2009 UB Law Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Awards

Zoom image: First row, left to right: Hon. Jeffrey S. White, Lynn A. Clarke. Second row, left to right: Brent L. Wilson, Elizabeth B. Mensch. Top row, left to right: Hon. Sharon S. Townsend, Anna Marie Cellino Group of honorees standing together on a staircase.

First row, left to right: Hon. Jeffrey S. White, Lynn A. Clarke. Second row, left to right: Brent L. Wilson, Elizabeth B. Mensch. Top row, left to right: Hon. Sharon S. Townsend, Anna Marie Cellino

At the 47th UB School of Law Alumni Association Annual Dinner and Presentation of the 2009 Distinguished Alumni Awards, five alumni and one non-alumna were recognized for the valuable contributions that they have made to their profession and community.

About this Interview

Date

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Place

Hyatt Regency Buffalo
2 Fountain Plaza, Buffalo

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Honorees

Award for the Judiciary: Hon. Jeffrey S. White '70

U.S. District Court Judge, Northern District of California. For his conscientious and diligent performance in the judiciary. Presented by Ronald Hayes Malone

Award for Private Practice: Brent L. Wilson ’76

Partner, Elarbee, Thompson, Saap & Wilson LLP. For his leadership by example as a private practitioner. Presented by Richard F. DiGiacomo ’76

Award for Community Service: Lynn A. Clarke ’83

Principal Court Attorney, New York State Supreme Court, Eighth Judicial District. For her many contributions to the betterment of our community. Presented by Hon. E. Jeannette Ogden ’83

Award for Public Service: Elizabeth B. Mensch ’79

SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor Emerita, University at Buffalo School of Law. For her commitment to public service. Presented by Dean Makau W. Mutua

Award for Business Achievement: Anna Marie Cellino ’81

President, National Fuel Gas Distribution Corp. For her exemplary performance in business. Presented by Paula M. Ciprich ’85

Award for Service by a Non-Alumna: Hon. Sharon S. Townsend

Administrative Judge, New York State Supreme Court, Eighth Judicial District. For Outstanding Service to the University and the Community by a Non-Alumna. Presented by Hon. Erin M. Peradotto ’84

Speakers and Co-Chairs

Master of Ceremonies Hon. E. Jeannette Ogden ’83, President, UB Law Alumni Association. Remarks presented by Makau Mutua, Dean and SUNY Distinguished Professor, UB School of Law; Roland Hayes Malone, Richard F. DiGiacomo ’76, Paula M. Ciprich ’85 and Hon. Erin Peradotto ’84.  

Dinner Co-Chairs were Richard F. DiGiacomo ’76 and Mark J. Stuhlmiller ’99.

Interviews Featuring These Awardees

  • Hon. Jeffrey S. White ’70
    12/1/25
    Hon. Jeffrey S. White ’70, a U.S. District Court judge for the Northern District of California, was appointed by President George W. Bush in 2002. Previously he was at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in San Francisco and special litigation counsel at the U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division, in Washington, D.C.
  • Brent L. Wilson ’76
    2/20/26
    Brent L. Wilson ’76 is an Atlanta attorney who practices mostly labor and employment law litigation as a partner with Elarbee, Thompson, Sapp & Wilson, LLP. He is a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council and a generous donor to the law school.