CSU|LAW 2023 Hall of Fame Program book by CSU Cleveland-Marshall College of Law

CSU

Hall of Fame.

Induction Celebration

Friday, November 3, 2023 CSU College of Law

2023 HONOREES: Ann Aber, Class of 2003 Tony Asher, Class of 1963 Steve Auvil, Class of 1993 Joyce E. Barrett, Class of 1971 Kay E. Benjamin Terry Billups, Class of 2005 David P. Burke, Class of 1980 Hon. Patrick Carroll, Class of 1977 John S. Cipolla, Class of 1989 Hon. John J. Donnelly, Class of 1969 Arthur Elk, Class of 1973 Prof. Joel Jay Finer* Gus Frangos, Class of 1982 Tom Green, Class of 2002

Hon. Lindsay Jenkins, Class of 2002 Hon. Diane J. Karpinski, Class of 1980* Erica Lazzaro, Class of 2004 Jennifer Mountcastle, Class of 2000 Hon. Clifton Newman, Class of 1976 Susan Petersen, Class of 1997 William T. Plesec, Class of 1971 Renee Tramble Richard, Class of 1988 Hon. Michael J. Ryan, Class of 1996 James Sammon, Class of 1994 CSU President Emeritus Michael Schwartz Maria Spangler, Class of 2006 * Deceased

2023 Leader on the Rise Award Recipient: Delanté Spencer Thomas, Class of 2016

Dean’s Message We have a long, proud history dating back to 1897. This evening we celebrate our iconic past and invest in our exciting future. Our Hall of Fame is an outgrowth of our covenant with our students, faculty, staff, graduates, and community to hold true to Our Promise: Learn Law. Live Justice. We Are Your Law School for Life. Every day we educate and train the future custodians of civility, defenders of democracy, and guardians of justice. It’s a sacred trust that we take very seriously. The story of Cleveland State University College of Law is an iconic story of justice, equality, and opportunity. We were the first law school in Ohio to admit women and one of the first in the nation to admit people of color. It was our graduates who laid the foundation for the Cleveland legal profession and who led the fight for civil rights in Northeast Ohio. We are the “brain-gain” law school – the most reliable legal talent pipeline for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, where most of our graduates live, work, and thrive. Our graduates are everywhere – in the public, private, nonprofit, and academic sectors – many at the highest levels. Our mission never has been more vital; our need for support never has been more important. The Hall of Fame Celebration gives us the opportunity not only to honor our distinguished inductees, but also to raise funds for student scholarships and other critical student-focused needs.

Many law schools can make you a great lawyer, but here we also strive to make you a great leader. Our mission is to graduate students who are not only successful professionals, but also leaders, change makers, and advocates of justice…and maybe someday, a legend in our Hall of Fame. Thank you for your support.

Dean Lee Fisher

Cleveland State University College of Law Joseph C. Hostetler-BakerHostetler Chair in Law

How Honorees are Selected Who is eligible for the CSU|LAW Hall of Fame? The Hall of Fame honors individuals who have contributed to the past, present, and/or future success and reputation of CSU|LAW. The inductees may include living and deceased alumni and community leaders, and living and deceased former faculty, deans, and staff. For an alumnus to be inducted, they must have graduated from CSU|LAW at least 15 years or more from the year of the Hall of Fame event. Each year, we induct no more than one person in the following three categories: former dean, former faculty member, and former staff member.

Must an honoree be a CSU|LAW graduate? No. While the vast majority of our honorees are current and past alumni, we also honor current and past community leaders and past faculty, deans, and staff. Current full-time faculty and staff are not eligible.

________ deserves to be in the CSU|LAW Hall of Fame. Why wasn’t _________ chosen? It is very important to note that many prominent individuals who clearly are worthy of inclusion were not named this year. The HOF Selection Committee tried to reach a consensus on each nominee, and, as a result, no Committee member had all their first choices selected. We are very fortunate that there is no shortage of worthy individuals, and we look forward to inducting many other extraordinary people next year and in future years.

Who made the selections? Each year, the Dean appoints individuals to serve on the HOF Selection Committee consisting of Hall of Fame members, faculty, and current and past staff. To protect them from any possible pre-selection lobbying and post-selection questions and/or concerns, the list of Committee members is confidential. New Committee members will be selected each year.

What were the specific selection criteria? While the selection process is admittedly subjective, there are general selection criteria. The criteria include, but are not limited to, the following: • • •

Individual’s historic significance to the law school and/or the community Individual’s professional success and reputation Individual’s support of the law school (through time, talent, and/or “treasure”)

The Committee tried to choose, when possible, honorees who fit at least two, and preferably all three criteria.

Who is eligible for the Leader on the Rise Award? The Leader on the Rise Award is given at the annual Hall of Fame celebration to a recent CSU||LAW graduate who has demonstrated extraordinary community leadership and who has given back to our law school with their time, talent, and/or treasure. To be eligible, the alumnus must have graduated from CSU|LAW less than 15 years from the year of the Hall of Fame event. Although the award is given at the Hall of Fame celebration, the Leader on the Rise is not a member of the Hall of Fame, but is eligible for induction once 15 years has passed since their graduation. 3

CSU

Hall of Fame.

Our Sponsors Thank you to the following generous sponsors for your support of the Cleveland State University College of Law Hall of Fame and our students! All proceeds will be used to support student scholarships and other critically important student-focused needs.

Dean’s Circle • David Burke ’80, Inductee, HOF

• Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association • CSU Law Alumni Association

• Nancy Berardinelli-Krantz ’02, Member, HOF

• Timothy T. Cosgrove ’87, Member, HOF

• Brennan, Manna & Diamond

• Tucker Ellis, LLP

• The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio

• Cuyahoga Community College

Attorney General

• Elk & Elk Co., LPA

• Cuyahoga Land Bank

• The Frangos Group

• Eaton

• Edward Haggins ’66

• First Energy

• Hahn Loeser

• Gus Frangos ’82, Inductee, HOF

• Huntington Bank

• Frantz Ward, LLP

• JOANN

• Friedman & Nemecek, LLC

• Latham & Watkins

• Jackson Lewis

• McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA

• Jenne, Inc.

• McDonald Hopkins, LLC

• OverDrive, Inc.

• Park-Ohio Industries, Inc.

• Porter Wright

• Petersen & Petersen

• Reminger Co., LPA

• Richard W. Pogue, Member, HOF

• Roetzel Andress

• Calfee, Halter & Griswold, LLP

• Laura and Stephen G. Sozio ’83, Member, HOF

• RPM International, Inc.

• Carlton Fields

• Squire Patton Boggs (US), LLP

• William T. Plesec ’71, Inductee, HOF • Team Weston • Thompson Hine, LLP

• Flannery | Georgalis • Sarah Flannery ’02, Member, HOF • Jones Day • Kent State University • Steven W. Percy ’79, Member, HOF • CSU President Emeritus Michael Schwartz, Inductee, HOF • P. Kelly Tompkins ’81, Member, HOF • Donna Zapis Thomas ’87, Member, HOF

Managing Partner

• Robert Vilsack ’87 4

Partner

• CSU Alumni Association

• Kastner Westman & Wilkins, LLC

• Senator Ronnie Sabb (South Carolina)

• Sabb Law

• Brenden Patrick Kelley ’15

• William Baumann

• Schneider Smeltz Spieth Bell, LLP

• Lisa Kunkle

• Taft

• Dennis R. Lansdowne ’81, Member, HOF

• Professor Susan Becker ’83, Member, HOF

• Thrasher, Dinsmore & Dolan • Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA

Scholarship Circle

• Leonard Green & Partners

• Hon. Anthony Brancatelli

• Littler

• Kimberly Kendall Corral ’12, 2021 Leader on the Rise

• James Lowe ’72, Member, HOF • Ohio Association of Justice

• Benesch

• Ohio Land Bank Association

• Sheryl King Benford ’79, Member, HOF

• Perez Morris

• Terry Billups ’05, Inductee, HOF • Burns White • The Cleveland Foundation • Cleveland Housing Network

• Kay E. Benjamin, PhD, Inductee, HOF

• Steven Potash ’78, Member, HOF • Renner Otto • Sammon & Bolmeyer Co., LPA • Sherwin-Williams

• Gross Schechter Day School • The Houck Agency • Marjorie and Bert Moyar • Colleen O’Neil ’96, Member, HOF • Ozanne Construction • Charlotte Perkins • Rea & Associates • Hon. James Rokakis ’83

• Cleveland NAACP

• Space Real Estate Design & Development, LLC

• Cuyahoga County Public Library

• St. Edward High School

• George and Crystal Thomas

• Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority

• Ulmer & Berne, LLP

• Dean Frederic P. White, Jr., Member, HOF

• Esperanza, Inc. • Judge Nancy A. Fuerst’88, Member HOF, and Dr. John F. Burke, Jr. • Thomas Gorman ’73, Member, HOF • Jordan Community Resource Center • Kalish Law Firm

• Weston Hurd, LLP • Margaret W. Wong & Associates, LLC • WXZ Development

• Carter E. Strang ’84, Member, HOF

• F. Scott Wilson ’81, Member, HOF • Robin Wilson ’96 • Margaret Wong, Member, HOF

Friend Circle • Konstantino Almiroudis ’12

To donate, visit csulaw.org/give • Sponsors listed as of 10/19/23 5

CSU

Hall of Fame.

