Dean’s Dispatch – Alumni | October 2019

OCTOBER 2019

From the desk of Dean Boise

Students, faculty, staff, and alumni packed the S.F. Hancock Ceremonial Courtroom in the Onondaga County Courthouse to witness history on October 18. William Herbert Johnson’s L’1903 long-overdue admission to the New York State bar was made during a moving ceremony.

Johnson was the College’s first African American graduate, but discrimination precluded his admission to the New York bar, and he was unable to fully pursue his legal career. Nevertheless, he became a Syracuse community leader and fought for racial integration in local institutions, including the Syracuse police department.

Today, we proudly regard Johnson as a College of Law pioneer, a hero for civil rights and diverse representation in the law, and a guiding light for generations of students past, present, and future.

I would especially like to thank Professor Paula Johnson, Felicia Collins-Ocumarez L’98, J. Christopher Hamilton L’99, and all the individuals who led the effort to grant Johnson his bar admission, something he should have received more than 100 years ago. I also want to thank the Appellate Division Fourth Department for its commitment to helping to right this injustice.

You can view photos from the ceremony and watch a fascinating two-part story on Johnson’s life (Part 1; Part 2).

College of Law News

The Inaugural Syracuse National Trial Competition Is in the Books

In early October, 11 trial advocacy teams from across the country descended upon Syracuse, joining our advocacy team to compete in the inaugural Syracuse National Trial Competition (SNTC). After several rounds of grueling competition, Loyola Law School Los Angeles prevailed over Samford University Cumberland School of Law in the first ever final. View photos from the final rounds, which took place in Dineen Hall.

The College of Law’s team made it to the quarterfinal round, bowing out to the eventual winners. Congratulations to 3L Kevin Risch and 2Ls Alex Eaton, Tyler Jefferies, and Evan Pfeifer for their outstanding performance.

Many thanks to student directors 2Ls John Mercurio and Troy Parker, as well as to the faculty co-directors Professor Todd Berger and Joanne Van Dyke L’87. Their hard work and dedication have made a long-lasting impact on the visiting teams and further raises our national profile as a top trial advocacy school.

Finally, I appreciate the support of our sponsors—the presence of national and local sponsors greatly contributed to the success of the weekend and conveyed to the competitors and other schools the significance of our new trial competition. Thank you to Arnold & Porter; DLA Piper; Hancock Estabrook; James E. Reid, Esq.; Schulte, Roth & Zabel; and the Sugarman Law Firm. I’m looking forward to the 2020 competition!

AccessLex Institute Supports the College’s Diversity Initiative

Increasing the diversity of the College of Law’s student body continues to be a top priority for the College of Law. Last year I shared with you that the College has entered into a 3+3 Program with three Atlanta-based HBCUs—Spelman, Morehouse, and Clark Atlanta. This program allows eligible students to streamline their path from undergraduate study to law school.

I’m pleased to announce that a Diversity Pipeline Research Grant from the AccessLex Institute will allow us to create a Summer Jump-Start Program to help ensure that these 3+3 students will be successful in their legal studies.

The program will provide participants access to faculty, connections among law students and alumni, an introduction to the legal profession, and training sessions to prepare them for the LSAT and our rigorous curriculum. We are grateful to AccessLex for sharing our vision and for making diversity in the legal profession a top priority. 

College of Law Partners with NYSBA on Technology and the Law Course

The New York State Bar Association and the College of Law are collaborating on an innovative Technology and the Law course. Offered this semester, the course provides students with an essential, contemporary understanding of how technology intersects with the practice of law, a perspective that every law student must have as our field continues to be transformed by new and evolving technologies.

Celebrating Diversity in Dineen Hall

During the week of October 13, the College of Law community came together to learn about and celebrate the many ways diversity contributes to a vibrant Dineen Hall. Thanks to SBA Diversity Chair 2L Ken Knight and his committee, events included “A Conversation with the Onondaga Nation”; an informational discussion with Barclay Damon on its Diversity Mentor Program; a “Diversity and the Law” professor panel; the William Herbert Johnson L’1903 bar admission ceremony (see above); and a day of volunteering at the We Rise Above the Streets Sandwich Saturday.

NYSBA Hosts Panels on FOIL

The New York State Bar Association’s Task Force on Free Expression in the Digital Age hosted a timely two-part panel discussion on “Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) and the Future of Local Journalism: Rethinking Access to Information in a Digital Age.” A cross-section of lawyers, newspaper editors, and other experts discussed the role of technology in the flow of information to the press and ordinary citizens. I’m grateful to Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs and College of Law Professor LaVonda Reed for helping to bring this event to Dineen Hall.

