“. . . I was fortunate to have a father who was a proud graduate of this law school. He constantly demonstrated how a degree from this law school allowed him the opportunity to build a practice that looked out for people and assisted them when they were in need . . . I cannot think of another institution that has placed so many people at impactful positions throughout the community. I cannot think of another institution that has provided so many opportunities for its graduates and community. And I cannot think of any institution or alumni group more deserving of my thanks for the opportunities I have been afforded.” - Frank Gallucci III ’00, 2023 Alumni of the Year
“Dreams do come true. Thirty years ago, the CSU|LAW evening program gave me an opportunity as a 39-year-old, non-traditional student to pursue my dream. A dream conceived at 12 years old, when my older sister and I saw our Mom wave to us from the bars of the jail on 21st and Payne . . . I am . . . the first in my family to receive a high school diploma….my desire, dedication, and perseverance was my fuel to push through the struggles.” – Judge Deborah Turner ’97, Alumni of the Year
“This Alumni Association's main mission is to support law students, and everything that this Association does is for the purpose of raising money so that we can provide students. . . scholarships to help defray the high cost of a legal education . . .” - Robin Wilson ’96, 2022-23 President, CSU|LAW Alumni Association
“I learned so much at CSU|LAW. . .It was an experience that others should have the honor and privilege to enjoy and grow from in their life. It allowed me to hit the ground running. . . I want others to have this experience. . . learning to think like a lawyer, thinking outside of the box, and earning and attaining the accomplishments that come along with being a student and alumni of CSU|LAW.” - Katie Kirby ’10, 2023-24 President, CSU|LAW Alumni Association
Over these past two weeks, I’ve witnessed the power of shared experience. At each event, there was a warmth and feeling of comradery that can only be found when all the people in the room have a common bond – a shared experience that was transformative in their lives.
Last week, I described our inspiring May 21 Commencement honoring our 2023 graduates. On Thursday morning, May 25, our Board of Visitors, chaired by Sarah Flannery ’02 and vice-chaired by Sonia Winner ’90, met for several hours to discuss the various challenges and opportunities facing our law school. Four graduating students - Robert Dinkins ’23, Dalya Oprian ’23, Maggie Sullivan ‘23, andKatrice Williams ’23 - spoke movingly about their law school experience.
Following the Board of Visitors Meeting, our CSU|LAW Alumni Association (CSULAA) hosted its Annual Recognition Luncheon, the largest law school alumni event in Ohio, and one of the largest in the country. Over 800 alumni and community supporters attended the luncheon. Net proceeds benefit scholarship funds for CSU|LAW students. Vince Lombardo ’81 masterfully chaired the luncheon, working closely with Alicia Perozeni, CSULAA Program Director, and luncheon Vice-Chairs Scott Kuboff ’07 and Allison Reich ’09. Ashley Nemeh ’21 sang a beautiful rendition of God Bless America. CSU President Laura Bloomberg gave welcome remarks.
The CSULAA honored two outstanding Alumni of the Year - Frank L. Gallucci, III '00, Principal, Plevin & Gallucci Company, L.P.A., and Judge Deborah Turner '97, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.(See Frank Gallucci Tribute Video and Judge Deborah Turner Tribute Video. The password for each is: CSULAA2023.)
CSULAA 2022-23 President Robin Wilson ’96 presented the President’s Award to Ben Wiborg ’08. Iwas very pleased to present the Dean Wilson G. Stapleton Award for Faculty Excellence to Professor Brian Ray and to recognize Professor Milena Sterio on being named CSU Distinguished Professor, the highest honor bestowed on a Cleveland State University faculty member.
On June 1, the Alumni Association held the CSULAA 2023 Domestic Violence Symposium, organized by Judge Michelle Paris ‘84, with a lineup of very distinguished speakers on this important subject.
Following the symposium, the CSULAA held its Annual Meeting at which Robin Wilson’96 was recognized for her outstanding leadership over the past year, and Katie Kirby ’10, Of Counsel, Cavitch Familo & Durkin, was sworn in as the 2023-24 CSULAA President.
I am often asked why our alumni have such a strong connection to our law school and to each other that is found at so few other law schools.
The answer is that from the day a student is admitted to our law school, they are admitted to a place not only where we provide a quality, rigorous legal education but also where bonds of support and friendship are forged that last a lifetime. Hence, our motto, “We are your law school for life.”
There is no greater gift to a law school and no greater testament to the quality of its students, faculty, and staff, than a strong, loyal alumni network. I will be forever grateful for our supportive and engaged alumni, led by our dedicated Alumni Association and Board of Visitors, who pay it forward every day.
Have a great day. Have a great week.
My best,
Lee
Lee Fisher
Dean, Cleveland State University College of Law | Cleveland State University
Joseph C. Hostetler-BakerHostetler Chair in Law
For copies of past messages, please go to this link: Monday Morning Messages.