2024 CSU|LAW Hall of Fame Program & Insert Agenda by CSU Cleveland-Marshall College of Law

1897

Cleveland Law School, Ohio’s first evening law school, is founded and becomes the first law school in Ohio to admit women and one of the first to admit Black students.

1916

John Marshall School of Law is founded.

125 YEARS of Living Justice, Living Leadership

1972

Legal Career Opportunities Program (LCOP) is created, the ﬁrst of its kind in the country, recognizing the value of students’ life experiences as a predictor of law school success.

2014

Launched the Solo Practice Incubator, the first of its kind in Ohio, on the first floor of the Law Library, providing recent graduates resources to establish their own solo practices as a viable career path

2020

Launched the Pretrial Justice Clinic for students to advocate for indigent defendants during the initial bail process

Launched Racial Justice Task Force

1946

Cleveland Law School and John Marshall School of Law merge to become Cleveland-Marshall Law School. Wilson Stapleton ’34 is named ﬁrst Dean of the Cleveland-Marshall Law School. Ohio Governor Frank Lausche ’21 named Chairman of the Board.

1957

Cleveland-Marshall is accredited by the American Bar Association

1969

Cleveland-Marshall and Cleveland State University sign merger agreement creating the largest law college in Ohio. The law school is named Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University.

1977

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales (now King Charles III)participates in the dedication of the College of Law Building at 1801 Euclid Ave.

1997

College of Law dedicates its new library. Janet Reno, Attorney General of the United States, inaugurates the Centennial of the College of Law.

2004

College of Law receives gift from Iris S. Wolstein, wife of Bert L.Wolstein’53. Building named Bert L. Wolstein Hall.

2010

Launched Center for Health Law & Policy to connect law students to the vast healthcare resources in the region

2011

Debut of the state-of-theart Trial Courtroom, the most technologically advanced and realistic courtroom in any Ohio law school

2013

Launched the region’s ﬁrst Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree for non-lawyers.

2016

Center for Cybersecurity & Privacy Protection debuts to national attention for its innovative multidisciplinary approach

2017

Lee Fisher, former Ohio Attorney General and Lt. Governor, appointed 15th Dean since 1897

Judy and Robert H. Rawson Jr. Learning Commons opens to encourage exploration, creation and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community

Establishment of Law School’s Hall of Fame and annual Celebration

Launched Global Space Law Center as ﬁrst academic center in the nation dedicated solely to the law of outer space

Launched Jump Start, one of the ﬁrst law school summer programs in the nation designed to help incoming ﬁrst year law students acclimate to law school.

2018

Criminal Justice Center is launched to provide students more hands-on opportunities to work for justice

The P. Kelly Tompkins Leadership and Law Program, one of the ﬁrst leadership programs at any law school in the nation, created by Kelly Tompkins ’81 and Dean Lee Fisher to provide leadership skills to law students

2019

Launched Online Master in Legal Studies (MLS) in Cybersecurity and Data Privacy

2022

Launched the Pardon, Clemency, and Expungement Clinic in partnership with the Governor of Ohio

2023

Terry Gilber Wrongful Conviction Clinicis launched

2024 4

David H. Braff Animal Law Clinic launches Richard W. Pogue

Leadership Conversation Series begins

CSU|LAW welcomes 192 1Ls, the largest class in 15 years

Hall of F ame . CSU

Induction Celebration

Friday, November 1, 2024

CSU Student Center Glasscock Ballroom

2024 HONOREES:

Kim Bixenstine, Leader-in-Residence

Brent Buckley, Class of 1982

Kevin Butler, Class of 2001

Hon. Cassandra Collier-Williams, Class of 1990

Matthew Crawford, Class of 1994

Julie Crocker, Class of 2006

Ronda Curtis, Class of 1992

Rosalina Fini, Class of 1994

Frank L. Gallucci III, Class of 2000

Mary Groth, Class of 1983

Edward T. Haggins, Class of 1966

Jacqueline A. Johnson, Class of 1983

Gertrude Bauer Mahon, Class of 1940*

Hon. Nancy R. McDonnell, Class of 1985*

Hon. William T. McGinty, Class of 1979

Hon. Timothy McMonagle, Class of 1974

Vicki Plata, CSU|LAW Budget Director (retired)

Callista Puchmeyer, Class of 2007

Rob Remington, Class of 1988

Daniel A. Richards, Class of 1992

Rev. Dr. Stephen Rowan, Class of 1980

Roger M. Synenberg, Class of 1977

Frederick Widen, Class of 1981

* Deceased

2024 Leader on the Rise Award Recipient: Drew Odum, Class of 2010

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.

CSU

Hall of F ame .

Our

Hall of F ame . CSU

2024 Honorees

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

Kim Bixenstine

Co-Owner, Bixenstine Resolutions, LLC, CSU|LAW Health Law & Policy

Leader-in-Residence

Kim Bixenstine is privileged to serve as CSU|LAW Leader-in-Residence for Health Law & Policy and Chair of the Health Law Advisory Council. Since 2019, Kim Bixenstine has served as a professional mediator and arbitrator with Bixenstine Resolutions, a firm she co-owns with her husband, Barton Bixenstine. Since January 2024, Kim has also served as a Shaker Heights City Council Member. Kim retired from University Hospitals in 2019, where she served as Chief Compliance Officer and, before that, as Vice President & Deputy General Counsel, in charge of claims, litigation and risk management. Before joining UH, Kim was Vice President and Chief Litigation Counsel for TRW, Inc. Prior to that, Kim was a partner at Jones Day. Kim is a graduate of Middlebury College and the University of Chicago Law School. Kim serves as President of the Board of Great Lakes Theater and as a member of the Judge4Yourself judicial candidate rating coalition. She previously served on the Boards of the Shaker Heights Development Corporation and Cleveland Rape Crisis Center. She has received numerous awards, such as the YWCA Women of Achievement Award, Medical Mutual/Smart Business Nonprofit Executive of the Year award, and the Crain’s Cleveland Business Outstanding In-House Counsel Award. She also enjoys participating in community theater.