INSCT Welcomes Distinguished Fellow Avril Haines

On October 8, Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism (INSCT) Distinguished Fellow Avril Haines spoke at Dineen Hall in a conversation with INSCT Director the Hon. James E. Baker. Currently Deputy Director of Columbia University Law School’s Columbia World Projects, Haines is a former Deputy National Security Advisor to President Barack Obama and former Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Among other topics, Haines described the structure of national security law and policy in the federal government and her experience as both a recipient and provider of national security legal advice.

Alumni Engagement

Focus on Careers

There are many ways alumni get involved with their alma mater, and speaking to students about their careers is certainly one of the most essential. On October 10, Katie Goldstein L’13 returned to Dineen Hall to speak to approximately 30 students—including JDinteractive students who participated by phone—about different paths after law school. Goldstein has forged a career in corporate law. She is currently Manager in Risk Strategy and Compliance at KPMG.

Addressing the “Crisis at the Border”

Immigration attorneys Alex Galvez L’07 and Jose Perez L’07 joined Professor Jennifer Breen at a Latin American Law Student Association Immigration Series event on October 11. The ripped-from-the-headlines topic of this presentation was “Crisis at the Border: The Human Story Behind the Wall/Detention Centers”.

Student News

Hawkes & Miller Win Annual Grossman Competition

Congratulations to 3Ls Davida M. Hawkes and Richard Miller who prevailed over 3Ls Alecia Frye and Troy Gayle in the 42nd Annual Lionel O. Grossman Trial Competition. Frye received the Frank H. Armani L’56 Advocacy Award for the best individual advocate.

The presiding judge was the Hon. Glenn T. Suddaby L’85, Chief US District Court Judge, Northern District of New York. He was joined by evaluators the Hon. Brenda K. Sannes, US District Judge for the Northern District of New York; the Hon. Thérèse Wiley Dancks L’91, US Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of New York; Professor Emeritus Travis H.D. Lewin; and Ed Menkin L’77.

My gratitude extends to the many alumni, faculty, and volunteer judges who took time out of their busy days to judge preliminary rounds and coach our teams. You all are a critical part of our Advocacy Program.

Class of 2020 Class Act Campaign Underway

The Class of 2020 recently kicked off its Class Act! campaign with a tailgate-themed kickoff brunch in the Neporent café. Pictured with class members, at left, is Alan Epstein L’74, a Member of the College of Law’s Board of Advisors and an enthusiastic supporter and co-founder of the Class Act! campaign.

The Class of 2020 has set its sights on exceeding the Class of 2019’s record participation. Indeed, it’s a tough act to follow. Last year, 80% of J.D. students and 94% of LL.M. students supported the campaign. Good luck, Class of 2020, and thank you for supporting your college!

Faculty & Department News

Judge Baker Named NAPA Fellow

The Hon. James E. Baker is a professor in both the College of Law and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. He is one of four Maxwell School faculty members recently selected to join the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) as 2019 Academy Fellows. NAPA is a congressionally chartered, nonpartisan, and nonprofit academy providing expert advice to government leaders in building and managing more effective, efficient, accountable, and transparent organizations.

How You Make a Difference

Boost the ’Cuse is Back, with 44 Hours of Giving

Mark your calendars for Boost the ’Cuse: 44 Hours for Syracuse University, which will kick off at 4 a.m. EST on November 5 and wrap up at 11:59 p.m. on November 6.

During last year’s blockbuster Boost, the College of Law received gifts from 492 donors, an increase of nearly 200 donors from the previous year! This year, please help us get to our new goal of 550 donors! Any size gift to any College of Law fund counts toward our target.

Visit boostcuse.syr.edu for more details. As always, thank you for supporting your alma mater: every contribution counts!

For Your Calendar

Law Alumni Weekend 2020 Set for September 24-26

While we just wrapped up a fantastic Law Alumni Weekend last month, it is never too early to start planning for next year. Mark Sept. 24-26, 2020 on your calendar for next year’s celebration, which will coincide with the College’s 125th Anniversary!

INSCT to Host an Evening with George Packer in NYC, October 30

On October 30, join the Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism (INSCT) for “A Conversation with George Packer” at 6 p.m. in the Lubin House in New York City. Packer is an award-winning journalist and author of several books, including The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America, winner of the 2013 National Book Award for Nonfiction. This lecture, followed by a reception, is the inaugural event in the Becker Lecture Series. Space is limited; RSVP here.