2023 Honorees The following inductees all graduated from and/or made significant contributions to the esteemed reputation of Cleveland State University College of Law.

Ann Aber, Class of 2003

Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer & Secretary, JOANN Stores

Ann Aber has been practicing law since 2003, and is currently the Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, & Secretary for JOANN Stores (NASDAQ: JOAN). JOANN is the nation’s category leader in sewing, fabrics, and is one of the fastest growing competitors in the arts and crafts industry. At JOANN, Ann oversees the legal, trade compliance, risk management, and ESG functions. Prior to JOANN, Ann was General Counsel at a privately held specialty food manufacturer and before that was Counsel for Eaton Corporation. Ann also practiced law in private practice at Jones Day’s Private Equity Practice Group. Ann is very active in community organizations. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, the National Advisory Council for On Our Sleeves, and CSU|LAW’s Board of Visitors. Ann attended John Carroll University (BA, Political Science, 1999) and Cleveland State University College of Law (JD, summa cum laude, 2003). Ann is a life-long Northeast Ohioan, and currently resides in Lakewood with her husband and three children.

Tony Asher, Class of 1963

Founder, Weston, Inc.

Anthony J. Asher is a first generation Lebanese American. He graduated from St. Edward High School and attended The University of Dayton. Later he graduated from Cleveland State University’s College of Law and was admitted to the Ohio Bar in October 1963. Tony began his career working at a title agency while attending law school. Shortly before graduation, with his father he launched the Guardian Title and Guarantee Agency Inc., which grew to be one of the largest title agencies in Greater Cleveland. Subsequently in 1972, he started Weston, Inc., an industrial real estate ownership firm that is now one of the largest privately held industrial property owners in an eight-state area. Tony has gifted the Weston Ideation Lab to Cleveland State University, co-founded the Asher Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the Holy Spirit University in Kaslik, Lebanon, and endowed a chair in family medicine and global health at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio. He was approved as an Honorary Consul of Lebanon for the Greater Cleveland area where an official Cleveland office was established. He was also knighted by the Catholic church in the order of St. Gregory in 2001.

Steve Auvil, Class of 1993

Office Managing Partner, Cleveland, Squire Patton Boggs

Steven M. Auvil has been the Managing Partner of Squire Patton Boggs’ Cleveland office since 2021. He previously served as leader of the firm’s Intellectual Property (IP) Litigation Practice for nearly a decade. His practice focuses primarily on IP disputes. He was an engineer before he became a patent lawyer. He obtained his JD (summa cum laude) from CSU|LAW and later graduated with an LLM from NYU Law before beginning his legal career at Jones Day in Cleveland. He is the inaugural and current President of The Kathleen M. O’Malley American Inn of Court, and previously served as President of the Cleveland Intellectual Property Law Association. Since 2007, Steve has been listed in Chambers USA Leading Lawyers and, in 2006, The Best Lawyers in America. He is a volunteer board member of the American Red Cross Northern Ohio Chapter and the Playhouse Square Foundation. He regularly mentors CSU|LAW students interested in IP law, and under two former deans, previously served on the adjunct faculty at CSU|LAW and on CSU|LAW’s Board of Visitors.

Joyce E. Barrett, Class of 1971

Former Adjunct Professor, CSU College of Law

Joyce Barrett realized she wanted to be an attorney while working as a Legal Secretary after college. She applied to the CSU College of Law and received a full scholarship, graduating in 1971. Joyce became a very successful attorney in private practice, specializing in family law. She worked on several Ohio Supreme Court cases that set new precedents in family and marriage law. She chaired and served on numerous professional committees in the field of family law, including the Ohio Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Child Support Enforcement. She served as an Adjunct Professor at CSU|LAW and authored “Mastering the Complexities of Family Law” in 1991. In 2022, Joyce and her husband John Krebs established the Joyce E. Barrett ‘71 Endowed Scholarship in order to provide future students with the life-changing opportunity that Joyce had at CSU|LAW.

Kay E. Benjamin

Former Records Officer, CSU College of Law Kay Benjamin graduated from Howard University and earned an MEd and PhD from Cleveland State University. Before joining Cleveland State University College of Law in 1978, she was a first grade teacher for the CH-UH Schools, but returned to Washington, DC to be a Staff Assistant in the U.S. House of Representatives during the Nixon Impeachment Hearings. Her first position with the law school was Administrative Assistant to the Legal Clinic and in 1980, she became the Records Officer. Her responsibilities included maintaining student files and transcripts, grades, certifying bar applicants, facilitating Ethics and Professional Responsibility seminars, and providing stats to deans, faculty, staff, student groups, and University administrators. She restructured the testing and grading process by implementing the use of exam numbers to ensure the anonymity of students. She worked closely with the University Registrar and maintained an excellent working relationship with the Bar Admissions staff at the Supreme Court of Ohio. She was a member of the CSU Black Faculty and Staff Organization. She created and directed The Cleveland State University College of Law ARTS Players, a troop of administrative staff and others who performed comedy skits and song parodies during retirement celebrations for faculty and staff. Her office was always a welcoming place for students as they navigated their law school careers. In 2001, coming full circle, she joined the Teacher Education faculty of CSU’s College of Education and Human Services. She retired in 2007, but continued as adjunct faculty until 2017. She is very proud that her son, Ryan, is a 2001 Cleveland State University College of Law graduate.

Terry Billups, Class of 2005

Chief General Counsel, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Terry M. Billups serves as Chief General Counsel of the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA). As Chief General Counsel, he serves as a visionary member of the Executive Leadership Team and provides strategic counsel and leadership on legal, business, and operational matters to advance the Authority’s mission and strategy. Before joining CMHA, Terry was the founder and principal owner of Billups Law, LLC, where he provided a full range of legal services focusing primarily on labor and employment, school law matters (K-12 & higher ed), and workplace investigations. Prior to starting his own legal practice, Terry served as the Chief General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Ursuline College. Prior to attending law school, Terry played professional football in the National Football League (NFL) for the New England Patriots, the Miami Dolphins, and the Dallas Cowboys. He also played in the inaugural season of the XFL for the World Champion Los Angeles Xtreme. Terry serves on several non-profit Boards and Committees, including the Ginn Academy of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and the CSU Law Alumni Association. He was also a key member of the CSU Law School Name Committee, where he was instrumental in advocating that the law school change its name.

David P. Burke, Class of 1980

Shareholder, Carlton Fields, P.A.; General Counsel, Amalie Oil Company

David Burke received his Master of Laws in taxation in 1982, from New York University and Chaired the Carlton Fields Tax Practice for over 25 years. He is the General Counsel of Amalie Oil Company and a member of the CSU College of Law Board of Visitors. David’s practice has been in federal and state taxation planning and controversy before the IRS and state taxing authorities. He has represented many of the Fortune 100 professional sports teams and professional athletes in tax planning and controversies, saving clients over $100 million in taxes. He was board certified in taxation by the Florida Bar from 1987 through 2022, and was a member of the Florida Bar Tax Certification Committee. David served for decades in the Tax Section of the Florida Bar, as a Director of the State and Local Tax Committee, and as an Executive Director of the Tax Section. He also served as the Shareholder and Chair of Tax Practice (1994 – 2017) in Carlton Fields, PA. David has spoken and written on state and federal tax topics for the Tax Section and the NYU Annual Federal Tax Program. David has been inducted into the Hall of Fame in taxation for Florida Trend’s Legal Elite. One of his co-authored articles was cited by the Florida Supreme Court.

Judge Patrick Carroll, Class of 1977 Retired Judge, Lakewood Municipal Court

Patrick Carroll served as Judge of the Lakewood Municipal Court for almost 32 years and is currently serving by assignment by the Ohio Supreme Court. Prior to taking the bench, from 1979 to 1984 Judge Carroll served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for the Cuyahoga County Civil Division and in private practice until 1990. Judge Carroll served as a Law Clerk for Hon. John V. Corrigan at the Eighth District Court of Appeals. From 1981 to 1990, Judge Carroll was an Adjunct Faculty Member for CSU College of Law. He received his JD from Cleveland State College of Law, serving as the Research Editor for the Cleveland State Law Review. He has written several reported decisions and legal articles, most recently, The Inequity of Third Part Bail Practices, 53 Loyola Univ. Chicago Law Journal, 153 (2022). Judge Carroll is Co-Chair of the Editorial Board for the Ohio Jury Instructions Committee for the Ohio Judicial Conference, the Education Chair for the Association of Municipal/County Court Judges of Ohio, a past Member of the Supreme Court of Ohio Continuing Legal Education Commission, and a member of the Judicial College’s and Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association’s Board of Trustees. Judge Carroll is a life member of the Eighth District Judicial Conference, a two-time recipient of the President’s Award from the Association of Municipal/County Judges of Ohio, a winner of the Bronze Key Award from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, and a faculty member for the Judicial College.

