Reunion 2024: A Robust Celebration

Hundreds of Albany Law School alumni, students, faculty, staff, friends, and family members gathered on campus to celebrate Reunion 2024 from Sept. 19-22.

The weekend kicked off with a luncheon hosted by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Board of Trustees and leaders of student affinity groups called: Where We've Been & Where We're Going: Looking to the Future Together. 

Later that day, the community celebrated the Grand Honors Awards where five alumni and friends of the law school were honored for their career achievements and service to the community.

Video

Trustees’ Gold Medal
Professor Mary A. Lynch
The Kate Stoneman Chair in Law & Democracy at Albany Law School

Professor Mary A. Lynch is the Kate Stoneman Chair in Law and Democracy. 

A magna cum laude graduate of New York University and a cum laude graduate from Harvard Law School, she served as an assistant district attorney in New York County from 1985-1989. She joined the Albany Law School faculty in 1989 and for the past twenty years has directed the Domestic Violence Prosecution Hybrid Clinic. During her tenure at Albany Law, she taught and directed the Disabilities Law Clinic, the Field Placement Clinic and the Post-Conviction Remedies Clinic. In 1997, while serving as director of Albany Law’s Domestic Violence Law Project, she and seven Albany Law School students won a groundbreaking clemency case for an incarcerated battered woman who killed her abuser. The range of courses she has taught includes Criminal Procedure Adjudication, Disabilities Law Seminar, Domestic Violence Law Seminar, Pre-Trial and Trial Practice Courses (civil and criminal), and Litigation Planning and Skills.  Her scholarship has focused on multicultural awareness in legal education and law practice, gender bias, violence against women and legal education reform. From 2001 to 2009, Professor Lynch directed or co-directed the Albany Law Clinic & Justice Center. Albany Law School has honored her with the Excellence in Teaching Award (2014) and the Kate Stoneman Special Recognition Award for contributions to the advancement of women in the legal profession (2014). Professor Lynch has played a leadership role in the movement to modernize legal education. From 2007 to 2020, she served as the Editor and frequent contributor of the award-winning Best Practices for Legal Education Blog and from 2009 to 2020 as the Director of the Center for Excellence in Law Teaching (CELT) at Albany Law School.
 

Dan Grossman ’78, Chair of the Albany Law School Board of Trustees, introduced Professor Lynch.

“What makes Professor Lynch truly exceptional is not just her deep knowledge connections and expertise. But the personal connections she builds with our students and alumni. Mary doesn't just go one step further to maintain those connections. She goes 10 steps more. She has attended countless alumni weddings, sent congratulatory gifts, and remained in touch with so many graduates,” he said. “Many of whom she gets to see honored for their hard work nearly 30 years later. Her relationships with our alumni are not surface level. They are deeply connected, and she is a resource and friend to so many long after they've left Albany Law School… Professor Mary Lynch is our Kate Stoneman of this generation. Just as Kate Stoneman became the 1st woman admitted to practice law in New York, after overcoming tremendous odds, paving the way for thousands of women who followed Mary Lynch has dedicated her life to fighting for justice and equality, empowering future generations of lawyers, especially women and people of color. She is Albany Law's very own trailblazer. Mary has always been at the forefront of modernizing legal education, her scholarship, her work in advancing justice, and her mentorship of countless students have left an indelible mark on this institution.”

Upon receiving the award, Lynch said:

“If you had told me 35 years ago, when I first came to Albany Law School, that a female professor who spent most of her career teaching clinical courses and gender based violence courses who prioritized the personal and professional development of her students who advocated for legal ed reform, and you know, told that everyone that the bar was wrong, and all of these other things would actually receive the highest accolade. I would have laughed and said with admittedly, a bit of Bronx snark ‘dream on, baby, dream on.’ But we did dream we dreamed together, and we acted, and we progressed,” she said. 

“Knowing, teaching, and working with Albany law students and alums has been the ultimate joy of my professional life. You've let me into your lives. You've shared me, your precious hopes, your daring dreams, your fears, your worst days, the deaths, the breakups, the promotions, your legal victories and your attempts to make the world a better place. You lured me onto social media. You updated me on the latest music so I can appear a smidgen less nerdy to my children and extended families, nieces and nephews. I've enjoyed every moment learning about you and your families.”

