2021 UB Law Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Awards

Zoom image: Top left to right: Hon. John J. Ark, John J. Flynn, David R. Pfalzgraf Jr.; bottom left to right; Paula M. Ciprich, Laurence K. Rubin and Hon. Shirley Troutman Collage of 6 headshots: John Ark, John Flynn, David Pfalzgraf, Paula Ciprich, Laurence Rubin and Shirley Troutman.

Top left to right: Hon. John J. Ark, John J. Flynn, David R. Pfalzgraf Jr.; bottom left to right; Paula M. Ciprich, Laurence K. Rubin and Hon. Shirley Troutman

At the 58th UB School of Law Alumni Association Annual Dinner and Presentation of the 2021 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

Thursday, June 17, 2021

Place

Hyatt Regency Buffalo
2 Fountain Plaza, Buffalo

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Honorees

Award for the Judiciary: Hon. John J. Ark ’72

Justice, New York State Supreme Court, Seventh Judicial District, and New York State Judicial Hearing Officer, Rochester, N.Y. For his conscientious and diligent performance in the judiciary. Presented by Michael J. Hecker ’09

Award for Public Service: John J. Flynn ’95

District Attorney, Erie County. For his commitment to public service. Presented by Scott C. Becker ’93

Award for Private Practice: David R. Pfalzgraf Jr. ’97

Managing Partner, Rupp Baase Pfalzgraf Cunningham LLC. For his leadership by example as a private practitioner. Presented by Michael J. Hecker ’09

Award for Community Service: Laurence K. Rubin ’77

Partner, Kavinoky Cook LLP. For his many contributions to the betterment of our community. Presented by Scott C. Becker ’93.

Award for Business Achievement: Paula M. Ciprich ’85

Senior Vice President (Ret.), National Fuel Gas Co., Williamsville, N.Y.  For her exemplary performance in business. Presented by Michael J. Hecker ’09

Award for Service by a Non-Alumna: Hon. Shirley Troutman

Associate Justice, New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Judicial Department. For Outstanding Service to the University and the Community by a Non-Alumna. Presented by Scott C. Becker ’93

Speakers and Co-Chairs

Master of Ceremonies Anne E. Joynt ’05, President, UB Law Alumni Association. Remarks were presented by Michael J. Hecker ’09; Ilene R. Fleischmann, Vice Dean, University at Buffalo School of Law; Aviva Abramovsky, Dean, University at Buffalo School of Law; Satish K. Tripathi, President, University at Buffalo; Jeffrey C. Stravino ’97; Scott C. Becker ’93.

Dinner Co-Chairs were Michael J. Hecker and Amy P. Herstek ’04

Interviews Featuring These Awardees

  • Hon. John J. Ark ’72
    2/20/26
    Hon. John J. Ark ’72 was a justice of the New York State Supreme Court, Seventh Judicial District, in Rochester, who presided primarily over toxic torts and divorce cases.
  • Hon. John J. Flynn ’95
    12/6/25
    Hon. John J. Flynn ’95 was elected Erie County’s district attorney in 2017. He directed a staff of 180 people, about half of them attorneys, who prosecuted 30,000 cases a year. Flynn was known for combining relentless energy with a deep sense of purpose and compassion.
  • David R. Pfalzgraf ’97
    12/17/25
    David R. Pfalzgraf Jr. ’97 is the managing partner of Rupp Baase Pfalzgraf Cunningham LLC. He works primarily with private business enterprises, ranging from closely held family businesses to multinational corporations. Founded in 2000, the firm has grown to more than 60 attorneys in five offices across New York State.
  • Laurence K. Rubin ’77
    12/17/25
    Laurence K. Rubin ’77, a partner with the Buffalo law firm Kavinoky Cook LLP since 2007, makes a difference in the community by volunteering his time and legal expertise to assist civic, religious and political organizations. His practice focuses on public and private development, real property law and municipal law.
  • Paula M. Ciprich ’85
    12/1/25
    Paula M. Ciprich is the retired senior vice president of National Fuel Gas in Williamsville, N.Y., and a role model for women in business.
  • Hon. Shirley Troutman
    12/17/25
    Hon. Shirley Troutman has served in the Appellate Division of the state Supreme Court’s Fourth Judicial Department since 2016. She has been a judge for almost three decades, previously serving on the state Supreme Court, Erie County Court and Buffalo City Court.