John S. Cipolla, Class of 1989

Firm Vice Chair, Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP

John S. Cipolla, Vice Chair of Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP, has 38 years of experience in patent and trademark law, on behalf of plaintiffs and defendants in the areas of patents, copyrights, trade secrets, product configuration, and trademarks John has successfully resolved a diverse range of federal and state litigation claims and disputes before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. John is both recognized as a “Leading Lawyer” in Intellectual Property (Ohio, Band 1) by Chambers USA and by The Best Lawyers in America© in Litigation – Intellectual Property and Patent Law. Having served on Calfee’s Management Committee since 2010, John was elected Vice Chair of the firm in 2021. He served as Chair of the Intellectual Property practice group for over 15 years. The IP Practice Group more than doubled in size during John’s leadership into over 45 IP professionals covering all areas of IP practice. John serves as Chair of CSU|LAW’s IP Advisory Council, is Board President of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Greater Cleveland, and he is a member of the Cleveland Intellectual Property Law Association (CIPLA). John earned his JD, cum laude, from CSU|LAW and his BS in Electronic Technology, cum laude, from Bowling Green State University.

Judge John J. Donnelly, Class of 1969

Former Judge, Cuyahoga County Probate Court

Judge John J. Donnelly served as the Presiding Judge of the Cuyahoga County Probate Court from 1991 until his retirement in 2008. Judge Donnelly began his career in Cleveland’s historic old courthouse and worked from the bottom to the top position in the probate court. He worked as part of the court’s janitorial staff in college and then he was hired as a desk clerk during the day while attending evening classes at Cleveland State University College of Law. Upon graduation he was hired as Court Administrator and Chief Trial Referee. Judge Donnelly was elected Associate Judge in 1980—serving alongside his judicial mentor, the Honorable Francis J. Talty—and was eventually elevated to Presiding Judge. Donnelly’s skills as a jurist earned the confidence of the Ohio Supreme Court, which chose him to preside over all the civil litigation regarding the Home State Savings and Loan failure—litigation that involved a multitude of milliondollar claims. During his career, Judge Donnelly served as President of the Ohio Probate Judges Association and Chairman of the Ohio Judicial Conference. He received numerous awards for superior judicial service from the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association as well as the Distinguished Alumni Award from Cleveland State University College of Law in 1986. Upon his retirement, the Cuyahoga County Metroparks named the John J. Donnelly Nature Center in his honor for his exemplary leadership in appointing the governing board for so many years.

Arthur Elk, Class of 1973 Elk + Elk, Managing Partner

For nearly five decades, Arthur Elk – Managing Partner at Elk + Elk – has been passionate about protecting the rights of injury victims as an Ohio personal injury lawyer, representing medical malpractice and wrongful death victims. His impressive career in law began two years out of law school when he was elected Ashland, Ohio’s County Prosecuting Attorney for two successive four-year terms – making him the youngest prosecuting attorney in Ohio. When he decided to enter the private practice of law, Art found great satisfaction in providing injury victims with quality legal services in all major areas of injury law. When he’s not fighting for the rights of those who have suffered injuries, Art enjoys spending time with his wife, four children, and grandchildren – a reminder of why he is so passionate about protecting the rights of injury victims.

Professor Joel Jay Finer (deceased) Former CSU|LAW Faculty Member

Professor Joel Finer began his long and illustrious academic career at the University of Texas School of Law, where he headed the Federal Appellate Defender Program. His scholarly research on religious rights in the use of psychedelic drugs led him to aid in the appellate defense of Dr. Timothy Leary, the noted psychotherapist who studied hallucinogenic drugs like LSD and marijuana. Professor Finer then worked at a New York law firm, was a Visiting Professor at Stanford University, and was a member of the faculty at University of Arizona College of Law for 10 years. Professor Finer began his tenure with Cleveland State University College of Law in 1980, and retired in 2008. He was well known for his love of learning, teaching, and he often told his students: “Everything is open to question; challenge me, challenge the judges, challenge yourself, but remember to do what’s right and to love what you’re doing.” The Cleveland State University College of Law Professor Joel J. Finer Award is given annually to the law school’s top Criminal Procedure students. As a tribute to Professor Finer’s teaching, scholarship, and impact on the lives of his students, the Joel J. Finer Award was created more than 15 years ago by his former student, Carter Strang ’84, a retired partner at the Cleveland firm Tucker Ellis. To date, over 60 CSU|LAW students have received the award.

Gus Frangos, Class of 1982

President and General Counsel, Cuyahoga Land Bank

Gus Frangos graduated with honors from CSU College of Law in 1982. He served as an Associate Attorney at the firm of Ulmer and Berne starting in 1982, until elected to Cleveland City Council in 1986 where he represented Cleveland’s Ward 13. In 1993, he was appointed a Magistrate in the Cleveland Municipal Court and served until 1997. Thereafter, he continued his private practice to the present date. Gus crafted state legislation in 2005, beginning with HB 294, that streamlined and reformed tax foreclosure of vacant and abandoned properties. He later crafted legislation in 2009, creating County Land Banks. There are now 65 Ohio County Land Banks as a result of Gus’ legislative work and he has served as the Cuyahoga Land Bank’s President since its inception in 2009. He is considered an expert in the field of land banking and his Ohio land banking legislation is considered to be a national model.

Tom Green, Class of 2002

Shareholder, Kastner Westman & Wilkins, LLC.

Tom Green is a Shareholder of Akron boutique labor and employment law firm Kastner Westman & Wilkins. An Ohio State Bar Association Certified Specialist in Labor and Employment Law, he represents a range of clients in comprehensive workplace law matters from locally owned small businesses to large, multi-state employers. Tom grew up in McDonald, a small, Northeast Ohio steel mill town and began his graduate career as a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier before pursuing a career in law as a non-traditional student. The first-generation lawyer (and college graduate) regularly gives back to his law school, where he met his wife, Manju Gupta (JD ’03, MBA ’03). Tom serves on the Board of Visitors, as a 1L Student Mentor, as a Dean’s Leadership Fellow Coach, and in other roles where he can make a positive impact on the career paths of law students and new lawyers. Outside of the law school, he’s served in multiple community leadership positions, including as the Chair of the Board of Directors at the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, an organization in which he has volunteered for many years.

Judge Lindsay Jenkins, Class of 2002

United States District Judge, Northern District of Illinois Lindsay C. Jenkins became a United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois in Chicago in February 2023. President Joseph R. Biden nominated Judge Jenkins to a seat on the bench in July 2022, and her nomination was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 14, 2023. Born and raised in Cleveland, Judge Jenkins graduated from Miami of Ohio with a BS in Business Administration and is a summa cum laude graduate of CSU College of Law. Judge Jenkins started her legal career in Cleveland, first as a law clerk to the Honorable Solomon Oliver, Jr. and later as an Associate at Jones Day in Cleveland. She moved to Chicago in 2006 and spent 15 years as a Federal Prosecutor within the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois. While a Federal Prosecutor, Judge Jenkins held a number of supervisory roles and by the end of her tenure, she was the Chief of the Criminal Division, supervising the work of approximately 150 prosecutors in nine criminal prosecution sections. Prior to taking the bench, she was a partner with the Law Firm Cooley, LLP in Chicago.

Judge Diane J. Karpinski, Class of 1980

(deceased) Former Judge, Eighth District Court of Appeals of Ohio Judge Diane J. Karpinski was devoted to CSU and CSU|LAW. She taught English courses at CSU before graduating from CSU|LAW, becoming an attorney and eventually being elected to the Eighth District Court of Appeals for Cuyahoga County. Prior to being elected as a Judge, she was an Assistant Attorney General in the office of the Ohio Attorney General from 1982-1995, which included the administration of Ohio Attorney General Lee Fisher (1991-1995). Judge Karpinski then went on to teach legal writing at CSU|LAW. In honor of her Polish heritage and interest in films, she also arranged for educators from Poland to come to CSU and offer courses in Polish film making and teach the Polish language.

Erica Lazzaro, Class of 2004

Executive Vice President of Publisher Services & General Counsel, OverDrive, Inc.

