2012 UB Law Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Awards

Zoom image: Left to right: Vincent E. Doyle III, Mark K. Suzomoto, Hon. Cynthia M. Rufe, William J. Hochul; Second row: Jill M. Bond, Michael S. Taheri Group of people standing: Vincent E. Doyle III, Mark K. Suzomoto, Hon. Cynthia M. Rufe, William J. Hochul, Jill M. Bond, Michael S. Taheri.

Left to right: Vincent E. Doyle III, Mark K. Suzomoto, Hon. Cynthia M. Rufe, William J. Hochul; Second row: Jill M. Bond, Michael S. Taheri

At the 50th UB School of Law Alumni Association Annual Dinner and Presentation of the 2012 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 3, 2012

Place

Hyatt Regency Buffalo
2 Fountain Plaza, Buffalo

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Honorees

Award for the Judiciary: Hon. Cynthia M. Rufe ’77

U.S. District Court Judge, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. For her conscientious and diligent performance in the judiciary. Presented by Laurie Styka Bloom ’83

Award for Private Practice: Mark K. Suzumoto ’82

Partner, Van Etten Suzumoto & Sipprelle LLP, Los Angeles. For his leadership by example as a private practitioner. Presented by Dean Makau W. Mutua

Award for Community Service: Vincent E. Doyle III ’89

Partner, Connors & Vilardo LLP. For his many contributions to the betterment of our community. Presented by James W. Grable Jr. ’96

Award for Public Service: William J. Hochul Jr. ’84

U.S. Attorney, Western District of New York. For his commitment to public service. Presented by Mary Pat Enright Fleming ’85

Award for Business Achievement: Jill M. Bond ’85

Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Rich Products Corp., Buffalo. For Her Exemplary Performance in Business. Presented by Brian D. Gwitt ’98

Award for Service by a Non-Alumnus: Michael S. Taheri

Partner, Taheri & Todoro, PC. For Outstanding Service to the University and the Community by a Non-Alumnus. Presented by Richard F. DiGiacomo ’76

Speakers and Co-Chairs

Master of Ceremonies, Richard F. DiGiacomo ’76, President, UB Law Alumni Association. Remarks were presented by Makau W. Mutua, Dean and SUNY Distinguished Professor, UB School of Law; Brian M. Melber ’96, Laurie Styka Bloom ’83, James W. Grable Jr. ’96, Mary Pat Enright Fleming ’85 and Brian D. Gwitt ’98. 

Dinner Co-Chairs were Alan J. Bozer ’84, Mary Pat Enright Fleming ’85 and Brian D. Gwitt ’98.

Interviews Featuring These Awardees

  • Hon. Cynthia N. Rufe ’77
    12/17/25
    Hon. Cynthia N. Rufe ’77 was appointed by President George W. Bush as a judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in 2002. Before that, she served as a state court judge, a private practitioner and a public defender.
  • Hon. Vincent E. Doyle ’56 - Edwin F. Jaeckle Award 2000
    1/15/26
    Hon. Vincent E. Doyle ’56, State Supreme Court judge and administrative judge for the Eighth Judicial District, was recognized with the 25 Edwin F. Jaeckle Award, the highest honor UB School of Law and the Law Alumni Association can bestow. He has provided exceptional leadership and made significant improvements in the judicial system.