35th Annual Students of Color Dinner
Friday, April 10, 2026
We honored:
- Professor of the Year: Mekonnen Ayano
Associate Professor, University at Buffalo School of Law - Trailblazer: Nicholas Ramirez '22
Staff Attorney, Western New York Law Center - Distinguished Alumni: Hon. Meredith A. Vacca ’05
U.S. District Court Judge, Western District of New York - Ally: Marla Waiss '02
Partner, Hodgson Russ LLP
Our Keynote speaker was Hon. Tiffany R. Perry '00, Buffalo City Court Judge.
About the Dinner
Each year, the Black Law Students Association, the Latin American Law Students Association, the Asian Pacific Allied Law Students Association, and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council host the Students of Color Dinner to celebrate the graduation and achievements of their third-year members. We also honor several outstanding individuals in the legal community who have helped pave the way for minority legal professionals.