Erica Lazzaro joined OverDrive in 2003, and is the company’s Executive Vice President, Publisher Services & General Counsel. She oversees the Legal, Publisher Services, and Content Services teams. In her role she leads the teams working with OverDrive’s content suppliers, including the operational/sales relationships and the licensing of OverDrive’s products and services. Erica received a BS in Mass Communications from Miami University, in Oxford, Ohio, and graduated cum laude with a JD from CSU|LAW. She is admitted to practice law in Ohio and in front of the United States Supreme Court. Erica has been a member and officer of the Gross Schechter Day School Board of Trustees since 2013, and is currently serving as its President. She is also on the Boards of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland. She lives in Moreland Hills, Ohio, with her husband Anthony, a fellow CSU|LAW alum, and her son and daughter.

Jennifer Mountcastle, Class of 2000

Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel, and Corporate Insurance Director, The Huntington National Bank Jennifer Mountcastle currently is in-house counsel at Huntington Bank, where she manages litigation, corporate insurance, and legal operations out of its Columbus, Ohio headquarters. She previously practiced law from 2000-2015 at Thompson Hine in both Cleveland and Columbus, where she was a litigation partner, was active with the firm’s pro bono program, and chaired the firm’s Lawyer Personnel Committee that managed professional development and compensation for the firm’s non-partner lawyers. Jen was a member of the Leadership Columbus Class of 2013, and was recognized by Law360 in 2012 as one of five product liability “Rising Star” lawyers nationwide. Jen was a co-recipient of the Burton Award for Distinguished Legal Writing in 2008. She has been active on several non-profit boards in Cleveland and Columbus during her career and regularly volunteers with People In Need of Delaware County and with West Broad Elementary in Columbus. Jen is a founding Co-Chair of the litigation section of the Columbus chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel, has been an active mentor in the Ohio Supreme Court Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring Program, and is also active with the Huntington Legal Department’s Summer Internship Program. A summa cum laude graduate of CSU|LAW, Jen was Executive Editor of the Law Review and Vice Chair of the Moot Court team.

Judge Clifton Newman, Class of 1976 Judge, South Carolina Circuit Court

Judge Clifton Newman is a two-time Cleveland State alumnus. He has served as a South Carolina Circuit Court Judge for 23 years. Prior to returning to South Carolina where he practiced civil and criminal prosecution, his legal career began in Ohio where he formed Belcher and Newman, PA. He has presided over numerous high-profile civil and criminal cases including The State v. Michael Slager, a police shooting case; The State v. Nathaniel Rowland, the “Fake Uber” case; and most recently, The State v. Richard Alexander Murdaugh. He is a Business Court Judge and has served as Presiding Judge over a specialized docket of complex construction defect cases. He is a member of the SC Chief Justice’s Commission on the Profession, the SC Commission on Judicial Conduct, and the John Belton O’Neall Inn of Court. He is the past President of the American College of Business Court Judges and Co-Chair of the Judges Initiative Committee of the Business Law Section of the ABA. He has served as a Program Faculty Member of the National Judicial College and is an Adjunct Professor at the University of South Carolina School of Law.

Susan Petersen, Class of 1997

Partner, Petersen & Petersen

Susan Petersen’s career has always been based on telling people’s stories – first, as a broadcast journalist at several Ohio television news stations, and then as an esteemed civil trial lawyer in Ohio’s courtrooms. She worked in the trenches as a reporter at WEWS-TV5 in Cleveland while attending law school, developing a knack for digging deep to uncover the truth behind every story. It was these journalistic and investigative skills that launched a legal career in which she has always represented everyday people in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. Since starting her own law firm in 2004, she has recovered over $50 million in verdicts and settlements for her clients in courtrooms across Ohio. From the very beginning, Susan has been an advocate for women in law, writing and producing CSU|LAW’s 2000 Documentary “’Remember the Ladies’ – A Salute to Cleveland-Marshall College of Law’s First Female Graduates,” and working her way up the ranks to become President of the Ohio Women’s Bar Association in 2007. In 2008, Crain’s Cleveland Business selected her to its class of “Forty Under 40” – a salute to Northeast Ohio’s most influential people under the age of 40. Since then, she has continued to lead, serving for more than a decade on the boards of the Ohio Association for Justice, the Cleveland Academy of Trial Lawyers, the CSU|LAW Board of Visitors, and is now a member of its Executive Committee. Her trial skills have earned her numerous recognitions, including induction as a member of both the American Board of Trial Advocates in 2013, and the International Society of Barristers in London, England in 2019. During 2019, the International Barristers Society elected Susan to serve on its Foundation Board, and to its Board of Governors in 2022. Susan has been honored as an “Ohio Super Lawyer” by Law & Politics Magazine in every edition since 2013. She continues to tirelessly advocate for her clients and to pay it forward to the practice as a frequent lecturer on trial practice in Ohio.

William T. Plesec, Class of 1971 Partner (retired), Jones Day

William “Bill” T. Plesec, began his legal career in 1971 as a Trial Attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice. He held that position until 1976, when he joined Jones Day and became a Partner in 1981. He concluded his career at Jones Day in 2011, when he retired from the practice. Throughout his career, Bill’s practice was primarily centered on major case litigation and trials involving alleged violations of the antitrust, consumer protection, contract, export, intellectual property, product liability, RICO, and tax laws. Bill also had extensive experience in a wide variety of federal grand jury investigations and internal corporate investigations. He was licensed to practice in Ohio, the District of Columbia, and is admitted to practice before the U.S Supreme Court, several U.S., State, and District Courts. Bill is a past recipient of the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year Award and is a Life Member of the Alumni Association of the Law School. Over the years, he has donated his time and resources to a large number of civic and community organizations, provided pro bono legal services to those in need, mentored new lawyers and served on several non-profit boards, including the CSU|LAW Board of Visitors.

Renee Tramble Richard, Class of 1988

President/CEO, Corporate College, and Vice President, Legal Services & Risk Management, General Counsel, Cuyahoga Community College Renee Tramble Richard is the President & CEO of Corporate College and Vice President— Legal Services and Risk Management, and General Counsel at Cuyahoga Community College. Cuyahoga Community College is one of the nation’s largest community colleges, a 300-million-dollar enterprise, that serves over 40,000 students and 3,000 employees. In these roles, Renee is a member of executive leadership, serving in the President’s Cabinet and the President’s Council. She represents the College Board of Trustees at its Audit Committee, Investment Committee, Management Committee (procurement and compensation), and Executive Committee (governance) meetings. As the CEO of Corporate College, she leads the division responsible for corporate training and providing workforce training solutions. As the Chief Legal Officer of the College, the Internal Audit, Risk Management, Compliance, and Institutional Equity departments are four of her five reporting units. In her 25+ years working with capital markets, Ms. Richard led numerous financing teams in the issuance of billions in tax-exempt bonds, requiring compliance with IRS and SEC regulations. While employed by four of Cleveland’s largest corporate law firms, Renee worked across a broad spectrum of organizations and industry sectors, including banks, port authorities, healthcare organizations and housing finance agencies. She worked on complex transactions including letter of credit financings and layered real estate financings. Renee began her career as a bank examiner for the State of Ohio. She transitioned into the realm of public accounting by becoming a certified public accountant, advancing from Staff Auditor to Principal. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Kent State University, an MBA with a concentration in Management from Cleveland State University, and a JD from Cleveland State University College of Law. Renee completed Data-Driven Decision Making for Business Leaders at Harvard University Extension School and is a member of both the Deloitte Board Ready Women 2021 Cohort and the In Counsel with Corporate Women. Her Board portfolio includes Care Alliance Health Center, the YWCA of Cleveland, and AES Management Dba Louisiana Popeye’s Chicken.

Judge Michael J. Ryan, Class of 1996

Judge, Eighth District Court of Appeals for the State of Ohio

Judge Michael John Ryan is a 1989 graduate of Cleveland Heights High School. He is also a product of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD). Judge Ryan has been serving as a judicial officer for more than 20 years: four and half years as a Magistrate for Cleveland Municipal Court, seven years as an elected Judge for Cleveland Municipal Court, 10 years as an elected Judge for the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Juvenile Division, and now as a judge on Ohio’s Eighth District Court of Appeals. He graduated from Allegheny College in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and received his Juris Doctorate in 1996 from Cleveland State University College of Law. Judge Ryan has volunteered as a facilitator with Teen Domestic Violence Workshops, judge and coach for CMSD Mock Trial Competitions, instructor for the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association’s 3 R’s Programs, tutor and mentor for CMSD students, member of the Cleveland Foundation Scholarship Selection Committee, baseball and basketball youth coach, and countless other initiatives. Judge Ryan serves as a trustee with St. Edward High School, Step Forward, and was recently the chairman of Sisters of Charity Foundation. He has received several awards for his service and his professional contributions: Allegheny College Gold Citation, Omega Psi Phi Citizen and Civic Leader of the Year, National Association of Social Workers Elected Official of the Year, Cleveland State Alumni Association Resiliency Award Recipient, and more. Judge Ryan is married, has two children, is a Deacon and Trustee for the Pentecostal Church of Christ, and a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.

