The University of Connecticut Law School Alumni Association will be honoring Curtis Tearte ’78 with the Distinguished Graduate Award next month. Tearte currently serves as vice chairman of the Brandeis Board of Trustees and formerly served on the board of the University of Connecticut Law School Foundation. He is also the chairman and founder of the Tearte Family Foundation. Tearte took on numerous executive roles at IBM, which he worked at for 30 years, and is known as a business transformation technology leader. The award will be presented virtually during LSAA’s Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner on October 13, 2020.
Alumni Notes
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Michelle Duprey ’93 honored with Public Service Award
The University of Connecticut Law School Alumni Association will be honoring Michelle Duprey ’93 with the Public Service Award next month. Duprey, who is a leader in ADA compliance in Connecticut, has been director of the Department of Services for Persons with Disabilities for the City of New Haven for more than 20 years. She is a longtime member of the Connecticut Bar Association’s Labor and Employment section and has served as chair of the Human Rights and Responsibilities section. The award will be presented virtually during LSAA’s Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner on October 13, 2020.
Teri Dennis-Davies ’98 Appointed Senior VP
Maple Leaves Sports & Entertainment has hired Teri Dennis-Davies ’98 as their senior vice-president of equity, diversity, and inclusion, the company announced September 16, 2020. Dennis-Davies spent the last 14 years with the Royal Bank of Canada, most recently as the vice-president of employee relations. She will start her new position on October 19, 2020.
Je’Quana Orr ’18 to Present at CBA Webinar
Je’Quana Orr ’18 will co-present the Connecticut Bar Association’s webinar, “Women and the Legal Profession over the Decades”, during the Connecticut Legal Conference. The event will be held on September 16, 2020 and will discuss how the legal profession has changed as it relates to women, what still needs to be done for women in the profession, and how to further gear the legal profession toward inclusivity and diversity.
David Rosado ’07 Joins Rose Kallor
David Rosado ’07 is joining the Hartford-based law firm, Rose Kallor, the firm announced in September, 2020. Rosado, the former Hartford Police Chief, will work with clients in the public and private sectors on compliance with state laws.
Elvis Candelario ’08 Named Equal Justice Works Elder Justice Program Fellow
Elvis Candelario ’08 has been named a 2020 Equal Justice Works Elder Justice Program Fellow by Equal Justice Works. As such, Candelario will spend the year working for the New York Legal Assistance Group.
Two UConn Law Alumni Join Willinger, Willinger, & Bucci P.C.
Christopher Cerami ’13 and Heidi McGee ’92 have joined the Shelton, Connecticut-based firm Willinger, Willinger, & Bucci P.C. as associates, the firm announced August 21, 2020.
James A. Lenes ’91 Promoted to Partner at Willinger, Willinger & Bucci
The Shelton, Connecticut-based law firm Willinger, Willinger & Bucci announced they have promoted attorney James A. Lenes ’91 to partner August 21, 2020. Lenes, who is a general practice lawyer, has worked for the firm since 2010.
Christine E. Keller ’77 Confirmed to Connecticut Supreme Court
The Connecticut General Assembly’s Judiciary Committee voted on Aug. 17, 2020 to confirm the interim judicial appointment of Christine E. Keller ’77 to the Connecticut Supreme Court. Gov. Ned Lamont nominated her on July 20, 2020 to fill the vacancy left by retired Justice Richard Palmer, who also graduated in the UConn Law Class of 1977. Keller has served as a judge on the Connecticut Appellate Court since 2013. She previously served on the Superior Court beginning in 1993. The full legislature will vote on her confirmation after the next regular legislative session begins in January.
Karen Restifo ’11 Named Vice Dean at Drexel University College of Medicine
Drexel University College of Medicine has named Karen Restifo ’11 vice dean of Drexel University College of Medicine’s Tower Health campus, effective September 1, 2020. Before joining Drexel, Restifo served as associate dean of student affairs at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California.