Brent Buckley, Class of 1982

Managing Partner, Buckley King

Brent Buckley serves as Managing Partner at Buckley King and maintains an active practice representing public and privately-held companies, financial institutions, and businesses. He is nationally recognized for excellence in commercial litigation, business and corporate law, governance, banking, and finance. His business sense and trial experience combine to make a distinctive impact. Brent also represents directors and officers in business and financial transaction matters and is often retained in litigation ranging from corporate and class actions to governance, MDL, and financial matters. He has served as Chair of the CSU|LAW Board of Visitors and was recently named to the Cleveland Clinic Board of Trustees. Brent continues to serve on numerous boards, including the Cleveland Institute of Music, Cleveland Ballet, and College Now Greater Cleveland. He has been repeatedly named to Ohio Super Lawyers, Top 50 Lawyers in Cleveland, Top 100 Lawyers in Ohio, and Best Lawyers in America. Brent received Legal Who’s Who recognition as “One of the Nation’s Top Lawyers for Litigation.” He was awarded Best Lawyers’ 2023 “Lawyer of the Year” in Litigation—Banking and Finance, and again in 2024 as “Lawyer of the Year” in Financial Services Regulation Law.

Kevin Butler, Class of 2001 Counsel, McDonald Hopkins, LLC

Kevin Butler proudly joins a number of family members who studied at CSU|LAW, including Dennis Butler ’69, Geraldine Butler ’98, Chris Frey ’87 and Marie Frey ’14, all reputable and distinguished attorneys whose examples have shaped Kevin’s own service to the school as a student and alumnus. Kevin is a member of the public law, litigation and real estate practice groups at McDonald Hopkins, providing counsel to government entities and those doing business before public agencies. He has served as Law Director of the cities of Lakewood and Brooklyn, as special counsel to many public entities throughout his career, and counsels clients with a particular focus on land use and zoning issues, real estate transactions, public ethics matters, and pragmatic advocacy. Since his graduation, Kevin has been an active supporter of CSU|LAW, serving as a past president, trustee, and life member the CSU Law Alumni Association. He has been involved with the Alumni Association from the time he was a law student, most recently chairing its continuing education committee for a number of years, and he has always enjoyed the camaraderie shared by so many CSU|LAW graduates in the Greater Cleveland area and beyond.

Judge Cassandra Collier-Williams, Class of 1990 Judge, Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas

Judge Cassandra Collier-Williams hails from Springfield, Ohio and graduated from Miami University with her BA degree. After graduating from CSU|LAW, Judge Collier-Williams worked in a mid-size law firm before opening her own law firm in 1999. In 2012, Judge Collier-Williams became the second African American (female or male) to be elected to the Court of Common Pleas, General Division, without first being appointed by the Governor, or having served on another judicial bench. She also became just the fourth African American female to be elected to the Court of Common Pleas, General Division, in the history of the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. She is the Chairperson of the Ohio Supreme Court Lawyer’s Fund for Client Protection; Co-Chair of Ohio Black Judges Association, Inc.; Member of the Executive Board of the National Bar Association Judicial Council; and life member of CSU|LAW Alumni Association. Judge CollierWilliams is the recipient of the National Bar Association Judicial Council Chair’s Award for Exemplary Leadership and Service; the Sara J. Harper Humanitarian Award; City of Springfield Alumni of Distinction Award; and was named Notable Woman in Law by Crains Cleveland Business. Judge Collier-Williams is one of four judges who maintain a commercial law docket.

Matthew Crawford, Class of 1994

Chairman & CEO, ParkOhio Industries

Matthew Crawford is a Director and Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of ParkOhio, a Cleveland, Ohio based industrial company providing integrated supply chain management services and highly engineered manufactured products in 23 countries. He joined the company in 1995 as Assistant Secretary and Corporate Counsel, became Director of the company in 1997, was promoted in 2001 to the position of Senior Vice President, became President in 2003, and was named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in 2019. Along with his duties at ParkOhio, he has also served as President of the Crawford Group since 1995. He has been a member of Resilience Capital Partners Executive Committee (a private equity firm) since 2010 and is a Board Member of Crawford United. Matt’s philanthropic efforts include serving on the boards of the Musical Arts Association (The Cleveland Orchestra) as well as its Audit Committee, University School, Hillcrest Hospital, and Cuyahoga County Bluecoats. He holds a BA in Finance from Miami University and his JD from CSU|LAW. Matt and his wife, Debbie, have three children and live in Cleveland.

Julie Crocker, Class of 2006 Partner, Taft Law

From a young age, Julie Crocker knew she wanted to be an attorney. What she did not know at that time was that CSU|LAW would put her on the path to becoming a successful and experienced litigator. Julie is a Partner at Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, where she has practiced since graduating magna cum laude from CSU|LAW. Julie is a member of Taft’s Commercial Litigation and Mergers & Acquisitions Litigation groups and specializes in shareholder disputes and M&A-related claims. Julie is also one of the youngest attorneys ever appointed to Taft’s Executive Committee, a group of attorneys who guide the firm’s strategic vision and decision making. This honor resulted largely from her success as a litigator representing global multimillion-dollar companies, as well has her achievements in the community. Julie’s extensive trial experience includes defending some of the largest jury trial cases in Northeast Ohio. Julie is a member of the Federation of Defense and Corporate Council and Ladder Down Cleveland. Julie is a Crain’s Forty Under 40 Honoree, an Ohio Super Lawyers Honoree, an Ohio Super Lawyers Rising Star, and a Best Lawyers in America Honoree.

Ronda Curtis, Class of 1992

Chief Corporate Counsel (Retired), City of Cleveland Law Department

Ronda G. Curtis retired from the city of Cleveland after more than 30 years of public service in municipal government. Ronda served the City of Cleveland from 2005-2024, as Chief Corporate Counsel in the Department of Law. Prior to that, she was Assistant Director of Law and Acting Law Director for the City of East Cleveland for 13 years. Ronda graduated from Cuyahoga Community College with an Associate of Applied Business Degree, and Dyke College with a BS degree in paralegal studies before earning her JD degree from CSU|LAW. As Chief Corporate Counsel, Ronda supervised four practice groups within the Law Department that provided legal counsel to various departments on municipal law matters. Ronda’s career clearly demonstrates her commitment to public service. In 2023, Ronda received the International Municipal Lawyers Association’s Brown, Mulligan, Rocha Distinguished Public Service Award. Ronda is a volunteer mentor in the Community of Hope program which serves young adults who have aged out of the foster care system. She enjoys spending time with her daughters, the theater, Zumba, and long walks.

