2014 UB Law Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Awards

Zoom image: Bottom row, left to right: Hon. Lisa Bloch Rodwin, William F. Savino, Robert C. Schwenkel. Middle row, left to right: Hon. Eugene M. Fahey, Michael J. Surgalla Jr. Top:  Hon. Robert T. Russell Jr. Group of people standing: Hon. Lisa Bloch Rodwin, William F. Savino, Robert C. Schwenkel. Hon. Eugene M. Fahey, Michael J. Surgalla Jr., Hon. Robert T. Russell Jr.

Bottom row, left to right: Hon. Lisa Bloch Rodwin, William F. Savino, Robert C. Schwenkel. Middle row, left to right: Hon. Eugene M. Fahey, Michael J. Surgalla Jr. Top:  Hon. Robert T. Russell Jr.

At the 52nd UB School of Law Alumni Association Annual Dinner and Presentation of the 2014  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 Interview

Date

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Place

Hyatt Regency Buffalo
2 Fountain Plaza, Buffalo

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Honorees

Award for the Judiciary: Hon. Eugene M. Fahey ’84

Justice, New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Department. For his conscientious and diligent performance in the judiciary. Presented by Brian D. Gwitt ’98

Award for Private Practice: Robert C. Schwenkel ’82

Partner, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP. For his leadership by example as a private practitioner. Presented by Anne E. Joynt ’05

Award for Community Service: Hon. Lisa Bloch Rodwin ’85

Judge, Erie County Family Court. For her many contributions to the betterment of our community. Presented by Brian D. Gwitt ’98

Award for Public Service: Michael J. Surgalla Jr. ’82

Trial Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division, Human Rights & Special Prosecutions Section, Washington, D.C. For his commitment to public service. Presented by Anne E. Joynt ’05

Award for Business Achievement: William F. Savino ’75

Senior Partner, Damon Morey LLP, For his exemplary performance in business. Presented by Brian D. Gwitt ’98

Award for Service by a Non-Alumnus: Hon. Robert T. Russell Jr.

Judge, Buffalo City Court, Acting Judge, Erie County Court. For Outstanding Service to the University and the Community by a Non-Alumnus. Presented by Anne E. Joynt ’05

Speakers and Co-Chairs

Master of Ceremonies Terrence M. Gilbride ’88, President, UB Law Alumni Association. Remarks presented by Makau W. Mutua, Dean and SUNY Distinguished Professor, University at Buffalo School of Law; Hon. Lenora B. Foote-Beavers ’97, Brian D. Gwitt ’98 and Anne E. Joynt ’05.

Dinner Co-Chairs were Scott C. Becker ’93 and Jeffrey F. Reina ’99.

Interviews Featuring These Awardees

  • Hon. Eugene M. Fahey ’84
    12/1/25
    Hon. Eugene M. Fahey ’84 is a justice of the New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division, 4 Department, in Buffalo. He served two six-year terms on the Buffalo Common Council and worked in private practice before ascending to the bench, first on Buffalo City Court and then on State Supreme Court. He was appointed to the Appellate Division in 2006.
  • Robert C. Schwenkel ’82
    1/7/26
    Robert C. Schwenkel ’82 has unswervingly advised and supported our graduates who hope to work in the New York City office of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP. A partner since 1989, he serves as co-chair of the Corporate Department and global head of the M&A and Private Equity practices.
  • Hon. Lisa Bloch Rodwin '85
    12/17/25
    Hon. Lisa Bloch Rodwin ’85 is a Family Court judge and a pioneer in prosecuting domestic violence. As an assistant district attorney, she transformed how domestic violence crimes are managed in Erie County, leading the innovative Domestic Violence Unit before becoming a judge.
  • Michael J. Surgalla, Jr. ’82
    12/1/25
    Michael J. Surgalla Jr. ’82 is an attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Human Rights & Special Prosecutions Section, Criminal Division, in Washington, D.C. He joined the DOJ in 1987. His current areas of focus are border security and violations of human rights and humanitarian law.
  • Hon. Robert T. Russell, Jr.
    12/1/25
    Hon. Robert T. Russell Jr., an innovative Buffalo City Court judge in the Eighth Judicial District and acting judge for Erie County, created and began presiding over the nation’s first Veterans Treatment Court in 2008. He also established and presided over Buffalo’s Drug Treatment Court and the Buffalo Mental Health Court.