James Sammon, Class of 1994 Corporate Counsel, Jenne, Inc.

Jim Sammon comes from a proud CSU|LAW legacy family. His father Marty ‘61, brother Al ’84, Uncle Tom O’Malley ‘57, cousins Hon. Kathy O’Malley ‘89, Joe ‘92) and Kohl Schneider ‘92) are all CSU|LAW grads. But none are more important than the “best thing Jim ever got out of law school” – his amazing wife, classmate (and life-coach/partner) – Jennifer (nee Vinciguerra) Sammon ‘94. Jim followed his father Marty--one of the original founders of the CMLAA—in his alumni involvement and has been an active and vocal Alumni member – serving as the President of the CMLAA in 2014-15 and acting as chair and emcee of the Annual Recognition Luncheon for several years. Jim began his legal career as a Judicial Clerk for Judge Donald Nugent (also a HOF Inductee), first on the Eighth District Court of Appeals and then Federal District Court. For 30 years Jim has been a strident advocate for his clients and has always maintained an eclectic practice. Jim litigated and tried matters for individuals including wrongful death, medical malpractice, wrongful discharge and injury matters. At the same time, Jim defended small and large corporations in complex civil litigation, judges and lawyers against legal malpractice claims and many others in both Court and arbitrations. Jim has been a partner at several Cleveland firms and recently took the position as Corporate Counsel at Jenne, Inc., a leading cloud services brokerage and value-added technology distributor. Jim is a proud member of the Cleveland Irish community. He is one of the founders of the Irish American Law Society of Cleveland and was recognized by The Irish Legal 100 Attorneys in America in 2021. Jim serves on the Parade Committee, President of the Irish Civic Association and is currently active in assisting with the development of the historic Irishtown Bend Project. Jim’s civic involvement includes serving as a citizen member of Shaker’s Public Works & Safety Committee and St. Dominic Parish Finance Committee. Jim is committed to the Cleveland Autism Speaks chapter for which Jen, Jim, and his lifelong friend Chef Michael Symon have helped raise over $1 million through the Chef’s Gala for Autism Speaks. Jim is a proud graduate of St. Edward High School and a Past Recipient of the Legal Eagles Man of the Year Award. Jim received a bachelor’s degree from Miami University. But more than anything, Jim and Jen’s greatest achievement are their three sons Joe (23), Jimmy Jr. (20), and Sean (19).

Michael Schwartz

President Emeritus, Cleveland State University and Kent State University Michael Schwartz is a native of Chicago and attended the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign. He earned his baccalaureate in psychology in 1958, the Master of Arts in labor and industrial relations in 1959, and the Ph.D. in sociology in 1962. He then conducted academic research, taught at Wayne State University, later and moved to Indiana University, Bloomington. He became Chair of the Department of Sociology and Social Psychology at Florida Atlantic University where he later became the Dean of the College of Social Science there. He then moved to Kent State University to become the Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research. He later served there as Interim-President, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, and was given the title of Provost. He became President of Kent State University in 1982, and served in that role until 1991, when he became President Emeritus and Trustees Professor. He taught courses in higher education administration and organization, the history of higher education in the U.S., and statistical methods in social research. A decade later, he became the President of Cleveland State University and served in that capacity until 2009, when he again returned to teaching and writing as President Emeritus and Trustees Professor. He is the author of more than 50 papers and books. Now retired, he has served as a member of and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Cleveland Institute of Art.

Maria Spangler, Class of 2006

Director, Community Engagement, The Sherwin-Williams Company; Director, The Sherwin-Williams Foundation Maria Spangler leads The Sherwin-Williams Company’s enterprise strategy, which drives corporate social responsibility initiatives and programs, and builds alignment and synergies with shareholders, customers and employees. With a particular focus and passion around inclusion and talent attraction and development, she works strategically with a diverse set of internal and external stakeholders to build relationships and drive excellence. In addition, Maria directs the programs and investments of the Sherwin-Williams Foundation, supporting brand-aligned causes and organizations most important to the more than 62,000 committed and generous Sherwin-Williams employees across their global footprint. A proud two-time Viking, Maria was honored in 2006 to have been the first in her family to earn a Dual Law and Public Administration Master’s Degree. She is grateful for the experience at Cleveland State, which proved to be critical in building a firm foundation for a career rooted in service to others and her adopted home of Northeast Ohio. Maria’s board memberships include: the Cleveland Foundation, Cuyahoga County Public Library, University Circle Incorporated, Cleveland Development Advisors, and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.

2023 Leader on the Rise Award

Delanté Spencer Thomas, Class of 2016

Chief Ethics Officer, City of Cleveland

As a law student, Delanté Spencer Thomas ’16 knew he would likely follow a non-traditional career path. He was looking for a career where he could have a positive impact on the community. Delanté found that in 2022 when he was named the first Chief Ethics Officer for the City of Cleveland. “I am engaged in meaningful work, in ways that feel like this is exactly what I have been working toward,” said Delanté. “It is rewarding to know that the work we are doing is aimed at bettering our city and enriching the lives of those in our community. For his work and leadership efforts enriching our community, Delanté is being recognized by Cleveland State University College of Law with our 2023 Leader on the Rise Award. “Being named CSU|LAW’s Leader on the Rise is a very special honor for me,” said Delanté. “I was once someone that some thought would not make it in law school. But not only did I make it, I am excelling and growing in the profession.” “Delanté has been an exceptional leader during his time as a student at CSU|LAW and throughout his legal career,” explained CSU|LAW Dean Lee Fisher. “He exemplifies for our students how legal education can be used to make a difference and we are honored to recognize Delanté as this year’s Leader on the Rise.” As the City’s first Chief Ethics Officer, Delanté is responsible for building a citywide ethics and compliance program, which includes training and promoting accountability across the organization’s 8,000-employee workforce. He oversees all matters invoking Ohio Ethics Laws, including but not limited to conflicts of interest, misuse of authority, unlawful contract steering, nepotism, and improper gifts/compensation. He also assists the Bibb Administration in managing police reform efforts to achieve compliance with the Federal Consent Decree. Prior to joining City leadership, Delanté spent five years as Deputy Inspector General and later Ethics & Education Counsel for Cuyahoga County, and two years as Director of JD Advantage Advising & Outreach at Case Western Reserve University; Since 2017, he has also managed a private consulting firm – LMP Solutions, that he co-founded with his sister Danielle. As part of the legal consulting and event planning firm, he has represented clients in landlord-tenant disputes, real estate transactions, personal injury claims, small business startup/incorporation, contract disputes, and criminal defense. Delanté is also prominently involved in Cleveland’s legal community as President of the Norman S. Minor Bar Association (NSMBA), overseeing Cleveland’s premier organization for Black legal professionals. Delanté is in his second20

year of a three-year term, joining a distinguished list of professionals who have served as NSMBA president. “I have loved my time as NSMBA president and am most proud of the bridge building we have been able to do, post-pandemic, said Delanté. “I will forever be grateful that my colleagues had faith in me to carry the mantle of this organization.” Since graduating from CSU|LAW in 2016, Delanté has only furthered his relationship with the law school. He has served on the CSU|LAW Alumni Association Board of Trustees, where he has co-chaired the PR/Communications Committee, Minority Outreach Committee, as well as the Annual Recognition Luncheon. Additionally, he has served as an alumni mentor, a regular guest speaker and presenter at events and as an adjunct professor, teaching an Ohio Bar Exam Strategies and Tactics course. Delanté will receive his Leader on the Rise award at CSU|LAW’s Hall of Fame Celebration on November 3 alongside 26 distinguished alumni, community leaders, and former faculty and staff being inducted in the Hall of Fame who have contributed to the past, present, and/or future success and reputation of CSU|LAW. Previous honors for Delanté include his selection as a 2021 Crain’s Cleveland 40 Under Forty honoree and as a 2022 NAACP Rising Leader awardee.

Past Leader on the Rise Award Recipients

2018 Alana Jochum ’10

2019 Brandon Cox ’12

2022 Alexander Reich ’09

2021 Kimberly Kendall Corral ’12

2022 Allison Taller Reich ’09

The Leader on the Rise Award is given to a recent graduate from the past 15 years who has demonstrated extraordinary community leadership and who has given to our law school with their time, talent, and/or treasure. 21

CSU|LAW Hall of Fame Members

Judge Ronald B. Adrine ’73

Russell T. Adrine ’54*

Ann-Marie Ahern ’98

Judge Ann Aldrich*

Judge Francis M. Allegra ’81*

Dean Linda L. Ammons

Judge Joseph A. Artl ’22*

Awatef Assad ’95

Mark Avsec ’95

Mary Ann Bagus ’82*

Mayor Newton D. Baker*

Brett P. Barragate ’96

Magistrate Judge Joseph W. Bartunek III ’55*

Teresa Metcalf Beasley ’92

Professor Emerita Susan J. Becker ’83

Alfred A. Benesch*

Sheryl King Benford ’79

Robert T. Bennett ’67*

Dean Charles S. Bentley*

Nancy L. Berardinelli-Krantz ’02

* deceased 22

CSU

Hall of Fame.