Fireside Chat with the Judiciary Returns, November 1

The New York Federal Court Bar Association returns to Dineen Hall with its annual Fireside Chat with the Judiciary. This year the Hon. Norman A. Mordue L’71 will participate in a discussion about his experiences on the Federal court on November 1 at 5 p.m. by the Hearth in the Levy Atrium. A social hour will follow. RSVP by October 25 to .

A Conversation with Professor Terry L. Turnipseed in DC, November 14

Professor Terry L. Turnipseed will be the honored guest at a special alumni reception on November 14, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Fox Corporation, 400 North Capitol St. NW, Suite 890. Learn about the College of Law’s presence in Washington, DC, plans for the Externship Program, how to get involved with the College, and more.

The event is graciously co-hosted by Joe Di Scipio L’95, Senior Vice President, FCC Legal and Business Affairs and Assistant General Counsel at Fox Corporation, and Susan Reardon ’73, L’76, retired from Johnson & Johnson. Learn more about the event here.

Save-the-Dates: Orange in the Big Apple, Winter/Spring 2020

In celebration of the College of Law’s 125th anniversary in 2020, I look forward to seeing our New York alumni at the American Museum of Natural History on Jan. 30, 2020. In lieu of our annual event at the Lubin House, the College will sponsor the new NYSBA Gala at the Museum, which revives what was once the flagship event of the NYSBA Annual Meeting, from 1877 to 1995.

With College of Law alumnus Hank Greenberg L’86 at NYSBA’s helm—and Scott Karson L’75 as President-Elect—I am confident I will have the opportunity to meet a record number of our New York area alumni at the Gala. Stay tuned for details on where to gather in the Museum to ensure the College has a strong and visible presence. Learn more and purchase your tickets here.

Later in spring 2020, the College will host a CLE and special reception in partnership with Michael Kaplan L’11 and his firm, New Jersey-based Lowenstein Sandler LLP. I look forward to seeing our NY area alumni at these two Big Apple events.

Upcoming Alumni Receptions

TEXAS 2019

• Austin Alumni Reception
  November 12 | 5:30-8 p.m. | The home of Philip Svahn G’98, L’98 and Becky Svahn G’97
• Houston Alumni Reception
  November 13 | 6-8 p.m. | The home of Melanie Gray L’81 and Mark Wawro
• Dallas Alumni Reception
  November 14 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Hosted by Joe Wielebinski G’83, L’83, Winstead PC, 2728 N. Harwood Street, 10th Floor Terrace, Dallas, TX 75201

CALIFORNIA 2020

• Los Angeles Alumni Reception, with Dean Craig M. Boise & the Hon. James E. Baker
  January 14 | Venue & Additional Details TBA
• San Francisco Alumni Reception, with Dean Craig M. Boise & the Hon. James E. Baker
  January 16 | Venue & Additional Details TBA
• Lunch with Dean Boise & the Hon. William Q. Hayes L’83
  January 17 | 12:30 p.m. | Judge Hayes’ Chambers, Suite 1480, US Courthouse, 333 West Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101

To register for an alumni reception, email Director of Alumni Relations Kristen Duggleby.

Alumni Events

Visiting the Steel City

Many thanks to College of Law Board of Advisors member James Zeszutek L’75, Partner at Dinsmore & Shohl, for hosting our recent alumni reception at the Duquesne Club in Pittsburgh and to all Pittsburgh area alumni who were there. I enjoyed meeting our alumni in the Steel City, and look forward to continuing our conversation!

And Finally …

Welcoming Fall to Dineen Hall

Fall has descended on Syracuse, not so much with chilly weather (yet), but with the beautiful colors, morning mists, and seasonal drinks and other treats. We recently held our annual fireplace lighting as a part of our Diversity Week events to bring our community together in warmth. For the next several months, the Bernadette Romano Clark L’89 and Harold T. Clark Jr. Hearth at Dineen Hall will provide a welcome gathering place for all.

For More Information

Questions? Please contact Sophie Dagenais, Assistant Dean for Advancement and External Affairs, at or 315.443.4536, or Kristen Duggleby, Director of Alumni Relations at or 315.443.9532.

Contact us at 315.443.1964 or to send us your news. Remember, you can also update your contact information on ’Cuse Community.

I’ll keep you updated on our news in future editions of the Dean’s Dispatch, and for those of you who use social media, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram for timely updates and photographs.

You also can connect with me on my own LinkedIn account.