DU-Lawyer Summer 2014-FINAL[1]

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Gwendolyn Robosson and her father, ReginaldHer family has established a scholarship in her memory toprovide financial support to an incoming Duquesne law studentwho demonstrates significant financial need in combinationwith a commitment to public service and social justice. As herdaughter, Alexa, explains, “Graduating from law school at age 57was such an important achievement for my mom. She was ableto add her law degree to the tools she used to help others whowere in need. My mom was energized by meeting and learningabout people, especially those with life experiences that weredifferent from her own. My family set up the scholarship to carryon my mom’s legacy and to ensure that students who want tomake the world a better place have the opportunity to do so.” Thescholarship is open, but non-traditional students representingethnic diversity will be given strong consideration.to furthering the careers of women.” Among his more notableefforts, Robosson (1927-2007) voted for the acceptance ofwomen into Pittsburgh’s famous Duquesne Club in 1980, amoment that may seem insignificant in context with 21st centuryattitudes but one that was the source of considerable controversyat the time.The Reginald P. Robosson Law Scholarship for a Woman’sFirst Year Academic Achievement will be given to a full-time daystudent who has completed her first year in the top 20 percent ofher class. For Reginald Robosson, removing any barriers basedon gender was simply the right thing to do, and he lived a lifethat reflected that strength of character. The scholarship bearinghis name is a marvelous memorial that perpetuates his relentlessefforts toward opening doors for others.Judith A. Kasdan Memorial ScholarshipEarly in her career, Judith A. Kasdan (1946-2013) was apublic school teacher before staying at home to raise her threedaughters. She had a great passion for helping others andentered the Duquesne School of Law at age 53 to gain the toolsand knowledge to better serve those in need. Following hergraduation from the Law School in 2003, Kasdan became a publicdefender in Allegheny County. She was a tireless communityleader, serving as the president of the National Council of JewishWomen, volunteering her time to improve the children’s waitingroom at Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas’ FamilyDivision and helping victims of domestic violence, amongother worthy projects.Judith A. KasdanThe Zeno (Law 1926) and Thomas (Law 1964)Fritz Endowed ScholarshipThe Zeno and Thomas Fritz Endowed Scholarship will begiven to a law student based on need, merit and service to law.The scholarship was established by Dr. William Fritz—son ofThomas, L’64, and grandson of Zeno, L’26—and his daughter,Kristine Fritz, L’06. This is an extension of the original ZenoFritz Scholarship Award, about which his son Thomas once said,“Zeno always fought hardest for the little man who most neededsound legal representation. He was always proud of DuquesneSchool of Law and its students. As such, when he died, his friendsand family thought that an appropriate tribute to this man8 THE <strong>DU</strong>QUESNE LAWYER
would be to provide on into the future for those from Duquesnewho would someday continue down the road he traveled.” NowThomas is part of the enduring legacy.William Fritz is proud to carry on the tradition. “Myfather and my grandfather felt it was an honor to practice law, aspecial calling. And they loved Duquesne University. The Zenoand Thomas Fritz scholarship is designed to assist Duquesnein recruiting high quality students to build upon the work ofthose who came before—and to carry this honorable professionforward.”The Aaron J. DeLuca Advocacy AwardThe Aaron J. DeLuca Advocacy Award was established byalumni Michael O’Day and Rob Peirce to be given to a graduatinglaw student who represents the values so aptly demonstrated bytheir friend and classmate, Aaron DeLuca, L’95. Known as a greattrial lawyer and a community servant of unwavering integrity,DeLuca was a passionate advocate of victims of mesothelioma, afatal form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.O’Day remembers DeLuca as “a loyal friend, an extremelytalented attorney, and a wonderful father and husband to his wifeand two children. Aaron was the type of lawyer who fought everyday for the little guy who otherwise would not have had a voice inour legal system. He had an indomitable, competitive spirit thatensured his clients received a more than fair chance of obtainingjustice in our system.”Peirce adds, “This award embodies the principles of Aaron:hard work, a dedication to the underdog and a willingnessto fight for what is right.” An indefatigable work ethic inconjunction with the demonstration of career and personalpotential will be emphasized in the selection process for thisenlightened award.The Raymond F. Sekula AwardIn a gesture honoring an influential teacher and Duquesneicon, the Raymond F. Sekula Award is given by a group of formerstudents in appreciation of the longstanding, exemplary teachingand service of Dean Raymond F. Sekula, L’65. This award willbe given to the graduating student who most exemplifies thequalities of Sekula—passion for the study of law, diligence and adesire to serve others through excellence in the practice of law.Sekula began teaching in 1968, and for the next 4-1/2decades he remained a constant in the school’s evolution andgrowth—the second longest tenure of any faculty member in theRaymond F. Sekulaschool’s storied history. In addition, he served the communityand the legal profession as a member of the Pennsylvania LocalGovernment Commission, Disciplinary Hearing Board andBoard of Law Examiners, among other public service endeavors.Gail Balph Gordon, L’03, recognized the opportunity tosupport the Law School while honoring an influential professorwhose teachings continue to influence her life and career. “Since Igraduated, I’d been looking for the right vehicle for my donationsto Duquesne. The Ray Sekula Award provided the right opening,as it honors an exemplary academician, teacher and mentor. Myhusband and I were only too happy to donate the award’s seedmoney, and will not only donate for years to come, but havemade long-term provisions to sustain the award, as well.” AllDuquesne Law alumni are invited and encouraged to join in thismost deserved tribute.There are many barriers and hurdles to overcome forany aspiring law student. Financial realities can often take theforefront in these struggles, but the Duquesne School of Lawrewards a willingness to devote one’s life energy to the study oflaw by placing students in the position to recognize and pursueopportunities that will provide them with the means to traverseany obstacle, financial or otherwise. The ongoing availability ofscholarships and awards, fed and nourished by the generosity ofLaw School alumni, is just such an opportunity, one upon whichthe School of Law proudly continues to build.For more information on these and other scholarships, and to makea donation, please contact Jeanine DeBor, Director of Law AlumniRelations and Development, at deborj@duq.edu.SUMMER <strong>2014</strong> 9
Page 1 and 2: THESUMMER 2014The Duquesne Universi
Page 3 and 4: CONTENTSFEATURESLee Weidman’s Pag
Page 5 and 6: On a different note, I’d like to
Page 7 and 8: Westinghouse represented a myriad o
Page 9: A Passion for Giving:New Scholarshi
Page 13 and 14: emember things but must remember wh
Page 15 and 16: LAW SCHOOL NEWSNew Family Law Clini
Page 17 and 18: Marking Higher EducationJacob H. Ro
Page 19 and 20: FACULTY ACHIEVEMENTSSteven Baicker-
Page 21 and 22: Ronald J. RicciPUBLICATIONS/ARTICLE
Page 23 and 24: Mayor Bill PedutoClass of 1973 rece
Page 25 and 26: CLASS ACTIONS1961Peter Vaira was ap
Page 27 and 28: Amanda H. Sargent was promoted tome
Page 29 and 30: Daniel R. Schimizzi accepted a posi
Page 31 and 32: 2013 AlumniReceptionsPittsburgh, Pa
Page 33 and 34: STUDENT BRIEFSTrial AdvocacyDuquesn
Page 35 and 36: The Trayvon Martin Case: Was Justic
Page 37 and 38: Corporate Law SocietyOn Jan. 16, th
Page 39 and 40: ENERGY & MINERAL LAW LUNCH & LEARN:

DU-Lawyer Summer 2014-FINAL[1]

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