Reunion Class Giving

Classes of '53, '58 and '68 surpass their goals

Richard M.English '53, Joyce Crawford and Hilary P.Bradford '53

Three UB Law School classes celebrating reunions this year commemorated the events by raising more than $142,000 for their alma mater.

The Class of '53, which was celebrating 55 years out, set a goal of $55,000. Retired lawyers Dick "Bulldog" English and Hilary Bradford led the effort. They rallied their classmates to meet the challenge of an anonymous donor from the class: if the class raised half of the total goal, he would donate the other half. They surpassed their goal by raising a total of $61,510, one of the largest class gifts in the Law School's history.

Left to right: Dr. Charles S. Telly '58, Ginny Amico, Hon. Michael A. Amico '58 and Hon. Glenn R. Morton '58

"We started slowly," said English, "but by the end of the campaign we hit pay dirt. We are pleased to have surpassed our goal. We did a great job!" Bradford echoed English's thoughts, saying, "I am delighted we were able to achieve our goal. With the way things are in New York State right now, private giving is more imperative than ever."

The Class of '58, which was celebrating its 50-year reunion, surpassed its goal as well. Reunion attendees learned then that $58,400 was given or committed, exceeding the goal of $50,000. Hon. Michael Amico, a former sheriff of Erie County who chaired the effort, said he hopes his class will be an example for future classes to follow.

Left to right: Kenneth S.Kirsner '68, Susan Conklin and Robert B.Conklin '68

The Class of '68, which was celebrating its 40-year reunion, raised more than $20,000 for the Law School and focused efforts on increasing the participation rate. The goal was 40 percent class participation. They surpassed that with 41 percent participation. Co-chairs were Andrew Feldman and Michael R. Wolford. Feldman is founding partner of Feldman, Kieffer & Herman, LLP of Buffalo. Wolford is managing partner of The Wolford Law Firm LLP, of Rochester, N.Y.