Stories Book 2024-25

It has been a highlight of my first year as dean to meet so many of my fellow alumni and hear their fascinating personal and professional stories. The common theme running through the stories is the impact our law school had on your lives and careers. Your enthusiasm and pride for Syracuse Law showed when you shared anecdotes from class, favorite professors, and friendships forged with your classmates. These shared experiences are reflected in your continued commitment and engagement with the College.

I am happy to share a few of your stories in this magazine. You’ll learn about an amazing family, the Wolk-Gelb family, who has sent four generations to the College of Law, most recently a set of triplets that graduated this May! Speaking of the Class of 2025, you’ll read about the inspiring story of Marla Runyan L’25, a legally blind world-class athlete and now a proud Orange lawyer. We also celebrate the entire Class of 2025, the newest members of our powerful Orange Law network.

The gripping story of Jimmy Thyden González L’21, “Stolen at Birth”, illustrates how an alum is fighting for justice for victims of unthinkable adoption tragedies while connecting with his birth family. You’ll be inspired by the story of Richard Alexander L’82, a long-time Syracuse University Board of Trustees member and current Chair of our Board of Advisors, which reflects his outlook on philanthropy and other critical topics of the day. We also recognize several alumni who have received College of Law and Syracuse University awards. And yes, you’ll learn a little more about me, my background, and my vision for Syracuse Law.

These are just a few of your amazing stories. I look forward to hearing more of your accomplishments, memories, and new stories still unfolding. I encourage you to connect with your alma mater. Please consider contacting our Director of Alumni Relations Adrienne Lutz (algraves@syr.edu) to become involved, update your contact information, or to learn about the exciting programs and initiatives we are providing our students.

Thank you for staying connected, for sharing your achievements, and for continuing to embody the values and spirit that make the College of Law community special.

Warmly,

Terence Lau L’98

Dean and Professor of Law

Learn More

First-Year Law Student to First-Year Dean: Terence J. Lau L’98 Combines Law and Business to Continue Syracuse Law’s Upward Trajectory

Dean Terence J. Lau L’98 has completed his first academic year leading Syracuse Law, the first alumnus to ever do so, and his vision for the future is bold, personal, and rooted in gratitude. Looking ahead, Dean Lau is focused on expanding access to legal education, growing the JDi program, increasing scholarship support, and strengthening the Orange Law Alumni Network to power the next generation of Orange lawyers.

Cultivation of Talent and Moral Compass Guide University Trustee Richard Alexander L’82

Richard M. Alexander L’82, vice-chair of Syracuse University’s Board of Trustees, credits his legal education for shaping his values-driven leadership. As former chair of Arnold & Porter, he prioritized talent development, diversity, and public service, and now supports scholarships to help students pursue impactful legal careers.

Read Richard's Story

Gelb Triplets Represent Fourth Generation to Graduate from Syracuse Law

Nicole L'25, Robert L’25 and Matthew Gelb L’25 made Syracuse University College of Law history this May as the first-ever set of triplets to graduate together, and they did it as the fourth generation in their family to earn a law degree from Syracuse Law. From NICU fighters to future attorneys preparing for the bar in both Florida and New York, their journey continues a nearly century-long family legacy at Syracuse. Congrats to the Gelb triplets, newest members of our Powerful Orange Law Alumni Network!

Read The Gelb's Story

Stolen at Birth: Syracuse Law Alumnus Makes It His Life’s Work to Bring Justice to Families of Counterfeit Chilean Adoptions

This is the gripping story of Jimmy L. Thyden Gonzáles L’21 who recently discovered his status as a child who was stolen at birth and the various international legal responses that have taken place and continue to be pursued by Jimmy and others.

Read Jimmy's Story

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2025 Syracuse Law Honors Award Recipients

This year’s recipients have distinguished themselves for their service to the College, their communities, and the practice of law. Please join us to recognize and congratulate the 2025 Syracuse University College of Law Award recipients.

Read About the Recipients

Syracuse University Volunteer of the Year: Giving Back Strengthens our Alma Mater and Our Profession

Syracuse Law congratulates Kim Wolf Price L’03, who was recently appointed Chief Operating Officer of Bond, Schoeneck, and King PLLC, an AMLaw 200 law firm with more than 300 lawyers in 10 states. Read more about her connections to her alma mater.

Read Kim's Story

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Syracuse Law Alum Receives ‘CUSE50 Award for Founding Risk Management and Security Consulting Firm

Akmal Ali L’06 was honored with a CUSE50 Award for founding Aluma, a fast-growing risk management and security consulting firm. His legal expertise and entrepreneurial drive have positioned Aluma as a leader in tackling today’s evolving security challenges.

Read Akmal's Story

‘CUSE50 Award Presented to Syracuse Law Alumnus With Growing Firm Helping Those Injured and Enduring Loss

Syracuse Law alum Gabriel Sepulveda‑Sanchez L’11 earned a CUSE50 Award for founding Sepulveda Sanchez Accident Lawyers, a fast-growing firm helping injured clients and grieving families rebuild their lives with compassion and results.

Read Gabriel's Story

Class of ’25 College of Law Graduate to be Inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame

Legally blind since age 9, Marla Runyan L'25 has made history as both a Paralympian and Olympian, shattering records and redefining what’s possible. Today, she brings that same determination to her role as an accessibility policy leader, using her Syracuse Law degree to advance equity and inclusion across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Read Marla's Story

Frank Ryan speaks to the graduates from a podium at Law Commencement 2025, wearing regalia with his hands on the podium

Celebrating the Class of 2025 Commencement

The Class of 2025 includes 208 recipients of the J.D. degree and 24 LL.M. graduates. Frank Ryan IV ’90, L’94, the Class of 2025 Commencement Speaker, emphasized the need for resilience as graduates step into the legal profession amid a time of complexity and uncertainty.
More About Commencement

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