2017 UB Law Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Awards

Zoom image: Left to right: Hon. Richard C. Wesley, Marianne Mariano, Tasha E. Moore, Paul R. Comeau, Hon. Richard C. Wesley, David E. Franasiak Group of people standing: Hon. Richard C. Wesley, Marianne Mariano, Tasha E. Moore, Paul R. Comeau, Hon. Richard C. Wesley, David E. Franasiak.

Left to right: Hon. Richard C. Wesley, Marianne Mariano, Tasha E. Moore, Paul R. Comeau, Hon. Richard C. Wesley, David E. Franasiak

At the 55th UB School of Law Alumni Association Annual Dinner and Presentation of the 2017 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

Thursday, May 4, 2017

Place

Hyatt Regency Buffalo
2 Fountain Plaza, Buffalo

Watch the Video

Explore the Video Index

magnifying glass over an icon of a video player.

Click to browse and search the indexed media:

  • View segment-level summaries
  • Keyword search and navigation
  • Data linked to corresponding video segment
See more context

Honorees

Award for the Judiciary: Hon. Gerald J. Whalen ’83

Presiding Justice, Appellate Division, New York State Supreme Court, Fourth Department. For his conscientious and diligent performance in the judiciary. Presented by Marc W. Brown ’99

Award for Private Practice: Paul R. Comeau ’73

Partner, Hodgson Russ LLP. For his leadership by example as a private practitioner. Presented by Jeffrey C. Stravino ‘97

Award for Community Service: Tasha E. Moore ’98

Senior Management Analyst, New York State Unified Court System, Office of Court Administration, Eighth Judicial District. For her many contributions to the betterment of our community. Presented by Marc W. Bown ’99

Award for Public Service: Marianne Mariano ’94

Federal Public Defender, Western District of New York. For her commitment to public service. Presented by Jeffrey C. Stravino ’97

Award for Business Achievement: David E. Franasiak ’78

Partner, Williams & Jensen PLLC, Washington, D.C. For his exemplary performance in business. Presented by Marc W. Brown ’99

Award for Service by a Non-Alumnus: Hon. Richard C. Wesley

U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit, New York City. For Outstanding Service to the University and the Community by a Non-Alumnus. Presented by Jeffrey C. Stravino ’97

Speakers and Co-Chairs

Master of Ceremonies Brian D. Gwitt ’98, President, UB Law Alumni Association. Remarks presented by: James A. Gardner, Interim Dean, Bridget and Thomas Black Professor and SUNY Distinguished Professor, UB School of Law; Pietra G. Lettieri Zaffram ’01, Marc W. Brown ’99 and Jeffrey C. Stravino ’97.

Dinner Co-Chairs were Marc W. Brown ’99 and Jeffrey C. Stravino ’97

Interviews Featuring These Awardees

  • Hon. Gerald J. Whalen ’83
    3/5/26
    Hon. Gerald J. Whalen ’83 is a judge for the 4 Department of the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division, appointed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2012. He has been the presiding justice of the court since 2016. His current term ends on Dec. 31, 2027.
  • Paul R. Comeau ’73
    2/27/26
    Paul R. Comeau ’73, chairperson emeritus and senior partner at Hodgson Russ LLP, helped create the firm’s state and local tax practice. He focuses his practice on high-net-worth clients, tax planning for individuals and businesses, and multistate tax issues.
  • Tasha E. Moore ’98
    2/27/26
    Tasha E. Moore ’98, deputy district executive for the 8 Judicial District, is dedicated to the inclusive initiatives of the court system and the wider legal community. She previously served as regional director of the New York State Division of Human Rights.
  • Marianne Mariano ’94
    2/27/26
    Marianne Mariano ’94 is the Federal Public Defender for the Western District of New York, appointed in May 2008.
  • David E. Franasiak ’78
    12/1/25
    David E. Franasiak ’78 is a partner in the Washington, D.C., law firm Williams & Jensen PLLC, where he consults on legislative and administrative matters related to tax, securities, financial institutions and natural resources.