Distinguished Alumni Award
Jack Withiam Jr. ’74
Senior Vice President and General Counsel with George Little Management (retired)

Withiam was senior vice president and general counsel at George Little Management until his retirement in 2011.  He had general responsibility for GLM’s Legal, Finance, MIS and Human Resources departments.

Withiam received several trade show industry awards of distinction during his career and authored a legal manual for those in the meetings and events industry.  He serves as a director emeritus of New York City Tourism  & Conventions, the official New York City marketing, tourism and partnership organization. He is also a Life Trustee at Hamilton College, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree. 

He has served as a member of the Albany Law School Board of Trustees since 2013. His efforts and enthusiasm were instrumental in the success of Albany Law School’s historic $33 million We Rise Together fundraising campaign—the most successful in the school’s history. Withiam played an integral role in connecting alumni and philanthropic supporters with the law school. Through his generosity and leadership, he hosted numerous dinners and receptions at the Union League Club, creating opportunities for engagement that helped strengthen the school’s network of alumni and supporters.
 

In, 2018 Withiam and his wife, Linda, established The Lynda and Jack Withiam Jr. ’74 Scholarship, which is awarded annually to a first, second, or third-year student in good academic standing. Withiam said, at the time of the scholarship’s establishment, “My involvement is because of the students, and getting to know them is what makes it all worthwhile,” he said. “To hear stories from scholarship recipients who in high school had no hope of going to college, but were great students and had drive, and then had this opportunity opened up to them through a scholarship—it makes the giving so worthwhile.”
“Jack's unwavering support, exceptional leadership and dedication to the betterment of Albany Law School and its students exemplify the spirit of the distinguished alumni award. We are honored to celebrate his achievements and contributions, and to recognize him as a paragon of excellence and generosity. Jack, you are remarkable in your lifelong dedication to us, to our students and to our school,” Wolf said.

Though Withiam could not attend in person, he sent the following remarks: 
“Throughout my career, 1st in finance and then business, I fell back on the lessons I learned here to make sound, and I hope proper decisions. For years after graduation I was not connected to our law school. Perhaps some of you have had the same experience. However, several years ago a Development officer called and asked to meet with me. I've now been a member of the Board for several years, and have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my involvement. I mentioned this to encourage those of you here to become engaged with Albany law, or, if you are already to become more engaged,” he said.  “Yes, the strength of the Law school is its superb students, professors, and administration. Nonetheless, the success of this institution requires the support it receives from its alumni, whether through service or dollars. So, along with my saying, thanks to the Alumni Association for this award, let me also thank all of you. Let me also ask all of you to be involved with this wonderful institution of legal education, Albany Law depends on you and all.”

Donald D. DeAngelis '60 Excellence in Alumni Service Award
Earl T. Redding ’03
Partner with Roemer Wallens Gold & Mineaux, LLP

Redding is a partner with Roemer Wallens Gold & Mineaux LLP.  He began his employment there in 2007 and became an equity partner in 2013.  Practicing extensively in the field of management side labor and employment law, Earl provides guidance and counsel to many municipalities throughout the state and also litigates in trial courts throughout the State having prevailed in appellate arguments before the Appellate Division and the Court of Appeals throughout his career.  Prior to entering private practice, he was an Assistant District Attorney in St. Lawrence County and a New York Assistant Attorney General in the Division of State Counsel. He is a 2000 graduate of Gettysburg College and a 2003 graduate of the Law School. He was named to the Albany Business Review's ‘40 Under 40’ in 2016.

He has served Albany Law School in a number of ways since his time as a student, they include: President, National Alumni Association - 2018-2019, Member, Albany Law School Board of Trustees - 2016-2019, Member, National Alumni Association - 2010-2019, Member, Albany Law School Government Law Center Advisory Board - 2018-2019. He currently remains engaged through the Albany Law School Alumni Initiative in Mentoring program.
While he was a student, he served as Managing Editor for Production, Albany Law School Journal of Science and Technology – Vol. 13 and as a member of the Albany Law School Journal of Science and Technology – Vol. 12.
 