Rosalina Fini, Class of 1994

Chief Legal and Ethics Officer, Cleveland Metroparks

Drawn to the public sector at an early age, Rose Fini pursued her dedication to good governance and social justice by serving in the Civil Divisions of Medina and Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Offices and Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board prior to her current role as Cleveland Metroparks Chief Legal & Ethics Officer. In this role, she leads the Legal Department for the entire Park District that includes over 25,000 acres, nine golf courses, over 300 miles of trails, five nature centers, and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. She is a passionate advocate for conservation, influencing domestic legislation and international policy. She is a demonstrated leader both within her organization and her profession on issues of diversity, equity, and sustainability, by authoring strategic plans, policies, and tool kits. Rose served as the 2021–2022 Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association President and as a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums delegation team for the United Nations CITES Treaty. She is a Life Member of the Judicial Conference of the Eighth Judicial District, a Leadership Cleveland Class of 2015 graduate, and the 2014 Crain’s Cleveland Business General and In-House Counsel Government Award recipient. Rose holds a JD from CSU|LAW and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from John Carroll University.

Frank L. Gallucci III, Class of 2000

Partner, Plevin & Gallucci Co., L.P.A

Frank L. Gallucci III, is principal of Plevin & Gallucci Company, L.P.A. After several years of successful practice, Frank partnered with his longtime friend and mentor, Leon Plevin, to form Plevin & Gallucci. Now one of the largest plaintiff firms in the state, Plevin & Gallucci has offices across Ohio, including Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Waverly. The firm has obtained billions of dollars in judgments and settlements for plaintiffs and has a fast-growing, statewide, and national client base. Frank practices civil litigation, including matters concerning wrongful death, personal injury, workers’ compensation, medical negligence, industrial injuries, and product liability. Frank is a member and past President of the Ohio Association for Justice, American Association for Justice, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, and Cleveland Association of Trial Attorneys, and a Life Member of the 8th District Judicial Conference. Frank currently serves on the Governing Board of Make-A-Wish OKI, the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, and has been appointed by both Governors Kasich and DeWine to the Industrial Commission Nominating Council. He earned a BS degree from Boston College prior to attending CSU|LAW.

Mary Groth, Class of 1983

Director of Member & Donor Engagement (Retired), Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association

Mary Groth was introduced to the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association (CMBA) during her second year as a law student when she was hired as a law clerk. As a young lawyer, she took a full-time position with the CMBA as Assistant Bar Counsel, focusing on attorney grievances and professional ethics. She also directed the Bar’s community outreach programs that work to promote the rule of law, improve access to justice, advance inclusion and provide law-related education. She has been devoted to growing the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation, the CMBA’s charitable arm, and in developing many of the CMBA’s impactful professional and community initiatives including Women in the Law, Justice For All, The 3Rs, Louis Stokes Scholars, and 1L Clerkship programs. She has worked closely with CSU|LAW, engaging law students in CMBA programs and serving as a mentor. She was honored to serve as president of the National Conference of Bar Foundations (2019-20) and to be recognized with the Founders’ Award from the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education and the CMBA’s Living Legacy Award. She retired from CMBA in August 2024.

Edward T. Haggins, Class of 1966

Owner, Matthew Prison Ministries; Owner, Precious Realty

Edward T. Haggins was born June 19, 1929 in Springfield, Ohio and has lived in Cleveland since 1952. In 1946, he joined the U.S. Army and rose to the rank of Lt. Col Commander in 1950. The following year, he attended West Virginia State University, graduating with a BS. From 1948-1951, he joined Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. as their Chaplain and worked for Dunbar Life Insurance in Cleveland as a Home Office Auditor. In 1963, Edward joined Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International and graduated from CSU|LAW in 1966. He worked for the Internal Revenue Service as a Revenue Officer, received his Tax Court Certification, and in 1971, his Brokers License, then chartered E&D Realty in the 1980s. In 1991, he started Xtra Title Company. In 1990 Edward turned his life to God and started his Prison Ministry, became an ordained priest in 2007, and an ordained deacon in 2010. Today, Edward donates to CSU|LAW, The Cleveland Foundation, the Cuyahoga Community College Nursing Scholarship- Zella Haggins Scholarship, which he created, West Virginia State, various Prison Ministries and many, many more. He is a father of Denise (Earl) Pierce, Danielle (Henry) Gibbs, Lydia (Lenard) Pope and Steven (Darlene) Davis.

Jacqueline A. Johnson, Class of 1983

First Assistant, Federal Public Defender, Northern District of Ohio

Jacqueline A. Johnson’s parents, Willie and Louise Askew, migrated from Alabama. She is the embodiment of their dreams deferred as the first female attorney hired by the Office of the Federal Defender in 1986. A graduate of Wittenberg University, Jaqueline is a national speaker on federal criminal law and diversity. She mentors students and was the CSU|LAW Black Law Student Association (BLSA) 2023 Scholarship Keynote Speaker. She received United States Administrative Office, Director’s Award and Fellowship 2020, and has served on three Bipartisan Judicial Nomination Commissions. She was the recipient of the Norman S. Minor Trailblazers Award in 2018, the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association Foundation Public Servants Merit Award in 2017, and The Honorable William K. Thomas Professionalism Award in 2014. Johnson testified at the Congressional Hearing for the 25th Anniversary of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. She was Chairperson on the Reappointment of Magistrate Judge Merit Selection panel and a member on three Magistrate Judge Merit Selection panels. She is a member of the Federal Court-Northern District of Ohio Advisory Board, Co-Chair of the Criminal Rules Advisory Board, and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Federal Bar Association of Cleveland, where she chairs the Diversity Committee. She was Moot Court judge for BLSA and Trial Advocacy at CSU|LAW and Case Western Reserve law schools. Johnson is a member of Mt. Zion Church Oakwood Village and Vice President of the Shaker Heights Interest Group. She and her husband Robert are grateful parents of three adult children.

Gertrude Bauer Mahon, Class of 1940 (deceased)

Former Assistant Prosecutor, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office

Gertrude Bauer Mahon was a Cleveland attorney for nearly 50 years, serving 30 years as a member of the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s staff. As such, she represented the State of Ohio in the 1961 Mapp v. Ohio trial, a landmark Fourth Amendment search and seizure case that made its way to the Supreme Court of the United States. She was a member of Kappa Beta Phi, Steuben Society of America, Cuyahoga County Bar Association, and the National Association of Women Lawyers.

