2008 UB Law Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Awards

Zoom image: Left to right: Daniel T. Lukasik, Francis M. Letro, Makau W. Mutua, Denise E. O’Donnell, Hon. David J. Mahoney, Thomas E. Black Jr. People standing on a stage: Daniel T. Lukasik, Francis M. Letro, Makau W. Mutua, Denise E. O’Donnell, Hon. David J. Mahoney, Thomas E. Black Jr.

Left to right: Daniel T. Lukasik, Francis M. Letro, Makau W. Mutua, Denise E. O’Donnell, Hon. David J. Mahoney, Thomas E. Black Jr.

At the 46th UB School of Law Alumni Association Annual Dinner and Presentation of the 2008 Distinguished Alumni Awards, five alumni and one non-alumnus were recognized for the valuable contributions that they have made to their profession and community.

About this Video

Date

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Place

Hyatt Regency Buffalo
2 Fountain Plaza, Buffalo

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Honorees

Award for the Judiciary: Hon. David J. Mahoney ’52

Retired New York State Supreme Court Justice, Eighth Judicial District. For his conscientious and diligent performance in the judiciary. Presented by Hon. E. Jeannette Ogden ’83

Award for Private Practice: Francis M. Letro ’79

Law Office of Franci M. Letro. For his leadership by example as a private practitioner. Presented by Robert L. Boreanaz ’89

Award for Community Service: Daniel T. Lukasik ’88

Partner, Cantor, Lukasik, Dolce & Panepinto, PC. For his many contributions to the betterment of our community. Presented by Margaret P. Gryko ’77

Award for Public Service: Denise E. O’Donnell ’82

Commissioner, New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. For her commitment to public service. Presented by Robert L. Boreanaz ’89

Award for Business Achievement: Thomas E. Black Jr. ’79

Managing Partner, Black, Mann & Graham LLP. For his exemplary performance in business. Presented by Richard F. DiGiacomo ’76

Award for Service by a Non-Alumnus: Makau W. Mutua

Interim Dean, SUNY Distinguished Professor, Professor of Law, Floyd H. & Hilda L. Hurst Faculty Scholar, and Director, UB Human Rights Center. For Outstanding Service to the University and the Community by a Non-Alumnus. Presented by UB President John B. Simpson

Speakers and Co-Chairs

Master of Ceremonies Margaret P. Gryko ’77, President, UB Law Alumni Association. Remarks presented by Makau Mutua, Interim Dean, UB School of Law; Robert L. Boreanaz ’89, Oral History Committee; Hon. E. Jeannette Ogden ’83; Richard F. DiGiacomo ’76; and John B. Simpson, President, University at Buffalo.

Dinner Co-Chairs were Richard F. DiGiacomo ’76 and Robert L. Boreanaz ’89.

Interviews Featuring These Awardees

  • Francis M. Letro ’79 - Jaeckle Award 2012
    3/5/26
    Francis M. Letro ’79, a prominent Buffalo trial attorney, received the 35 Edwin F. Jaeckle Award for enhancing the quality and reputation of the law school through exceptional philanthropic leadership. This award is the highest honor the University at Buffalo School of Law and the UB Law Alumni Association can bestow.
  • Thomas E. Black, Jr ’79 - Jaeckle Award 2011
    12/4/25
    Thomas E. Black Jr. ’79, recipient of the 34th Edwin F. Jaeckle Award, was recognized for his significant contributions and leadership as an exemplary chair of the Dean’s Advisory Council. The Jaeckle Award is the highest honor UB School of Law and the Law Alumni Association can bestow.
  • Hon. Denise E. O’Donnell ’82
    12/17/25
    Hon. Denise E. O’Donnell is an attorney who has served with distinction in senior executive positions in criminal justice at the federal, state and local levels. She was director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, New York State commissioner of criminal justice services and assistant secretary to the governor for criminal justice.