When he’s not working, Redding can be spotted working and watching his two children Jack and Lulu at ice rinks and lacrosse fields throughout the Northeast on an almost yearly basis.
Introduced by National Alumni Association Ben Wolf '04, they said
“Earl's unwavering commitment to Albany Law School and our alumni community has been truly exemplary. His remarkable journey began at Albany Law School, where he earned his JD. And became deeply involved in the fabric of our institution from his role as managing editor for production of the Albany Law School Journal of Science and Technology to his active participation in the Albany Law School Alumni Mentoring Group and the Government Law Center Advisory Board. Earl's impact has been far reaching and profound. Professionally, Earl has built an impressive career, practicing extensively in the field of management, side labor, and employment law. Earl provides guidance and counsel to many municipalities throughout the State, and litigates in trial courts throughout the State having prevailed in appellate arguments before the Appellate Division and the Court of Appeals.” 

Upon receiving the award, Redding said: 

“I am truly blessed and humbled by this recognition. I don't deserve it. I don't believe that I deserve it. I believe that I provide service to the school just because it's the right thing to do. The school has given me so much. There are so many memories just being in this room and those memories are the foundation for which has become me as a lawyer, myself, as a friend, a colleague, and as a father. I believe that the Law School has given me so much and giving back is only the right thing to do,” he said. 

Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Brenda T. (Baddam) Osorio ’17
Assistant Attorney General at the Office of the New York State Attorney General

Osorio currently serves as an Assistant Attorney General at the Office of the New York State Attorney General, where she investigates patterns and practices of misconduct by Law Enforcement Personnel. Previously, she has worked in private practice at Barclay Damon LLP and as an Assistant District Attorney at the Albany County District Attorney's Office. 
She is also an active member of the Capital Region community, serving as a board member of the Capital District Latinos, Proctors and the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region.

She regularly gives back to Albany Law School by serving on alumni panels, attending networking events, and other mentorship activities. She was named the Emerging Professional honoree for the Capital Region Chamber’s 2024 Women of Excellence, a recipient of the Latin American Law Student Association’s Exceptional Young Attorney Award – 2024, and named to City & State’s “40 Under 40” in 2020. 

While she was a law student, she participated in the Anthony V. Cardona ’70 Moot Court Program, served as President of the Latin American Law Student Association, and served as of the Editor-in-Chief, Government Law Review – Vol. 10, and as subeditor of the Government Law Review – Vol. 9. 

While Osorio couldn’t attend in person—she was on a plane to Disney World for her daughter’s 15th birthday—she was honored in person by colleague and friend Bria Barnes-Coleman, Director of the Women’s Leadership Initiative & Community Engagement.
“Since I arrived in the Capital Region just over 2 years ago, Brenda has been an inspiration, an example, and a confidant to me, and I'm certain to many of you in the crowd. Brenda quickly became a familiar face at school events as students reached out to her often for panels, for mentoring events, and even for dinners. The more events I attended as a new member of the community, the more I saw Brenda” she said. “Time after time Brenda would say to the students and to the staff of the Dei office, the career center, the alumni engagement team, ‘How can I help? And what do you need?’ with a smile on her face and an earnest invitation to help.”

Remarks written by Osorio were read to the crowd, however.

“In 2014. I relocated from Miami, Florida, to Albany, New York, leaving the comfort of my family and hometown. It was because of the kindness of individuals like former Dean Nadia Castrata in the Admissions Office that I was able to buy winter boots and make it through my 1st winter when I began the internship search members of the career center, particularly Joanne Casey, supported me beyond imagination, even meeting my grandparents and getting to know me personally, to find the right career fit. As I transitioned to mentorship as an alumna, individuals such as Ava Ayers and Bria Barnes Coleman became instrumental in matching me with mentees I could help, as a graduate, a woman, and a former prosecutor. Individuals such as Mary Lynch and Melissa Breger both supported my endeavors always without hesitation. While Albany Law school is known for its great government programs and its strong presence in the Capital Region, it is the warmth that students receive from the staff, professors, and alumni that truly make this place special. I would not be able to do the work that I do without all of you, sincerely and humbly thank you.”

Humanitarian Achievement Award
Milinda J. Reed ’99
COO at Unity House Troy

Reed is the Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel with Unity House of Troy. Reed joined Unity House as an attorney in 2000. She developed and implemented a legal services program for victims of domestic violence. 