Judge Nancy R. McDonnell, Class of 1985 (deceased)

Former Judge, Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas

Judge Nancy R. McDonnell was the Court’s first female Administrative and Presiding Judge, and served nearly 25 years on the bench. She received her law degree from CSU|LAW in 1985. After graduating from law school, Judge McDonnell served as the Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor in the Criminal Drug Division and the Major Trial Division. In 1991, she became a magistrate for the Lakewood Municipal Court. Judge McDonnell joined the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Bench in 1997. During her tenure as Administrative and Presiding Judge (2006-2009), Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judges voted on Local Rule 23.1 regarding open discovery, which mandates that prosecutors share all evidence for and against an accused citizen in criminal matters. In addition, the Re-Entry Court docket was established in 2007, and a Commercial Docket was created in 2008. The first Cuyahoga County Drug Court docket began in 2009. After a decade of planning by other government officials, Judge McDonnell led the final efforts to select a site for and begin construction on the County’s Community Based Correctional facility (CBCF). Her efforts secured millions of dollars in State funding for the construction and continuing operations of the facility. The CBCF opened in 2011 and the Facility Governing Board for the CBCF voted to name the facility after Judge McDonnell and today it is referred to as “The McDonnell Center”. Judge McDonnell also had the opportunity to preside over one of the Court’s two Drug Court dockets before she passed away on September 28, 2021.

Judge William T. McGinty, Class of 1979

Judge, Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas

Judge William T. McGinty was elected to the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court General Division in 2019 and is currently in his last year as a member of the bench. In 2023, Judge McGinty launched, and currently presides over, Helping Others Prosper Everyday (H.O.P.E) Court, a high-risk drug court that helps to assist and inspire individuals to overcome and change their lives. A graduate of Padua Franciscan High School and Ohio Wesleyan University, he attended, and is a proud graduate of CSU|LAW. In addition to having served as a personal bailiff for Judge Thomas O. Matia and an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney under John T. Corrigan, Judge McGinty was a practicing criminal defense attorney for over 37 years. He also was the Assistant Law Director for the City of Fairview Park, and eventually became Law Director. Judge McGinty is the middle child of Connie and John McGinty, with two older brothers and two younger sisters. He and his wife, Mary, have been married for 44 years, and have been longtime residents of Fairview Park. They have two children, Jack and Libby. For as long as Judge McGinty can remember, a life within the legal world was always part of his calling. He is forever grateful that CSU|LAW took a chance on him, and for the opportunity to live out his dream of being a lawyer and a judge. CSU|LAW also provided him with many friends, colleagues, and even a brother-in-law!

Judge Timothy McMonagle, Class of 1974

Judge (Retired), Ohio Court of Appeals, 8th District

Judge Tim McMonagle has spent a lifetime in service to the community. He served initially as a combat medic, who after injury, volunteered to serve on medical missions in the villages of Vietnam and as a convoy medic. He earned the Combat Medic’s Badge, and the Army Commendation Medal with first oak leaf cluster. Upon graduation from law school, he first served as a felony attorney with the Legal Aid Public Defender’s Office. Subsequently he engaged in the private practice of law, ultimately leaving for the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas bench, the Mental Health Court, and the Ohio Court of Appeals for a combined 28 years. He was recently inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.

Vicki Plata

Budget Director (Retired), CSU|LAW; Associate, Cleveland State University

Vicki Plata began her career at Cleveland State University the day after graduating in 1971 with a BA degree. She worked 15 years in various university offices before coming to work at CSU|LAW in 1986, beginning a 21-year tenure. From her first days on the job, she realized she had come to a special place in the University – that this College was about providing an opportunity to people who might not have become law students. She saw faculty and staff work hard for student success, and the students respond by becoming fervently supportive alumni. As Budget Director, she interacted with all departments, many student organizations, and served on several law school committees. As a member of the Art Committee, she found the atrium mobile in pieces in a storeroom and donated the funds to have it restored and rehung in the atrium in honor of her father. Her University leadership included serving as President of the Professional Staff Organization, Co-Chair of the Faculty Staff Fundraising Appeal, Treasurer of the Howe Mansion Restoration Committee, and member of the University Fiscal Officers and HR Liaison Committees. Upon retirement, she and her husband Jack established an endowment to purchase law library materials that later expanded to include support for the faculty research material allowance. In retirement, she has kept her connection to the University by serving as President, Vice President, and Treasurer of the CSU Retirees Association. She also has been a men’s basketball season ticketholder for over 30 years, she volunteers with the Cleveland Metroparks as a trail ambassador, and she cantors and sings in the choir of her parish.

Callista Puchmeyer, Class of 2007 Chief Counsel, Glenn Research Center, NASA

Callista Puchmeyer is the chief counsel of NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, where she provides expert legal advice to Glenn’s Center Director and other senior leaders. She also manages Glenn’s Office of the General Counsel, a diverse legal staff that advises Glenn clients on a broad spectrum of federal matters. She has over 20 years of professional experience, which includes more than 15 years of legal experience with both private industry and the U.S. government. Puchmeyer has successfully defended a myriad of complex legal matters before federal administrative and judicial bodies. Prior to her current assignment, Puchmeyer served as Glenn’s Deputy Chief Counsel from 2015 through 2018. She came to Glenn in 2011 as an Attorney Advisor. Before joining NASA, Puchmeyer was an attorney in the corporate and securities group of Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP. A Cleveland native, Puchmeyer earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in political science from Ohio University (magna cum laude, 2004) as well as a law degree from CSU|LAW (cum laude, 2007). She completed the Federal Executive Institute’s Leadership for a Democratic Society Program in 2018 and the Diversity Center’s LeadDIVERSITY program in 2017. Callista lives in Westlake with her husband and five daughters. In her free time, she enjoys playing sand volleyball, competing in powerlifting events, and watching her daughters play a variety of sports.

Rob Remington, Class of 1988

Partner, National Litigation Area and Construction Practice Group

Chair, Hahn Loeser

Rob Remington is a Partner and career-long Member of Hahn Loeser. He is the national Chair of the firm’s Litigation Area and a long-standing Member of the Board of Directors. Rob founded the firm’s Construction Practice Group, which is recognized by Best Lawyers as a Tier 1 National Practice Group and by the Construction Executive Magazine, a respected industry publication, as a Top 50 Construction Practice Group in the United States. For over 20 consecutive years, Rob has also been recognized as a top construction lawyer by Chambers USA, Best Lawyers, and Ohio Super Lawyers. He maintains a national legal practice with a focus on complex commercial, construction, and real estate litigation that represents a wide range of clients, including a number of national Fortune 500 clients. According to Chambers USA, clients describe Rob as a “Class A” trial lawyer. Rob served in the leadership of the American Bar Association, Section of Litigation for over a decade, and is the former Co-Chair of the ABA Construction Litigation and Real Estate Litigation Committees. Rob received his undergraduate degree from Rochester Institute of Technology, and his law degree from CSU|LAW where he was Managing Editor of the Law Review.

