2015 UB Law Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Awards

Zoom image: Front: Hon. Judith J. Gische. Second row, left to right: Dennic R. McCoy, Ann E. Evanko, Nicole C. Lee. Top row, left to right: Hon. William M. Skretny, Jonathan S. Beane Group of people standing: Hon. Judith J. Gische, Dennis R. McCoy, Ann E. Evanko, Nicole C. Lee, Hon. William M. Skretny, Jonathan S. Beane.

Front: Hon. Judith J. Gische. Second row, left to right: Dennic R. McCoy, Ann E. Evanko, Nicole C. Lee. Top row, left to right: Hon. William M. Skretny, Jonathan S. Beane

At the 53rd UB School of Law Alumni Association Annual Dinner and Presentation of the 2015 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

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Place

Hyatt Regency Buffalo
2 Fountain Plaza, Buffalo

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Honorees

Award for the Judiciary: Hon. Judith J. Gische ’80

Associate Justice, New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department, New York City. For her conscientious and diligent performance in the judiciary. Presented by Anne E. Joynt ’05 

Award for Private Practice: Dennis R. McCoy ’77

Senior Partner, Hiscock & Barclay LLP. For his leadership by example as a private practitioner. Presented by Scott C. Becker ’93

Award for Community Service: Ann E. Evanko ’79

President and Managing Member, Hurwitz & Fine, PC. For her many contributions to the betterment of our community. Presented by Anne E. Joynt ’05 

Award for Public Service: Nicole C. Lee ’02

The Lee Bayard Group LLC, Immediate Past President, TransAfrica Forum Inc., Washington, D.C. For her commitment to public service. Presented by Scott C. Becker ’93

Award for Business Achievement: Jonathan S. Beane ’98

Executive Director. Corporate Social Responsibility and Diversity. Time Warner Inc., New York City. For his exemplary Performance in Business. Presented by Anne E. Joynt ’05  

Award for Service by a Non-Alumnus: Hon. William M. Skretny

Judge, U.S. District Court, Western District of New York. For Outstanding Service to the University and the Community by a Non-Alumnus. Presented by Scott C. Becker ’93

Speakers and Co-Chairs

Master of Ceremonies Robert P. Heary ’91, President, UB Law Alumni Association. Remarks presented by James A. Gardner, SUNY Distinguished Professor and Interim Dean, Anne E. Joynt ’05 and Scott C. Becker ’93.

Dinner Co-Chairs were Joseph N. Del Vecchio ’96 and Anne E. Joynt ’05.

Interviews Featuring These Awardees

  • Hon. Judith J. Gische ’80
    12/1/25
    Hon. Judith J. Gische ’80 was designated an associate justice of the New York State Supreme Court’s Appellate Division, 1 Department, in October 2012.  She has been a longtime advocate for women in the legal profession and for family-friendly changes.
  • Dennis R. McCoy ’77
    12/1/25
    Dennis R. McCoy ’77 is a senior litigation partner at the Buffalo law firm Hiscock & Barclay. He represents clients in major, complex litigation throughout New York State and the Northeast, focusing on legal and health care professionals facing malpractice actions. He also serves as a court-appointed mediator.
  • Ann E. Evanko ’79 (Jaeckle Award 2019)
    3/2/26
    Ann E. Evanko ’79, a well-regarded attorney in the Western New York legal community, took on major leadership roles in community service while serving as managing partner of the Buffalo law firm Hurwitz & Fine, P.C. She is a role model and trailblazer for female attorneys, and received the 42 annual Edwin F. Jaeckle Award, the highest honor the School of Law and the Law Alumni Association can bestow.
  • Nicole C. Lee ’02
    12/1/25
    Nicole C. Lee ’02, an organizational and public policy leader with the Lee Bayard Group in Washington, D.C., served as the first female president of TransAfrica, the nation’s premier African-American foreign affairs organization. Appointed in 2006, she served for nine years.
  • Jonathan S. Beane ’98
    12/1/25
    Jonathan S. Beane ’98 is a nationally recognized leader in forming and implementing strategies that foster an inclusive culture across companies. He is a strong proponent of change in workplace diversity and inclusion philosophy.
  • Hon. William M. Skretny
    12/1/25
    Hon. William M. Skretny, senior judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York, was confirmed to the District Court in 1990. He was formerly an assistant U.S. attorney in Illinois and New York, a first deputy district attorney in Erie County and in private practice in Buffalo.