St. John's School of Law Hosts Annual Alumni Luncheon

January 31, 2012

 

On January 27, 2012, the St. John’s School of Law Alumni Association hosted their Alumni Luncheon at the New York Hilton. Over 400 alumni celebrated their alma mater alongside Law School faculty and administrators and esteemed members of the judiciary.

After he and Alumni Association President Thomas J. Principe welcomed the attendees, Dean Michael A. Simons presented the St. Thomas More Award to New York State Court of Appeals Senior Associate Judge Carmen Beauchamp Ciparick ’67, ‘03HON in recognition of her outstanding moral leadership. Several Court of Appeals judges were on hand to honor their colleague, including:

  • Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman
  • Hon. Theodore T. Jones, Jr.
  • Hon. Susan Philips Read
  • Hon. Robert S. Smith

New York’s Chief Administrative Judge A. Gail Prudenti also attended the ceremony, as did former Court of Appeals judges Judith S. Kaye and Joseph W. Bellacosa, both past recipients of the St. Thomas More Award.

Another highlight of the event was the presentation of the Belson Medal. Named for Maxine and Jerome Belson ’48, ‘80HON, the Belson Medal is awarded to an individual or to individuals who demonstrate special loyalty and dedication to St. John’s School of Law and respect for the University’s mission, and whose philanthropy has had a significant impact on the advancement of legal education at the Law School. This year’s Belson Medal recipients were:

  • Daniel A. DeVito ‘87
  • Gina DeVito
  • Cary Fields ’86HON
  • Kathy Fields
  • Erica B. Fine ‘82
  • Hon. Guy J. Mangano ’55, ’83HON
  • Joseph M. Mattone ’55, 94HON
  • Mary Ann Mattone
  • Robert J. Nobile ‘84
  • Judith A. Wild
  • Robert A. Wild ‘67

To round out the Alumni Luncheon celebration, Kathyrn M. Carney Cole ‘02, a Senior Associate at Farrell Fritz, P.C., was presented with the Recent Graduate Service Award for outstanding service to graduates of the Law School.

“This is always a very special event for the Law School Community,” said Dean Simons. “It is a tribute to the fine lawyers, jurists and citizens who hold a St. John’s law degree and who selflessly support our mission. Through their mentorship and support, our alumni play a vital role in helping our students develop their paths to the profession.”