Judge Patricia A. Blackmon ’75

Elizabeth M. Boyer ’47*

Judge Christopher A. Boyko ’79

Jason R. Bristol ’00

Professor J. Patrick Browne*

Judge Lillian W. Burke ’51*

Nona M. Burney, Ph.D. ’81*

Judge Annette Garner Butler ’70*

Judge Salvatore R. Calandra ’51*

Judge Jean Murrell Capers ’45*

Charles V. Carr ’26*

Attorney General Anthony J. Celebrezze, Jr. ’73*

Chief Justice Frank D. Celebrezze, Jr. ’56*

Chief Magistrate Gregory F. Clifford ’80

State Representative William H. Clifford ’02*

Michael L. Climaco ’72

Judge Genevieve Cline ’21*

Professor Emeritus Hyman Cohen

Tim L. Collins ’85

Judge C. Ellen Connally ’70

* deceased 23

CSU|LAW Hall of Fame Members (cont)

Chief Judge James C. Connell ’18*

William J. Corrigan ’15*

Joseph G. Corsaro ’82

Timothy J. Cosgrove ’87

Colleen M. Cotter

Anthony J. Coyne ’87

Frank T. Cullitan ’06*

Louise P. Dempsey ’81

Justice Michael P. Donnelly ’91

John Deaver Drinko*

Abe H. Dudnik ’27*

Carol G. Emerling ’55

Charles R. Emrick, Jr. ’58*

Judge Eleanor Farina ’25*

José C. Feliciano, Sr. ’75

Professor James T. Flaherty*

Sarah C. Flannery ’02

Judge Charles W. Fleming ’55*

Hon. George L. Forbes ’62

Isadore Fred Freiberger ’04*

* deceased 24

CSU

Hall of Fame.

Avery S. Friedman ’72

Adjunct Professor Gordon S. Friedman

Ian N. Friedman ’97

Georgia A. Froelich ’84

U.S. HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge ’83

Judge Nancy A. Fuerst ’88

Judge Sean C. Gallagher ’89

Anthony J. Garofoli ’61*

Professor Emeritus Louis B. Geneva

Dr. Samuel R. Gerber ’49*

M. Colette Gibbons ’76

Michael E. Gibbons ’82

Karen L. Giffen ‘89

Terry H. Gilbert ’73

Thomas O. Gorman ’73

Professor David B. Goshien*

Judge Thomas W. Gray, Sr. ’63*

Bell Greve ’18*

Judge Mary Grossman ’12*

David H. Gunning, II ’94

* deceased 25

CSU|LAW Hall of Fame Members (cont)

Michael J. Haas ’94

James L. Hardiman ’68

Deborah Lewis Hiller ’75*

Joseph C. Hostetler*

Jane Edna Hunter ’25*

Mayor Frank G. Jackson ’83

Judge Leo A. Jackson ’50*

Aaron Jacobson ’59*

Professor Sidney B. Jacoby*

Clarence L. James, Jr. ’62*

Larry H. James ’77

Joseph B. Jerome ’75*

Ferdinand Jirsa ’21*

C. Lyonel Jones ’63*

Judge Nathaniel R. Jones*

Kerin Lyn Kaminski ’85

Michael V. Kelley ’81*

Betty Klaric ’84*

Max I. Kohrman ’18*

Judge Thomas D. Lambros’52*

CSU

Hall of Fame.

Professor Emeritus Arthur R. Landever*

Dennis R. Lansdowne ’81

Brent W. Larkin ’86

Congressman Steven C. LaTourette ’79*

U.S. Senator Frank J. Lausche ’21*

Steven B. Lesser ’79

Kenneth B. Liffman ’79

Vincent T. Lombardo ’81

James A. Lowe ’72

Lori A. Luka ‘00

State Senator Margaret A. Mahoney ’29*

Judge John M. Manos ’50*

Judge Richard M. Markus*

Daniel R. McCarthy, Sr. ’54*

Grace Doering McCord ’25*

Stacey L. McKinley ’97

Judge Joseph F. McManamon ’50*

Judge George J. McMonagle ’30*

Judge James J. McMonagle ’70

Dean David C. Meck, Sr. ’13*

* deceased 27

CSU|LAW Hall of Fame Members (cont)

Dean David C. Meck, Jr.*

Dr. Bernice G. Miller ’51*

Norman S. Minor ’27*

Congressman William Edwin Minshall, Jr. ’38*

Howard D. Mishkind ’80

Dean Lizabeth A. Moody

Louise Mooney

Joseph J. Morford

Sandra M. Natran

Judge Donald C. Nugent ’74

Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor ’80

Professor Howard L. Oleck*

Judge Solomon Oliver, Jr.

Colleen M. O’Neil ’96

David M. Paris ’78

Judge Michelle L. Paris ’84

Lawrence O. Payne ’23*

Reuben M. Payne ’53

Judge Benita Y. Pearson ’95

Steven W. Percy ’79

* deceased 28

CSU

Hall of Fame.

Patrick J. Perotti ’82

Judge Raymond L. Pianka ’77*

Professor Emerita Jane M. Picker

Jon J. Pinney ’00

Leon M. Plevin ’57*

Richard W. Pogue

Franklin A. Polk ’39*

Judge Dan Aaron Polster

Steven Potash ’78

Louise Johnson Pridgeon ’22*

Elizabeth Pugh ’78

Linn J. Raney ’68

Max Ratner ’29*

Alan Jay Rom ’72

Barbara K. Roman ’77

Judy and Robert H. Rawson, Jr.

Edwin C. Reminger ’22*

Richard T. Reminger, Sr. ’57

Kenneth C. Ricci ’86

Professor Emeritus Alan Miles Ruben

* deceased 29

CSU|LAW Hall of Fame Members (cont)

Karen E. Rubin ’85

Timothy J. Russert ’76*

Honorable Basil M. Russo ’72

Judge John J. Russo ’92

Isam Salah ’76

Thomas J. Scanlon ’63*

Edna C. Shalala ’52*

Judge Brendan J. Sheehan ’93

Judge Michelle J. Sheehan ’93

Associate Dean Carroll H. Sierk*

Judge Samuel H. Silbert ’07*

Dean Lee E. Skeel ’12*

J. Helen Slough ’29*

Dean Emeritus Steven R. Smith

Mark A. Smolik ’87

Stephen G. Sozio ’83

Dean Wilson G. Stapleton ’34*

Dean Emeritus Steven H. Steinglass

Carl L. Stern ’66

Justice Leonard Stern ’26*

* deceased 30

CSU

Hall of Fame.

Justice Melody J. Stewart ’88

Mayor Carl B. Stokes ’56*

Congressman Louis Stokes ’53*

Richard P. Stovsky ’83

Carter E. Strang ’84

Mary Strassmeyer ’81*

Justice Francis E. Sweeney, Sr. ’63*

Judge Joan Synenberg ’87

Elsie Tarcai ’42* & Violet Tarcai ’43*

Frances Tetlak ’21*

Donna Zapis Thomas ’87

James A. Thomas ’63

Marilyn Tobocman ’83*

Stanley E. Tolliver, Sr. ’53*

P. Kelly Tompkins ’81

Legal Writing Professor Emerita Barbara J. Tyler ’89

Dean Willis Vickery*

Hazel Mountain Walker ’19*

Stephen E. Walters ’83

Judge Lesley Brooks Wells ’74

* deceased 31

CSU|LAW Hall of Fame Members (cont)

Adjunct Professor David C. Weiner

Maurice M. Weltman ’26*

Professor Emeritus Stephen J. Werber

Judge Lillian M. Westropp ’15*

Dean Frederic P. White, Jr.

Judge George W. White ’55*

Elizabeth Williams ’08*

Assistant Dean Gary R. Williams ’84

F. Scott Wilson ’81

Sonali B. Wilson

Marie Remington Wing ’26*

Sonia Winner ’90

Bertram L. Wolstein ’53*

Iris S. Wolstein

Leonard D. Young ’74

Margaret W. Wong

Xenophon “Xen” Zapis ’54*

* deceased 32

Tucker Ellis is proud to support the CSU College of Law and we congratulate each of the 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees.

Inspirational Leaders

Thompson Hine is pleased to support

Cleveland State University College of Law’s Hall of Fame Celebration Congratulations to the 2023 inductees.

ThompsonHine.com

WE HAVE

CONGR ATULATIONS to the amazing CSU/LAW Hall of Fame Class of 2023.

At Flannery | Georgalis, we join the entire legal community in congratulating this year’s CSU|LAW Hall of Fame inductees.