The Unity House Law Project has expanded offering legal services to any eligible Rensselaer County resident who seeks legal relief. The Unity House Law Project provides free legal consultation and representation to victims of domestic  violence and others who need legal help. The program offers counsel and free legal representation in civil legal matters including, divorce, custody, visitation, and child support. The staff can also assist with victims services, accompaniment and advocacy. 

After leading Unity House’s Domestic Violence Services Program, Reed oversaw Human Resources and serves as the agency’s general counsel. In 2022, Reed took on the role of Chief Operating Officer, working with the leadership team to oversee Unity House’s vast array of programming. In addition to her leadership, she continues to oversee the Unity House Law Project.

Jaya Connors, recently retired Professor of Law and Director of the Field Placement program, introduced Reed.

“She was in my family violence, clinic, or project, as it was called then and her work was exceptional. She was diligent, tireless, going the extra mile for the vulnerable clients. She represented clients who were survivors of intimate partner violence, and I don't know if many of you know this. But during this time, but during law school Melinda was also single, parenting her then very young child and home schooling her and she did this all so effortlessly brilliant. Melinda, I don't know how you did it,” Connors said.  “In addition to her professional accomplishments, Melinda remains actively engaged in her community, whether it's participating in fundraisers like paws in the park, and Liza's run for help or spending time with her cherished grandchildren. Melinda's personal commitment to making a difference is evident in all facets of her life. Melinda's impact is profound and far-reaching, demonstrating a deep commitment to bettering lives and fighting injustice. Her tireless work has not only provided immediate relief, but has also fostered long-term change, empowering individuals to move from crisis to safety and independence. Her contributions exemplify the highest ideals of service.”

Upon accepting her award, Reed said: 

“I came to law school with the sole focus of working with victims of domestic violence and specifically embedding myself as a lawyer into a domestic violence program with a shelter. Some said that would never happen. It was crazy. Nobody would ever do that. There was no money to pay for it. It wouldn't work. Well, it worked. And Jaya actually is the one that connected me. She believed me in my dream, and she connected me to Unity House and convinced the director of the Domestic Violence program there to hire me and the rest is history. It was an amazing connection from law school all the way to Unity House,” she said. “24 years later. The law project is an integral part of the domestic violence services, and we've since been able to expand. So we can serve low income residents of Rensselaer County, who need other types of things beyond domestic violence help. While I'm really proud to have started the Unity House Law Project. It's really thanks to the really hard work of dedicated attorneys and paralegals over the years that it remains an essential and vital service at our program, and they keep my dream alive every day.”

The following afternoon alumni and friends gathered in several placed throughout campus including the Albany Law Review Open House, a Moot Court Alumni & Student Reception, and the "Ms. Demeanors" Women's Rugby Football Club Legacy Case Unveiling.

President and Dean Cinnamon P. Carlarne also delivered her second State of the School Address. 

Video:

The evening concluded with a Reunion Welcome Reception of mingling and toasting in the courtyard for alumni, students, staff, and faculty to enjoy.

Saturday started with a new addition, the Colby FUNd Run for food insecurity. Participants ran or walked a route around campus to raise money and awareness for food insecurity and partial proceeds benefitted the Albany Law Food Pantry. 
FUNd Run Later that morning was the return of the traditional rugby games between students and alumni. 
In the 1928 Building, members of the Class of 1974 were welcomed as the newest Senior Partners of Albany Law School with a breakfast celebration.
The Women’s Leadership Initiative also held a Meet and Greet Breakfast with the Fellows, where current and past fellows shared how the WLI has impacted them. Meanwhile, off campus, several community members enjoyed a walking tour of downtown Albany called Politics and Prohibition Walking Tour of Downtown Albany. 
Then it was back to campus for the annual Reunion picnic! Food, games, and revelry were complimented by the beautiful early fall weather. Alumni took over as tour guides and showed the students their favorite spots on campus and shared memories, in a fun twist for current students.  

Reunion weekend wrapped up with concurrent celebration dinners. The Class of 1974 gathered at Schuyler Meadows Country Club to honor their 50th Reunion year. Alumni and friends from all other classes celebrated at 677 Prime in Albany.