ONCE IN A

CENTURY

BY ELLEN LYNCH | PHOTOS BY NANCY MARTIN & JOANNE LEE

Top: Representing the Class of 2001 with style are (l to r): Greg Sehestedt, Andrea Shaheen ’01, Dana Brady Strader ’01, Patrick Strader ’01, Matthew Cebrian ’01, and Natasha Fastabend. Bottom Left: Alumni enjoyed a moment on the stage during the celebration. Front, from left, Anne Seery ’05, Kristin Love Boscia ’08, Melissa Dague O’Connell ’03. Back, John Delfino ’06, Chris Boscia ’08, Patrick Graber ’05, and Simon O’Connell ’05. Bottom Right: Katharine and George Alexander, professor emeritus and former dean.

Top: Dean Donald J. Polden and his wife, Susie. Bottom: Jean Pennypacker, Santa Clara Law Professor Eric Wright, Patricia White ’78, Philip Pennypacker ’72, and Santa Clara Law Professor Nancy Wright ’80.

The Santa Clara Law community came out in style at The Fairmont Hotel in San Jose on Saturday, September 10, 2011, in honor of the law school’s first 100 years. Nearly 700 alumni and friends traveled from places as far away as Florida and Alaska to be a part of this special night. “I flew in mid-day Saturday from Miami and had to go back early Sunday morning,” said Mario Cano ’78. “But I flew all that way because the Gala was a once-in-a-lifetime event not to be missed. I enjoyed every part of the evening.”

Current law students and recent law graduates graciously served as Welcome Ambassadors for alumni, guests, and friends as the hotel became the scene for an evening to remember. Welcomed with a glass of wine or the evening’s signature drink, the “Centini,” party-goers were treated to a gallery exhibit of historical photos from treasured moments in the life of the law school. Santa Clara Law celebrities such as Fr. Paul Goda, S.J., Deans Gerry Uelmen and George Alexander, and alumni Jerry Smith ’65 and the Hon. Ed Panelli ’55 were captured autographing their classic photo images. T he evening was sold out thanks to the efforts made by alumni volunteers serving on the Centennial Committee, co-chaired by Ted Biagini, and the Law Alumni Board. In addition to tremendous support from alumni firms and sponsors, tables were filled with reunion year celebrants as well as individuals from every living decade. Master of Ceremonies, Dean Donald J. Polden, entertained guests with a 100-year retrospective program that included memorable tributes to past deans by faculty members Ken Manaster, Ellen Kreitzberg, and Allen Hammond. Professors Cynthia Mertens and Robert Peterson shared alumni reflections and memorial tributes to centennial co-chair, the late Mary B. Emery ’63. T he evening was full of laughter, tears, and wonderful conversations as guests dined and danced the night away.

A special thanks to Gala Chair, Bill Clayton ’74, and the members of the law school staff and Centennial Committee for their dedication and efforts in making this the Party of the Century! For more Gala photos, visit law.scu.edu/100.

Above left: Anthony Bennetti ’71 and his wife, Barbara. Above right: Thomas Castelazo ’64 and his wife, Margaret, arrive at the Fairmont Hotel with Gary Giannini ’64 and his wife, Susan. Right: Santa Clara Law Professor Bob Peterson cuts loose on the dance floor. Below left: three of the Class of ’80 women in attendance were Kathy Sure, Susan Smith, and Laura Best LaPorte. Below right: Martha and Gerry Uelmen, Santa Clara Law professor and former dean.

Above: Sal Liccardo ’61, Mary Alexander ’82, and Laura Liccardo.

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