A well-deserved honor, indeed.

f lannerygeorgalis.com

Jones Day and Brett Barragate proudly support CSU | Law and its vision to be the leading student-centered public law school, committed to both excellence and opportunity, with an ethos of social justice and a national voice. We congratulate all of tonight’s honorees, especially Ann Aber and Bill Plesec! Why Jones Day? Binding energy, conviction, and credibility arising from shared professional values.

2400 LAWYERS. 40 LOCATIONS. 5 CONTINENTS. ONE FIRM WORLDWIDE®. JONESDAY.COM

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S T O

THE 2023 CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LAW HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

K ELLY

TOMPKINS

CSU|LAW Class of 1981 Leader-in-Residence Hall of Fame Class of 2017 Senior Advisor, Dix & Eaton Member, CSU Board of Trustees

Congratulations to the 2023 CSU|LAW Hall of Fame Honorees on this well-deserved recognition of your outstanding accomplishments and dedication to the success of this great law school! Steve Percy CSU|LAW Class of 1979 Hall of Fame Class of 2017

ON BEHALF OF CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY, OUR WARMEST CONGRATULATIONS TO PRESIDENT EMERITUS MICHAEL SCHWARTZ ON BEING INDUCTED INTO THE CSU COLLEGE OF LAW HALL OF FAME.

YOUR UNWAVERING DEDICATION TO STUDENTS AND THEIR SUCCESS HAS LEFT AN INDELIBLE IMPRINT ON MANY LIVES.

we are

csuohio.edu

Honoring President Emeritus

Michael Schwartz

Michael Schwartz, Ph.D., served as president of Kent State University from 1982 to 1991, in addition to serving at Kent State in various capacities for 25 years. During his time as president, Schwartz presided over the opening of the Glenn H. Brown Liquid Crystal Institute, the Kent State University Museum and the Athletic Field House. The Shannon Rodgers and Jerry Silverman School of Fashion Design and Merchandising also was established during his tenure. Schwartz was a steadying force in the years following May 4, 1970, and oversaw the creation of the May 4 Memorial. Kent State University thanks him for his wise leadership and transformational service.

Kent State University, Kent State and KSU are registered trademarks and may not be used without permission. Kent State University, an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, is committed to attaining excellence through the recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce. 230256

McDonald Hopkins congratulates the

2023 CSU | Law

Hall of Fame Inductees

m c d o n a l d h o p k i n s . c o m 42

Arthur Elk Founding Partner of Elk+Elk

Congratulations to Arthur Elk on a well-deserved induction into the CSU | Law Hall of Fame! Your commitment to helping clients and giving back to the community is an inspiration to us all. Thank you for dedicating your life to making a difference and for being a shining example of excellence. May this recognition not only celebrate your accomplishments but also serve as a reminder of the lives you've positively impacted.

1.800.ELK.OHIO | elkandelk.com 43

CONGRATULATIONS Ann Aber, SVP Chief Legal Officer & Secretary

JOANN is proud to congratulate Ann on being named a 2023 inductee in the CSU College of Law Hall of Fame!

Congratulations Congratulations to all the inductees of the CSU|LAW Hall of Fame Class of 2023 and, in particular, our Cleveland office managing partner, Steve Auvil. Steve’s accomplishments and dedication to the Cleveland community are an inspiration to us all, and we are proud to have you as a partner and friend.

Local Connections. Global Influence. More Than 40 Offices Across Four Continents squirepattonboggs.com

Congratulations to Susan Petersen on her induction into the Cleveland State University College of Law Alumni Hall of Fame! We congratulate Susan on following her passion and — from the very first day — dedicating her career to the unwavering pursuit of justice for those injured by the negligence of others. We also thank and recognize CSU Law for providing Susan with the education and opportunities that formed the underpinnings of her success.

DEDICATED SERVICE THAT GETS RESULTS

Wrongful Death | Nursing Home Negligence Malpractice | Personal Injury Gas Explosion | Auto Accident Product Liability | Premises Liability Discrimination

AT TO R N E YS AT L AW

10680 Mayfield Road | Chardon, OH | 440-279-4480 | www.petersenlegal.com

We’re big fans of people who look out for people. Congratulations to Jennifer Mountcastle, and all 2023 honorees, on your induction to the CSU|LAW Hall of Fame. Hard work doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves, so when it makes a community better, we take notice. Thank you for all your efforts, and keep making us stronger.

A hearty congratulations to all of tonight’s Hall of Fame inductees, and especially to my distinguished friends President Michael Schwartz and Bill Plesec. — Dick Pogue

Carlton Fields is pleased to support the 2023 CSU College of Law Hall of Fame Induction We congratulate the 2023 Hall of Fame inductees for their leadership, service, and accomplishments, and salute CSU College of Law for its longstanding commitment to inspiring and challenging students in the pursuit of excellence.

www.carltonfields.com

Congratulations CSU College of Law 2023 Hall of Fame Honorees! SHIFT Consulting works with your organization to SHIFT individual behaviors, interpersonal interactions, management practices, procedures, and policies toward inclusion. These practices enable organizations to attract, recruit, engage, and retain the world’s best talent. Through our partnerships with business and community leaders, we support the development of inclusive work environments where all feel connected, respected, and valued.

Scan the QR code for more information on Inclusive Solutions and Customized Trainings

Contact us to schedule your free consultation and learn more about what SHIFT Consulting can do for your organization. (216)752-3000 or SHIFT@diversitycenterneo.org SHIFT Consulting is the professional services division of The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio.

Visit us at www.diversitycenterneo.org 51

The CMBA Congratulates the CSU | LAW Hall of Fame

2023 Honorees

clemetrobar.org/Legacy150 Add your name to the growing list of supporters who are helping us build tomorrow’s legacy today. 53

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The Cleveland State University Law Alumni Association congratulates all 2023 Hall of Fame Honorees, with special recognition to CSULAA Trustees:

TERRY BILLUPS Class of 2005

JAMES SAMMON Class of 1994

DELANTE SPENCER THOMAS Class of 2016 2023 Leader on the Rise

CSULAA’s 2024 Annual Recognition Luncheon honoring: Kemper Arnold, CSU|LAW 1980 Awatef Assad, CSU|LAW 1995 Tuesday, May 21, 2024 Renaissance Cleveland Hotel

SAV

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Annual Recognition Luncheon net proceeds benefit the student scholarship fund CSULAA awards to students each year. 55

Congratulations to This Year’s Cleveland State University Law School Hall of Fame Honorees!

Global Headquarters 6065 Parkland Blvd. Cleveland, OH 44124 440.947.2000 www.pkoh.com 56

Calfee, Halter & Griswold congratulates

Firm Vice Chair John S. Cipolla on being honored as a CSU|Law Hall of Fame Inductee!

The firm salutes all of the 2023 CSU|Law Hall of Fame Inductees who have brought distinction to CSU|Law through their accomplishments in their profession, contributions to their community, and dedicated service to the university post-graduation.

APPLAUSE! Congratulations to Jennifer Mountcastle and all the 2023 inductees into the CSU College of Law Hall of Fame.

Thank you for your contributions to our community.

A full-service law firm with experience dating back to 1867.

sssb-law.com

IAN N. FRIEDMAN

ERIC C. NEMECEK

ERIC F. LONG

MADELYN J. GRANT

MARA M. HIRZ

TYLER J. WALCHANOWICZ

Congratulations to the Hall of Famers from your friends at Friedman Nemecek & Long, L.L.C. Cleveland Office 1360 E. 9th Street Suite 650 Columbus Office 250 Civic Center Suite 550 www.iannfriedman.com

Latham & Watkins is proud to support

2023 CSU Law Hall of Fame Celebration Honoring Ann Aber, Class of 2003, Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer & Secretary, JOANN Stores

LW.com 61

David, a CSU|LAW class of 1980 graduate, has an LL.M. in taxation from New York University. He focuses his practice on federal and state taxation planning and business planning; state and federal tax controversies, including tax audits and appeals before the Internal Revenue Service and the Florida Department of Revenue; and tax litigation in the U.S. Tax Court and other federal courts and Florida courts. He has extensive experience representing buyers and sellers in mergers and acquisitions, with emphasis in tax planning to reduce risks and create value. He also counsels and assists estate planning lawyers in wealth transfer planning for high net worth individuals. David is board certified by the Florida Bar in Tax, chaired the firm’s tax practice for over 25 years, and was an executive director of the Florida Bar Tax Section for many years. He is also general counsel for Amalie Oil Company

David P. Burke

Shareholder 813.229.4207 dburke@carltonfields.com

www.carltonfields.com

Congratulations Bill Plesec, our friend and colleague of many years. - Bob and Linda Weber

Reminger Co., LPA congratulates the 2023 CSU LAW Hall of Fame Inductees Thank you for your leadership and dedication to the legal profession and our community as a whole. WWW.REMINGER.COM AKRON I CINCINNATI I CLEVELAND I COLUMBUS I SANDUSKY I TOLEDO I YOUNGSTOWN I DAYTON I INDIANAPOLIS FT. WAYNE I NORTHWEST INDIANA I EVANSVILLE I FT. MITCHELL I LEXINGTON I LOUISVILLE

Congratulations

to our General Counsel & Executive Vice President, Publisher Services

Erica Lazzaro

and all distinctive honorees 2023 CSU Law Hall of Fame

We congratulate

Ann Aber and all of the 2023 CSU|Law Hall of Fame Inductees Focused on labor and employment law since 1958, our 950+ attorneys located in major cities nationwide consistently identify and respond to new ways workplace law intersects business. Corey Donovan Tracey Park Center Plaza I, Suite 400 6100 Oak Tree Blvd. Cleveland, OH 44131 216-750-4311 | Corey.Tracey@jacksonlewis.com ©2023 Jackson Lewis P.C. • Attorney Advertising • jacksonlewis.com

A wonderful General Counsel and a joy to work with—sensible, smart, decisive. Congratulations to OverDrive’s Erica Lazzaro from your friends at Benesch!

beneschlaw.com

Leader. Mentor. Colleague. Friend. Community Servant.

