The law school’s Pillars of Pride

Called Pillars of Pride, the program is a monthly celebration of those who paint the campus True Blue and inspire their colleagues to join them. Nominated by their peers, individuals are recognized for excellence in one of three areas: spirit, for their strong work ethic and positive attitude; inclusion, for ensuring equitable access and opportunity for all; and service, for supporting the work of colleagues and university partners. Honorees receive a True Blue lanyard and recognition pin, and an invitation to a year-end celebration.

As the new year begins, we want to add our own congratulations to the law school’s Pillars of Pride winners in 2025 and hear from their colleagues who nominated them.

Audrey Grout, program coordinator for Clinical Legal Education, was recognized for service. She was nominated by Jordyn Wysocki, assistant managing director for Clinical Legal Education.

“Audrey was new to UB as of June 2024 but has already made her mark,” Wysocki says. “She constantly goes above and beyond in everything she does. Her dedication, hard work and positive attitude have made a huge impact on our team and the program. Whether it is getting the team to do the step challenge or handling 12 tasks at once, she does it with grace and is committed to our campus reputation.”

Lisa Patterson, director of externships and Access to Justice initiatives, was recognized for inclusion. Her nominator was Melinda Saran, vice dean for undergraduate student affairs and interim vice dean for undergraduate studies.

“I nominated Lisa because of her efforts to make students, faculty and staff feel welcome,” Saran says. “She goes out of her way to organize Pro Bono Days, the Public Defender Career Fair and trainings for students (and sometimes others) to learn about themselves. Even her stollen at Christmas and the many treats in her office make sure we all feel cared for and valued.  And finally, who can forget her dogs—dressed in costume and serving as our informal mascots on Pro Bono Days—they are always available for a pet or a snuggle if you need it.”

Anne Gaulin, administrative assistant for development, was recognized for service. Her nomination was made by Hannah Sigurdson, staff assistant for Alumni Affairs.

Sigurdson says, “Anne has consistently gone above and beyond in both organizing events and supporting others in their efforts. She always has great advice and handles challenges with good humor and tenacity. She is highly deserving of recognition for all the hard work and spirit she brings to the alumni/advancement offices.”

Julie Schuster, senior program coordinator for Clinical Legal Education, also was recognized for service. She was nominated by Jordyn Wysocki, assistant managing director for Clinical Legal Education.

Wysocki says, “Julie is as dedicated as it comes to serving both the campus and the broader community. As our senior program coordinator and paralegal, she is the backbone of the clinics and practicums, consistently going above and beyond her role by dedicating significant time outside of the office to ensure their success. Whether managing work in Clio or supporting clinic events and community initiatives, Julie’s commitment has a meaningful and lasting impact on our students and programs.”

Dawn Skopinski, associate director of the Advocacy Institute, was recognized for service by Lisa Patterson, director of externships and Access to Justice initiatives.

Says Skopinski, “Dawn is the backbone of three pivotal programs at the School of Law: the Advocacy Institute, the New York City Program in Business and Law, and the externship program. Her exceptional organizational, problem-solving and communication skills are the secret behind the success of our many trial competitions, our spring study program in New York City and our 50-plus field placements every year. Dawn manages all the details for multiple trial competitions that we host, including room schedules, locations and catering, and coordinating with dozens of teams from around the world. She manages our teams’ travel to compete nationally and internationally. She is behind the scenes setting up housing, classroom space and logistics for our students who study in New York City. She also manages the placement, tracking and registration for all our externship/field placement students. She has been an indispensable member of the law school team for over 30 years.”

And Jordyn Wysocki, assistant managing director for Clinical Legal Education, was recognized for spirit by Julie Schuster, senior program coordinator for Clinical Legal Education.

“Jordyn always considers others when she does anything,” Schuster says, “and she is our office’s loudest cheerleader! She makes sure everyone feels supported in all their endeavors, personal and business.”