Western New England University will host the School of Law Alumni Recognition Reception on September 23, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. in the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History. This event features special recognition for the classes of 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, and 2011, as well as the presentation of the Distinguished Alumnus/a Award, two Ascending Alumni Awards, and the Dean's Award.
“The School of Law Alumni Association is proud of its alumni and their many achievements,” says Marcy Spratt ’09, president of the Alumni Association. “The Distinguished Alumnus/a Award and the Ascending Alumni Award afford us the opportunity to recognize and celebrate those achievements on an annual basis. The Association is honored to recognize Rick Sullivan L’84 of Westfield, MA, as a 2016 Distinguished Alumni,” says Spratt. Sullivan is the president and chief executive officer of the Western Mass Economic Development Council, a private nonprofit corporation that provides resources and information to businesses operating in or entering the region by aiding in expansion, relocation and networking.
The Ascending Alumni Award spotlights the achievements of new alumni who have graduated 10 years or less from the School of Law. Nominees are those who have shown leadership in their chosen field and/or in the community. Candidates are those who stand out from their peers and have a great deal of drive and potential. West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt Jr. ’13/L’14, and Judge Stephanie Silvas L’11, of Bee County, TX, will receive this year’s Ascending Alumni Award for their contributions to their communities, the Law School community, and the profession.
The Dean’s Award recognizes an alumnus or alumna whose professional accomplishments bring credit to the School of Law and who has a record of service that demonstrates the core values of the Western New England University School of Law.
Judge Anne M. Geoffrion L’79, from Wilbraham, will be awarded The Dean’s Award. “Judge Geoffrion’s career epitomizes the kind of lawyer this award is meant to honor,” says Western New England University School of Law Dean and Professor Eric J. Gouvin. “As a member of the bar and as a judge on the bench, she has not only met the highest level of professional competency, but she has given back to her community and to the School of Law in many ways.”