Hall of Famer. On behalf of everyone at Kastner Westman & Wilkins, LLC:

Congratulations, Tom Green, on your induction into the CSU | LAW 2023 Hall of Fame.

Kastner Westman & Wilkins, LLC 3550 West Market Street, Suite 100 Akron, Ohio 44333 www.kwwlaborlaw.com

Congratulations to the 2023 CSU Law Hall of Fame inductees.

Taftlaw.com 65

WE ARE HONORED TO RECOGNIZE THE MANY ST. EDWARD LEGAL EAGLES WHO HAVE BEEN INDUCTED INTO THE

CSU I LAW HALL OF FAME

TO THIS YEAR’S ESTEEMED INDUCTEES:

Anthony Asher ’56 Hon. Patrick Carroll ‘70 Hon. John Donnelly ’61 James Sammon ‘87 Hon. Michael Ryan, Trustee

Sometimes, life surprises you. Today is not one of those days. Congratulations to our General Counsel, Jim Sammon, on his induction into the CSU Law School Hall of Fame. From your friends and colleagues, so well deserved.

CONGRATULATIONS on being named into the CSU Law 2023 Hall of Fame. CU YAHOGA COMMUNIT Y COLLEGE ( TRI - C ® )

APPLAUDS

GUS FRANGOS RENEE RICHARD tri-c.edu

216-987-6000 23-0980

Eaton is proud to honor this year’s CSU|LAW Hall of Fame Inductees. We celebrate your extraordinary contributions to your profession, to your community and to improving the lives of all those you serve.

Congratulations to all of the 2023 CSU|LAW Hall of Fame inductees.

weltman.com

offices in Cleveland, Akron and reach throughout the United States. LEGAL COUNSELORS + BUSINESS ADVISORS

bmdllc.com

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH THOSE

WHO INSPIRE YOU TO

DO YOUR BEST Giving back and paying it forward. We are inspired to help keep the communities in which we practice healthy, strong and vital. It’s a simple belief that is at the core of our culture at Porter Wright. We are proud to congratulate our friends Jennifer Mountcastle of The Huntington National Bank and Terry Billups of Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority on their induction into the CSU|LAW Hall of Fame.

We are proud to support the CSU College of Law Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and our CSU graduates who continually strive to foster pride and involvement in the community. Megan Bennett ‘16 Kelly Bokoch ‘10 Todd Broski ‘00

Daniel Hinkel ‘10 Kevin Hinkel ‘80 Richard Humiston ‘09

Margaret Metzinger ‘95 Jenifer Novak ‘99 Michael Nunnari, Jr. ‘09

John Desimone ‘93 Ian Frank ‘96 Andrew Hanna ‘16 Thomas Haren ‘11

Melissa Jones ‘02 Meghan Lewallen ‘13 Nora Loftus ‘05 Katherine McLaughlin ‘21

Allison Taller Reich ‘09 Dean Rooney ‘83 Matthew Selby ‘03 Mark Stockman ‘96

FrantzWard.com 72

ROETZEL SUPPORTS Roetzel & Andress proudly supports the 6th Annual CSU|LAW Hall of Fame Celebration. Congratulations to all 2023 inductees, including our colleagues, Ann Aber, Terry Billups, and Renee Richard on this well-deserved recognition.

1375 EAST NINTH STREET I ONE CLEVELAND CENTER, 10TH FLOOR I CLEVELAND, OH 44114 I 216.623.0150 222 SOUTH MAIN STREET, SUITE 400 I AKRON, OH 44308 I 330.376.2700

RALAW.COM 73

ISABELLE & LINCOLN BILLUPS Congratulations, Dad! We are so proud of you. Thank you for putting in all the hard work and making a difference!

Terry M. Billups

Congratulations to all the

Congratulations to All of This Year’s Deserving Honorees!

2023 CSU|LAW Hall of

- Dennis R. Lansdowne, ’81

Tom Gorman

Fame honorees!

Class of 1973 CSU|LAW Hall of Fame Member

CONGRATULATIONS to Library Trustee

Maria L. Spangler

on her induction into the CSU | LAW Hall of Fame

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7 lue 680 SW drous B Won

Congratulations! Sherwin-Williams is proud to celebrate Maria Spangler, Director, Community Engagement and The Sherwin-Williams Foundation, on her induction into the CSU | LAW Hall of Fame.

SW 6318 Resounding Rose

2017 Inaugural Inductees Kerin Lyn Kaminski, Karen Giffen & their firm, Perez Morris, proudly support CSU College of Law and congratulate all 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees. Good people, Doing great legal work, Exceptionally well.

perezmorris.com

Congratulations to all the 2023 CSU|LAW Hall of Fame Inductees!

Sheryl King Benford CSU|LAW Leader in Residence Class of 1979 2017 Hall of Fame Member 77

Leonard Green & Partners is proud to honor CHN Housing Partners congratulates the CSU|LAW Hall of Fame Class of 2023, especially our friends and supporters: Gus Frangos for being an amazing partner and thought leader in improving access to affordable housing Maria Spangler for her support of affordable housing and CHN's mission

Ann Aber

SVP, Chief Legal Officer & Secretary JOANN

Benesch congratulates Ann Aber of JOANN Stores for being inducted to the CSU | Law Hall of Fame. Congratulations to our friend and mentor, Gus Frangos! Walid M. Dardir

Space Real Estate Design & Development LLC 78

www.beneschlaw.com

Congratulatons to all the inductees in the CSU|LAW Hall of Fame Class of 2023!

James A. Lowe ’72

Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA 2639 Wooster Road Suite 300 Rocky River, OH 44116 (216) 781-2600 (216) 781-2610 FAX jlowe@lsflaw.com

The Cleveland Foundation congratulates Board Member Maria Spangler on her induction to the CSU|LAW Hall of Fame clevelandfoundation.org

Congratulations Gus from Michael and Martin J. Sweeney. You are awesome and well deserved! 79

WXZ Development, Inc. is proud to support CSU|LAW. LIT TLE R IS PROUD TO B E A SPON SOR OF

Congratulations to 2023 Hall of Fame inductee Gus Frangos, ἄξιος!

The CSU | Law 2023 Hall of Fame Celebration and Congratulates Honoree Ann Aber, GC of JOANN Stores

501 West Broadway | Suite 900 | San Diego, CA 92101 41 South High Street | Suite 3250 | Columbus, OH 43215

Design. Develop. Manage.

AHEPA Cleveland Chapter #36 Congratulates Brother Gus Frangos on a Hall of Fame Career!

Labor & Employment Law Solutions

perezmorris.com

40 YEARS OF HOPE

CSU | LAW HALL OF FAME

THE CLEVELAND BRANCH OF THE NAACP PROUDLY EXTENDS ITS CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR ESTEEMED BOARD MEMBER, RENEE RICHARD, AND ALL THE DISTINGUISHED 2023 INDUCTEES OF THE CSU | LAW HALL OF FAME.

CONGRATULATIONS,

MARIA! Maria L. Spangler, JD/MPA Cheers to your continued success and inspiring us all. We are proud and honored to celebrate this achievement with you!

Gus Frangos, you are the kindest, most generous and funny man that I know Thank you for all you do for your family, kids and the city of Cleveland - we love you DAD!! - Ariana Frangos

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE 2023 H.O.F. MEMBERS Congratulations to Maria Spangler on your induction to the CSU|LAW Hall of Fame!

In Loving Memory of the man that started it all. Our Father – Marty Sammon C|M|Law Class of 1963

- The Hopkins Family Foundation - Ms. Colleen Carpenter - Thomas and Marsha Hopkins

Jim and Jennifer Sammon C|M|Law Class of 1994 83

Congratulations from Team Weston to Tony Asher and all of the 2023 CSU College of Law Honorees!