semi-formal attire, including suits, blazers, dresses, and skirts. Many wear name tags. A blue banner on the right displays the University at Buffalo School of Law logo and the Law Alumni Association emblem.

Chief Judge James E. Boasberg (back row, center) joined Dean S. Todd Brown, law school staff and members of the D.C. Law Alumni Chapter.

Back home in Buffalo

1L Mentor Match Reception
February 13, 2025

Zoom image: Hon. Betty Calvo-Torres ’98 and Marquecha Bryant ’27.

Two people standing indoors in front of a light wooden wall. Both are dressed in professional attire: one wearing a dark gray suit with a pearl necklace, and the other wearing a black blazer over a bright red blouse with a subtle dotted pattern.

Hon. Betty Calvo-Torres ’98 and Marquecha Bryant ’27.

LAA Board of Directors Appreciation Luncheon
June 12, 2025

Zoom image: 2025-26 GOLD Group President Marina A. Barci ’18 and 2024-25 GOLD Group President Todd J. Potter, Jr. ’15.

Two people standing indoors in front of a large decorative vase filled with tall branches. One person is wearing a sleeveless black dress with a red wristband, and the other is wearing a light gray suit with a white shirt and a yellow striped tie. The person in the suit is holding a wooden plaque with an award certificate. A table with a white tablecloth and a window with natural light are visible in the background.

2025-26 GOLD Group President Marina A. Barci ’18 and 2024-25 GOLD Group President Todd J. Potter, Jr. ’15.

UB Homecoming Party
October 4, 2025

Zoom image: Ann C. Dillon Flynn ’15 and Conor T. Flynn ’15 with twins, Fiadhna (left) and Clodagh (right).

Two adults holding two infants under a white event tent. One adult is wearing a blue-and-white striped one-shoulder top, and the other is wearing a blue polo shirt with a black baby carrier. Both infants are dressed in light-colored outfits with blue accessories, including bows and bibs. Other people and greenery are visible in the background.

Ann C. Dillon Flynn ’15 and Conor T. Flynn ’15 with twins, Fiadhna (left) and Clodagh (right).

GOLD Group Fall Social
November 5, 2025

Zoom image: Emilie Rosenbluth, director of advancement, Jeffrey P. Gleason ’08, Bryan Carlo ’25 and Stephanie A. Mack ’08, executive director of the UB Law Alumni Association.

Four people standing together at an indoor event with a red wall featuring large white text and graphics in the background. Two individuals are wearing gray blazers over collared shirts, one holding a glass of beer. Another person is dressed in a black top, and the fourth is wearing a plaid jacket over a light blouse.

Emilie Rosenbluth, director of advancement, Jeffrey P. Gleason ’08, Bryan Carlo ’25 and Stephanie A. Mack ’08, executive director of the UB Law Alumni Association.

2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards

April 30, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Buffalo

Established in 1963, the UB Law Alumni Association’s annual dinner for the presentation of its Distinguished Alumni Awards recognizes the valuable contributions made by UB Law graduates to their profession and their community.

Group of nine people standing in a line at a formal indoor event. They are dressed in business or evening attire, including suits, ties, and dresses. Several individuals wear corsages or boutonnieres with blue and white flowers. The background shows banquet tables and warm-toned walls with decorative panels. Seven people posed indoors around a round dining table set with glasses of water, iced tea, and bread rolls. Four individuals are standing behind the table wearing suits and collared shirts, and three are seated in front wearing sweaters or jackets. The background features colorful abstract wall art with circular designs and metallic accents.

Left to right: 2024-25 LAA President Robert C. Brucato '90, Carmen L. Snell '92, Hon. Barbara R. Johnson-Lee '86, Michele A. Brown '79, UB President Satish Tripathi, Dean S. Todd Brown, Joseph W. Belluck '94, Hon. Lawrence J. Vilardo, and Kristin Graham Koehler '94.

FOR THE JUDICIARY
Hon. Barbara R. Johnson-Lee ’86
Judge, Buffalo City Court, Buffalo

FOR PUBLIC SERVICE
Michele A. Brown ’79
Owner, Law Offices of Michele A. Brown
Former Chief Attorney, Children’s Legal Center, Buffalo

FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE BY A NON-ALUM
Hon. Lawrence J. Vilardo
U.S. District Judge, Western District of New York, Buffalo

FOR BUSINESS
Carmen L. Snell ’92
Attorney at Law Buffalo

FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE
Joseph W. Belluck ’94
Partner, Belluck Law New York City

FOR PRIVATE PRACTICE
Kristin Graham Koehler ’94
Managing Partner, Sidley Austin LLP Washington, D.C.

Watch the 2025 Awards Presentation Click to watch the 2025 Awards Presentation.