Daniel A. Richards, Class of 1992 Managing Partner, Weston Hurd, LLP

Daniel A. Richards is the Managing Partner of the Ohio-based law firm, Weston Hurd LLP, and is a proud graduate of CSU|LAW Class of ’92, where he was Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Law and Health. Dan has over 30 years of first chair trial and appellate court experience, representing businesses, hospitals, healthcare professionals, attorneys, manufacturers, construction companies, retailers, and the insurance industry throughout Ohio and the United States. Within the legal community, he is the treasurer of the Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys (OACTA), former chair of OACTA’s Appellate Section, and former chair of its Medical Malpractice Section. In 2019, Dan was honored to serve as Co-Chair of the inaugural Ladder Down Cleveland program for women attorneys focused on leadership, business development, and mentoring. An AV-rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell, he is listed in the Best Lawyers in America® and has been named an Ohio Rising Star and Ohio Super Lawyer on numerous occasions. Dan and his wife Amy reside in Solon and are the proud parents of three adult children, Sarah, Ben, and Lily.

Rev. Dr. Stephen Rowan, Class of 1980

Senior Pastor, Bethany Baptist Church

Reverend Stephen Rowan serves as Senior Pastor of Bethany Baptist Church. He succeeded his late father, Rev. Dr. Albert T. Rowan, who served Bethany and the community for 35 years. Located in Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood, its mission is to be “God’s People, Doing God’s Business, God’s Way.” With a focus on spiritual, emotional, and physical health, Bethany attempts to serve the community through a variety of ministries and partnerships with the help of their storefront resource/referral center “Kingdom Korner.”

He is a former Chair of the Board of Directors at The Cleveland Foundation, where he previously served as a Program Officer. He served Cuyahoga County for 16 years as Deputy Administrator and Director of Operations for the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging. He is a former partner with the law firm of Ulmer & Berne. Over the years he has served on hospital boards, and numerous committees and task forces seeking to build and sustain healthy communities. A member of several Ministerial Alliances and Bar Associations, he currently serves on The Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and the Cleveland Clinic Ethics Committee.

Roger M. Synenberg, Class of 1977

Principal, Synenberg & Associates, LLC

Roger Synenberg committed his career to fighting for the rights of the accused, trying over 100 trials to verdict. Following his service as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, Roger entered private practice at Synenberg & Associates. Every lawyer ever hired by his firm was a graduate of CSU|LAW. Roger’s trial skills were recognized with invitations to be a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Society of Barristers, and the American Board of Criminal Lawyers. He was recognized by his contemporaries in the Cuyahoga Criminal Defense Attorneys Association with the John P. Butler Lifetime Achievement Award, and Scene Magazine chose Roger as the best criminal defense attorney in Northeastern Ohio. During his career he devoted his time and resources to many civic and community organizations, provided pro bono legal services to those in need, and served on several non-profit boards. He also served on the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections for fifteen years, including eight as its chairman. Roger is the proud husband of Judge Joan Synenberg and the proud father of Eric Synenberg, both graduates of CSU|LAW.

Frederick Widen, Class of 1981 Partner, UB Greensfelder, LLP

A lifetime Clevelander and a 1975 summa cum laude graduate of Cleveland State University, Fred Widen went on to earn his JD from CSU|LAW, magna cum laude, in 1981. Fred concentrates his practice on representing businesses and individuals in taxation, real estate, general business, and succession matters. He is a certified specialist of Federal Taxation Law by the Ohio State Bar Association, and a Fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel. Fred is also a frequent writer and speaker on complex tax law matters. Often honored for his legal skill, Fred has earned recognition from Chambers USA and is ranked in the highest band for Tax Law. He’s been recognized by Super Lawyers and has been consistently named to The Best Lawyers in America® for Tax Law, Litigation & Controversy–Tax, and Trusts & Estates since 2005. Fred has been actively involved with CSU|LAW since graduating. He was a Board Member and past President of the CSU|LAW Alumni Association. He currently serves on the law school’s Board of Visitors and is an honorary board member of the CSU Law Alumni Association. Since 2015, Fred has volunteered as a guest lecturer for a Tax 1 course at the law school.

2024 Leader on the Rise Award

Drew Odum, Class of 2010 Senior Legal Counsel – Litigation, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company

Drew Odum is Senior Legal Counsel at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company where he provides litigation counsel. Drew grew up in Cleveland, attended Cornell University, then worked as a fifth-grade teacher before attending law school. In law school, he externed with the Honorable Melody Stewart at the 8th District Court of Appeals. He then worked for Tucker Ellis LLP focusing on product liability, admiralty & maritime law, toxic torts, and general litigation. Drew also serves as an adjunct professor at Case Western Reserve School of Law. In the community, Drew has been a trusted advisor on boards including The Center for Arts-Inspired Learning, Co-Chair of the Cleveland Early College High School Advisory Board, member of the Cleveland High School for Digital Arts Advisory Board, CSU|LAW School Dean’s Advisory Board, CSU|LAW School Alumni Minority Outreach Committee, and has served as a 3Rs volunteer. Drew mentors informally and formally through the CSU|LAW’s Alumni Mentorship program, CMBA Louis Stokes Scholars program, CMBA Minority Clerkship program, College Now Greater Cleveland, and the Legal Counsel on Legal Diversity’s mentorship program. Drew regularly volunteers with his Goodyear colleagues to support Community Legal Aid and the Akron Foodbank.

Past Leader on the Rise Award Recipients

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.

2018

Alana Jochum ’10

2019 Brandon Cox ’12

Kimberly Kendall Corral ’12

Frank, we know that our dad Leon Plevin loved you like a son. We cherish our relationship with you and your family.

We are so impressed by all the wonderful things you have accomplished over the years.

Congratulations on your induction into the CSU College of Law Hall of Fame!

