Sisters in Law: 100 Years of Women at UB Law

Cecilia (Cecil) B. Wiener and Helen Z. M. Rodgers.

Hon. Cecil B. Wiener and Helen Z. M. Rodgers

UB School of Law celebrated the 100th graduation anniversary of its first two female graduates, Hon. Cecil B. Wiener and Helen Z. M. Rodgers, in the Class of 1899, with a conference titled “Sisters in Law: 100 Years of Women at UB Law.” The event recognized the remarkable contributions of women to the legal profession over the past century.

About this Interview

Interview Date(s)

Oct. 21-22, 1999

Occasion

“A Salute to Women in the Judiciary”; interviews took place in John Lord O’Brian Hall on the North Campus and the Buffalo/Niagara Marriott, 1340 Millersport Highway, Amherst

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About the Sisters in Law Luncheon: 100 Years of Women at UB Law 1999

A Salute to Women in the Judiciary,” recognized 27 UB law school graduates serving in judicial posts. Those honored were:

  • Hon. M. Dolores Denman ’65, presiding justice, New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Department
  • Hon. Jacqueline M. Koshian ’59, justice, New York State Supreme Court, Eighth Judicial District
  • Hon. Rose D. La Mendola ’55, justice, New York State Supreme Court, Eighth Judicial District
  • Hon. Ann T. Mikoll ’54, associate justice, New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Department

The keynote speaker was Hon. Melanie D. Cyganowski ’81, U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge for the Eastern District of New York. The master of ceremonies was Hon. Barbara Howe ’80, New York State Supreme Court, 8th Judicial District.

During the conference, distinguished keynote speakers and panelists addressed legal topics of importance to women. Workshops were held on workplace rights, access to health care, managing money and balancing work and family.

More than 3,000 “sisters in law” have graduated from what is today the UB School of Law. The Class of 1999, which graduated in May, comprised 117 men and 116 women.