All our

love,

The Plevin Family

C LEVELAND STATE

U NIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF LAW

H ALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

- C SU |LAW Class of 1981

- Member, Hall of Fame Class of 2017

- Special Advisor for Business Affairs, Cleveland State University

- Leader in Residence

- Co-Founder, P. Kelly Tompkins

Leadership and Law Program

- Joni H. Wasserman from the Steven L. Wasserman Memorial Scholarship Fund

CSU|LAW Hall of Fame Members

deceased

Ann Aber ’03

Russell T. Adrine ’54* Ann-Marie Ahern ’98

Judge Francis M. Allegra ’81*

Dean Linda L. Ammons

Judge Joseph A. Artl ’22*

Awatef Assad ’95

Mark Avsec ’95

Professor Emerita Susan J. Becker ’83

Alfred A. Benesch*

Judge Ann Aldrich* *

Mary Ann Bagus ’82*

Magistrate Judge Joseph W. Bartunek III ’55*

Teresa Metcalf Beasley ’92

Mayor Newton D. Baker*

Brett P. Barragate ’96

Judge Ronald B. Adrine ’73

Steve Auvil ’93

Tony Asher ’63

Joyce E. Barrett ’71

* deceased

Professor J. Patrick Browne*

Judge Lillian W. Burke ’51* Nona M. Burney, Ph.D. ’81*

Judge Annette Garner Butler ’70*

Judge Patricia A. Blackmon ’75

Elizabeth M. Boyer ’47*

Jason R. Bristol ’00

Judge Christopher A. Boyko ’79

Terry Billups ’05

Robert T. Bennett ’67*

Dean Charles S. Bentley*

Nancy L. Berardinelli-Krantz ’02

Sheryl King Benford ’79

Kay E. Benjamin

David P. Burke ’80

Judge Jean Murrell Capers ’45* Charles V. Carr ’26*

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

Judge Salvatore R. Calandra ’51*

Judge Patrick Carroll ’77

CSU|LAW Hall of Fame Members (cont)

* deceased

Frank T. Cullitan ’06*

Louise P. Dempsey ’81

Justice Michael P. Donnelly ’91

John Deaver Drinko*

William J. Corrigan ’15*

Joseph G. Corsaro ’82

Timothy J. Cosgrove ’87

Colleen M. Cotter

Chief Judge James C. Connell ’18*

Anthony J. Coyne ’87

Chief Magistrate

Gregory F. Clifford ’80

State Representative

William H. Clifford ’02*

Michael L. Climaco ’72

Professor Emeritus Hyman Cohen

Tim L. Collins ’85

Judge C. Ellen Connally ’70

Chief Justice

Frank D. Celebrezze, Jr. ’56*

Judge Genevieve Cline ’21*

John S. Cipolla ’89

Judge John J. Donnelly ’69

Hall of F ame

Abe H. Dudnik ’27*

Carol G. Emerling ’55

Charles R. Emrick, Jr. ’58*

Judge Eleanor Farina ’25* José C. Feliciano, Sr. ’75

Professor Joel Jay Finer*

Judge Charles W. Fleming ’55*

Hon. George L. Forbes ’62

Gus Frangos ’82*

Sarah C. Flannery ’02

Arthur Elk ’73

Professor James T. Flaherty*

Isadore Fred Freiberger ’04*

Avery S. Friedman ’72

Adjunct Professor Gordon S. Friedman

Ian N. Friedman ’97

Georgia A. Froelich ’84

Hon. Marcia L. Fudge ’83

Judge Nancy A. Fuerst ’88

Judge Sean C. Gallagher ’89

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

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*

Tom Green ’02

Anthony J. Garofoli ’61*

Professor Emeritus Louis B. Geneva

Judge Thomas W. Gray, Sr. ’63*

Judge Mary Grossman ’12* David H. Gunning, II ’94

Bell Greve ’18*

Larry H. James ’77

Judge Leo A. Jackson ’50* Aaron Jacobson ’59*

Professor Sidney B. Jacoby* Clarence L. James, Jr. ’62*

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*

Judge Lindsay Jenkins ’02

Judge Diane J. Karpinski ’80*

Professor Emeritus Arthur R. Landever*

Dennis R. Lansdowne ’81

Brent W. Larkin ’86

Congressman Steven C. LaTourette ’79*

CSU|LAW Hall of Fame Members (cont)

* deceased

Dean David C. Meck, Jr.*

Dr. Bernice G. Miller ’51*

Norman S. Minor ’27*

U.S. Senator Frank J. Lausche ’21*

Steven B. Lesser ’79

Kenneth B. Liffman ’79

Vincent T. Lombardo ’81

State Senator Margaret A. Mahoney ’29*

Judge John M. Manos ’50*

Judge Richard M. Markus*

Daniel R. McCarthy, Sr. ’54*

James A. Lowe ’72

Lori A. Luka ‘00

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*

Erica Lazzaro ’04

Reuben M. Payne ’53

Judge Benita Y. Pearson ’95

Steven W. Percy ’79

Congressman William Edwin Minshall, Jr. ’38*

Howard D. Mishkind ’80

Dean Lizabeth A. Moody * Louise Mooney

Judge Clifton Newman ’76

Judge Donald C. Nugent ’74

Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor ’80

Judge Solomon Oliver, Jr.

David M. Paris ’78

Judge Michelle L. Paris ’84

Professor Howard L. Oleck*

Lawrence O. Payne ’23*

Jennifer Mountcastle ’00

Colleen M. O’Neil ’96

Joseph J. Morford

Sandra M. Natran

Patrick J. Perotti ’82

CSU|LAW Hall of Fame Members (cont)

* deceased

Susan Petersen ’97

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

Judy and Robert H. Rawson, Jr.

Edwin C. Reminger ’22*

Renee Tramble Richard ’88

William T. Plesec ’71

Richard T. Reminger, Sr. ’57

Kenneth C. Ricci ’86

Karen E. Rubin ’85

Timothy J. Russert ’76*

Honorable Basil M. Russo ’72

Judge John J. Russo ’92

Thomas J. Scanlon ’63*

President Michael Schwartz*

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*

Mark A. Smolik ’87

Isam Salah ’76

Dean Emeritus Steven R. Smith

Barbara K. Roman ’77

Professor Emeritus

Alan Miles Ruben*

Judge Michael J. Ryan ’96

James Sammon ’94

Edna C. Shalala ’52*

Stephen G. Sozio ’83

CSU|LAW Hall of Fame Members (cont)

* deceased

Justice Melody J. Stewart ’88

Mayor Carl B. Stokes ’56* Congressman Louis Stokes ’53*

Carter E. Strang ’84

Mary Strassmeyer ’81*

Justice Francis E. Sweeney, Sr. ’63*

Elsie Tarcai ’42* & Violet Tarcai ’43*

Frances Tetlak ’21* Donna Zapis Thomas ’87

Marilyn Tobocman ’83* Stanley E. Tolliver, Sr. ’53* P. Kelly Tompkins ’81

Richard P. Stovsky ’83

Judge Joan Synenberg ’87

James A. Thomas ’63

Legal Writing Professor Emerita Barbara J. Tyler ’89

Justice Leonard Stern ’26*

Dean Wilson G. Stapleton ’34*

Dean Emeritus Steven H. Steinglass

Carl L. Stern ’66

Maria Spangler ’06

* deceased

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*

Sonali B. Wilson

Marie Remington Wing ’26* Sonia Winner ’90

Bertram L. Wolstein ’53* Iris S. Wolstein

Margaret W. Wong

Leonard D. Young ’74

Xenophon “Xen” Zapis ’54*

Adjunct Professor David C. Weiner

Assistant Dean Gary R. Williams ’84

F. Scott Wilson ’81

Dean Willis Vickery* Hazel Mountain Walker ’19*

Stephen E. Walters ’83

Judge Lesley Brooks Wells ’74

In memory of Gus Frangos who loved his CSU|LAW School

Congratulations to all this year’s inductees to the CSU|LAW Hall of Fame in 2024.

- The Entire Frangos Family

Your Time Your Place

CLEVELAND METROPARKS

Cleveland Metroparks would like to congratulate Chief Legal & Ethics Officer, Rose Fini, for her induction into the Cleveland State University College of Law Hall of Fame.

Congratulations to the 2024 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

Congratulations to Kim Bixenstine, Brent Buckley, and Roger Synenberg for their induction into the 2024 Hall of Fame.

Dick Pogue CSU|LAW HOF Member

Congratulations friends and colleagues Kim Bixenstine, Brent Buckley and Roger Synenberg.

Great to see you in the Hall of Fame!

Thanks for your leadership,

- Steve and Laura Sozio

Julie Crocker Partner to Julie Crocker on being inducted into the CSU|LAW Hall of Fame.

Celebrating Excellence

UB Greensfelder is proud to congratulate our Partner Frederick N. Widen and all of the CSU College of Law 2024 Hall of Fame inductees on this distinguished honor. Your leadership and outstanding dedication consistently raises the bar in our legal community and inspires us each day.

Our business begins with you.®

The Cleveland State University Law Alumni Association congratulates all 2024 Hall of Fame Honorees, with special recognition to CSULAA luminaries

BRENT BUCKLEY

Class of 1982

Honorary Trustee

HON. NANCY R. MCDONNELL*

Class of 1985

Past ARL Honoree

* Deceased

KEVIN BUTLER

Class of 2001

Past-President 2015-16

HON. TIMOTHY MCMONAGLE

Class of 1974

Past ARL Honoree

MATTHEW CRAWFORD

Class of 1994

Past ARL Honoree

REV. DR. STEPHEN ROWAN

Class of 1980

Past ARL Honoree

FRANK L. GALLUCCI III

Class of 2000

Honorary Trustee

Past ARL Honoree

FREDERICK WIDEN

Class of 1981

Past-President 1998-99

CSULAA’s

2025 Annual

Recognition Luncheon honoring:

Stacey McKinley, CSU|LAW 1997

Judge Michelle Sheehan, CSU|LAW 1993

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Hotel Cleveland

SAVETHEDATE

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

Buckley King is proud that our co-founder and managing partner, Brent Buckley, is being inducted into the CSU|LAW Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes Brent’s outstanding contributions to the legal profession and his lasting impact on the community.

As a visionary leader, his lifetime of service and accomplishments reflect the very best of CSU|LAW, building on its powerful legacy.

Congratulations, Brent, on this well-deserved recognition. Thank you for setting a standard of excellence and for inspiring us all.

216.363.1400 I buckleyking.com

Congratulations from the Bashein & Bashein Law Firm to all of the 2024 CSU Hall of Fame Inductees!

Congratulations to this year's CSU|LAW Hall of Fame inductees

We’re proud to honor you for making a difference in the legal field, in your community, and in the lives of the people you serve.

The Essence of EnnisCourt

Dedication and commitment to dignity, care, compassion, comfort and kindness

Through our holistic approach, we nourish the complete person – mind, body, and spirit – in a sensory stimulating community of faith. Residents are truly at home in a sanctuary of peace where dignity, choice and individuality are sacred, while rehabilitative and rejuvenating therapies help them to maximize independence and experience personal growth.

Families play an integral role in partnership with our caregiving team, forming a lifelong bond with EnnisCourt and creating cherished moments and lasting memories.

While people of all faiths are welcome, EnnisCourt is deeply committed to supporting the traditions of the Catholic faith. Dedicated priests provide pastoral services that guide residents on their spiritual journey, celebrating Mass and administering sacraments that bring healing, reconciliation and peace.

Patrice Campbell, LNHA Administrator/President

“Blessed

Lighting the way – today and every day.

Welcome to the newest deserving class of

On behalf of Tom Green (HOF ’23) and everyone at Kastner Westman & Wilkins, LLC:

Congratulations on your induction!

Con g ratulations to all the new members of the CSU Law Hall of Fame

Dennis R. Lansdowne (‘81) &

Nicholas A. DiCello (‘02)

Justice Stewart became the first African American woman to be elected to the Ohio Supreme Court. She is the most educated and the most experienced appellate jurist serving on the Ohio Supreme Court. Justice Stewart is a proud CSU Law Hall of Fame Member, inducted in 2017.

Congratulations to UB Greensfelder Partner Fred Widen, the honorees, and current students.

KEEP REACHING FOR THE STARS!!

Robin M. Wilson ‘96

Congratulations

Judge Cassandra Collier-Williams on your induction to the CSU|LAW Hall Of Fame

From

- Judge Deborah M. Turner

- Judge Shiela Turner-McCall

- Magistrate Anthony T. Parker

- Mr. Yao A. Williams, II

- And the Friends of Cassandra Collier-Williams

Congratulations from Team Weston to all of the 2024 CSU College of Law Honorees!

Congratulations to the 2024 inductees!

Especially Fred Widen, yet another inductee from the amazing Class of 1981!

- F. Scott Wilson ’81 (2020 Inductee) and Holly Wilson ’81

Hall of F ame .

2024 Induction Ceremony • Friday, November 1, 2024

Welcome

CSU|LAW Dean Lee Fisher

God Bless America and Anything Is Possible

Ashley Nemeh ’21

Opening Remarks

Cleveland State University President Laura Bloomberg

Dean Lee Fisher

Presentation of 2024 Leader on the Rise Award

Delanté Spencer Thomas ’16, 2023 Leader on the Rise

2024 Hall of Fame Video Presentation

Induction Ceremony

Presenters:

Ann Aber ’03, Member, Hall of Fame

Justice Michael P. Donnelly ’91, Member, Hall of Fame

Judge Benita Y. Pearson ’95, Member, Hall of Fame

Justice Melody J. Stewart ’88, Member, Hall of Fame

Closing Remarks

Dean Lee Fisher

Hall of F ame .

Our Sponsors

Sponsorships received between 10/19/24 and 10/27/24 listed in this insert.

Attorney General

• Anonymous Scholarship Circle

• Louise P. Dempsey ‘81, Member, HOF

Friend Circle

• Bethany Baptist Church

• The Frey Family

• Shapiro, Shapiro & Shapiro

• Sutter O’Connell Attorneys

Brett ’96, Member, HOF and Dana Barragate ’95

Congratulations to the 2024 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!

Judge Patricia A. Blackmon

CSU|LAW Class of 1975

1996 Law Alumni Recognition Award

2017 Hall of Fame

2018 Honorary Doctor of Law

Thank You!

CSU

Hall of F ame .

Our 2024 CSU|LAW Hall of Fame Induction Celebration is a success due to the support of many people. Dean Lee Fisher and our Advancement Department would like to extend a grateful thank you to the following alumni, students, faculty, and staff who helped make this event special.

Selection Committee

While membership is anonymous, we would like to thank each committee member for their hard work and dedication in selecting our outstanding 2024 Honorees. It was a difficult job!

Logistics Committee

Kyle Akins

Jackie Blanc

Cameron Dawson

Eric Domanski

Holli Goodman

Jill Natran

Rosemary Nugent

Nicole Roberts

Elaine Terman

Rick Zhang

Student Ambassadors

Mustafa Abu-Kaud

Reece Barnett

Lauren Bayer

Joshua A. Brown

Taylor Bush

Ivan Conard

Jeffrey Brannigan

Marshall Farber

Caylan Fazio

Clyde Gagnier

Matthew Harders

Caitlin Harrington

Amber Henderson

Brianna Hunter

Selah Ingram

Sophie Kormos

Hall of Fame Volunteers

Barbara Andelman

Sarah Beznoska

Allison Bolt

Amanda Borngen

Brandilyn Cook

Layla Davis

Joseph Dempsey

Nick DeSantis

Prof. Kevin Garewal

Holly Lloyd

Leo Morgan

Annaliese Nunes

Lila Robinson

Sam Santavicca

Alan Schiess

Skyler Stewart

Victoria Szep

Jeff Harris

Konrad Hodgeman

Jenna Hosier

Nida Imam

Logan Kijewski

Jack Martin

Cheryll McCarty

Sarah Nour

Hannah Nussle

Ayomide Olusanya

Ashley Pandy

Jessica Pringle

Emma Prusha

Patricia Riley

Sue Slimak

John Templeman

Hallie Wiglusz

Deedra Thompson

Charles Volz

Maeve Walsh

Grace Warren

Tess Willmott

Thank you to Sarah Zeytoun, Ron Goldfarb, Tony Weber and their team at Goldfarb Weber Creative Media for our 2024 Hall of Fame Video.

Special thanks to our Board of Visitors and the CSU Law Alumni Association for their continued support.

2024 CSU|LAW Hall of Fame Program & Insert Agenda

125 YEARS of Living Justice, Living Leadership

2004

2018

2019

Hall of F ame . CSU

Induction Celebration

2024 HONOREES:

Dean’s Message

Dean Lee Fisher

How Honorees are Selected

Who is eligible for the CSU|LAW Hall of Fame?

Must an honoree be a CSU|LAW graduate?

________ deserves to be in the CSU|LAW Hall of Fame. Why wasn’t _________ chosen?

Who made the selections?

What were the specific selection criteria?

Who is eligible for the Leader on the Rise Award?

CSU

Hall of F ame .

Our

Sponsors

Dean’s Circle

125 Society

Attorney General

Firm Founder

Managing Partner

Scholarship Circle

Friend Circle

Hall of F ame . CSU

2024 Honorees

Kim Bixenstine

Leader-in-Residence

Brent Buckley, Class of 1982

Kevin Butler, Class of 2001 Counsel, McDonald Hopkins, LLC

Judge Cassandra Collier-Williams, Class of 1990 Judge, Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas

Matthew Crawford, Class of 1994

Chairman & CEO, ParkOhio Industries

Julie Crocker, Class of 2006 Partner, Taft Law

Ronda Curtis, Class of 1992

Chief Corporate Counsel (Retired), City of Cleveland Law Department

Rosalina Fini, Class of 1994

Chief Legal and Ethics Officer, Cleveland Metroparks

Frank L. Gallucci III, Class of 2000

Partner, Plevin & Gallucci Co., L.P.A

Mary Groth, Class of 1983

Edward T. Haggins, Class of 1966

Jacqueline A. Johnson, Class of 1983

First Assistant, Federal Public Defender, Northern District of Ohio

Gertrude Bauer Mahon, Class of 1940 (deceased)

Judge Nancy R. McDonnell, Class of 1985 (deceased)

Judge William T. McGinty, Class of 1979

Judge Timothy McMonagle, Class of 1974

Judge (Retired), Ohio Court of Appeals, 8th District

Vicki Plata

Budget Director (Retired), CSU|LAW; Associate, Cleveland State University

Callista Puchmeyer, Class of 2007 Chief Counsel, Glenn Research Center, NASA

Rob Remington, Class of 1988

Daniel A. Richards, Class of 1992 Managing Partner, Weston Hurd, LLP

Rev. Dr. Stephen Rowan, Class of 1980

Senior Pastor, Bethany Baptist Church

Roger M. Synenberg, Class of 1977

Principal, Synenberg & Associates, LLC

Frederick Widen, Class of 1981 Partner, UB Greensfelder, LLP

2024 Leader on the Rise Award

Drew Odum, Class of 2010 Senior Legal Counsel – Litigation, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company

Past Leader on the Rise Award Recipients

C LEVELAND STATE

U NIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF LAW

H ALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

CSU|LAW Hall of Fame Members

CSU|LAW Hall of Fame Members (cont)

Hall of F ame

CSU|LAW Hall of Fame Members (cont)

CSU|LAW Hall of Fame Members (cont)

CSU|LAW Hall of Fame Members (cont)

CSU|LAW Hall of Fame Members (cont)

Your Time Your Place

CLEVELAND METROPARKS

Celebrating Excellence

deserves to be in the CSU|LAW Hall of Fame. Why wasn’t _ chosen?