More than 240 graduates and friends were welcomed back to campus for a weekend of fun and friendship on October 20-21, 2023, as we celebrated Reunion and Alumni/ae Weekend.
On Friday, October 20, the Northeastern community honored the life and impact of the Honorable Nonnie Burnes ’77/’78, a trailblazer, role model and leader who graduated from Northeastern Law 45 years ago. During a panel moderated by Professor Beth Noveck, director of the Burnes Center for Social Change, friends and colleagues including the Honorable Carol Ball ’76, Elyse Cherry ’83 and Michelle Fujii ’24 reflected on how Nonnie’s values continue to move Northeastern and many communities forward.
Saturday‘s morning program opened with “Conversations With …,” featuring eight graduates who are at the top of their game in cutting-edge fields. Thank you to Jeanne Baker ’73, The Honorable Stuart Rice '78, Elyse Cherry ’83, Pam Wilmot ’88, Sunu Chandy ’98, Rana Alexander ’03, Dana Sussman ’08 and Tram Nguyen ’13 for sharing your insights.
We were honored to hear from Betty Francisco ’98, CEO of Boston Impact Initiative (BII), our keynote speaker for Saturday night’s reunion class reception, as we celebrated the classes of the 1950s, ’73, ’78, ’83, ’88, ’93, ’98, ’03, 08, ’13 and ’18. The crowd was also thrilled that Governor Maura Healey ’98 attended the festivities.
To our friends and colleagues who joined us, supported us, assisted us and celebrated with us in person and in spirit, we thank you for making the 2023 Reunion and Alumni/ae Weekend such a success. We also thank your hard-working Reunion Committees who helped us fundraise and remind classmates how fun it is to come back together.
>> View photos*
* We are continuing to build out our photo gallery. Check back soon for more photos!
Scroll down to view video highlights.
On Friday, October 20, the Northeastern community honored the life and impact of the Honorable Nonnie Burnes ’77/’78, a trailblazer, role model and leader who graduated from Northeastern Law 45 years ago.
Saturday‘s morning program opened with “Conversations With …,” featuring eight graduates who are at the top of their game in cutting-edge fields. Thank you to Jeanne Baker ’73, The Honorable Stuart Rice '78, Elyse Cherry ’83, Pam Wilmot ’88, Sunu Chandy ’98, Rana Alexander ’03, Dana Sussman ’08 and Tram Nguyen ’13. for sharing your insights.
We were delighted to welcome Betty Francisco ’98, CEO of Boston Impact Initiative (BII), as our keynote speaker for the Saturday night reception, which honored the classes of ’73, ’78, ’83, ’88, ’93, ’98, 2003, 2008, 2013 and 2018.
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Reunion and Alumni/ae Weekend Program |
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Friday, October 20, 2023 Location: Northeastern EXP, 815 Columbus Avenue, 8th Floor, Boston Closest parking is Renaissance Garage, located at 835 Columbus Ave. |
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| 5:30 to 8 PM |
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of the Hon. Nonnie S. Burnes ’77/’78
From the bar to the bench, from heading the Massachusetts Division of Insurance to providing scores of Northeastern Law students with support through the Public Interest Law Scholarship program and establishing The Burnes Center for Social Change, the Honorable Nonnie Burnes ’77/’78 was a trailblazer, role model and leader. Nonnie cared about fairness, real world change, social justice and opportunity. To honor the 45 years since Nonnie graduated from Northeastern Law and the countless lives she impacted, please join us to celebrate her contributions as well as her quest for social justice and passion for public service. Friends and colleagues who knew Nonnie well will discuss how her values continue to move Northeastern and many communities forward and the ways her legacy is influencing the present and future. As Nonnie’s friend, Elyse Cherry ’83, chief executive officer at Blue HubCapital said, “Nonnie was completely devoted to the idea that one lives one’s values. Those terrific values and the ability to be empathetic and compassionate, combined with a wonderful intellect and a strategic mind, helped her in moving so many things forward.” Welcome Remarks Recorded Remarks Moderator: Speakers: Elyse Cherry ’83 Dr. Jennifer Childs-Roshak Michelle Fujii ’24 |
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Saturday, October 21, 2023 Location: Northeastern University School of Law, 416 Huntington Ave., Dockser Hall (entrance at 65 Forsyth Street), Boston |
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| 8:15 AM | Registration and Continental Breakfast |
| 9:00 AM |
Dean’s Welcome |
| 9:15 AM |
Conversations With … Back by popular demand! Representatives from many of our celebrating class years will participate in fast-paced 15-minute conversation segments with faculty and staff members. Featuring: Jeanne Baker ’73
Veteran ACLU leader; retired from five decades of trial and appellate practice, including high-profile criminal defense, civil rights and mass products-liability cases. In conversation with: *****************
The Honorable Stuart Rice '78 In conversation with: *****************
Elyse Cherry ’83
CEO, BlueHub Capital In conversation with: *****************
Pam Wilmot ’88 In conversation with: *****************
Senior Advisor, Democracy Forward; Author of My Dear Comrades In conversation with: *****************
Rana Alexander ’03Executive Director, Standpoint In conversation with: *****************
Dana Sussman ’08Acting Executive Director, Pregnancy Justice In conversation with: *****************
Tram Nguyen ’13Massachusetts State Representative for the 18th Essex District In conversation with: |
| 11:30 AM - 1:15 PM |
Reunion Class Lunch |
| 2:00 - 3:30 PM |
Boston Duck Boat Tour
The Boston Duck Boat Tours are a great way to get around and sightsee while also spending time with your fellow alums and any family members who may be interested in joining the festivities. Spots are limited on the tour, so we recommend reserving soon. Tickets are non-refundable. |
| 6:00 - 9:00 PM |
Reunion Class Reception Join all classes as we celebrate reunions together in Northeastern’s beautiful East Village Space, located at 291 St. Botolph Street. Guests are welcome. Music will be provided by the NU Jazz Collective. Keynote remarks: We are honored to welcome Betty Francisco ’98, CEO of Boston Impact Initiative (BII), as our keynote speaker for reunions 2023. Head of BII since 2021, Betty is a business executive, impact investor and community leader with more than 24 years of experience. She is known as a powerful convener and changemaker. In 2022, Boston magazine named Betty as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Boston and the Boston Business Journal named her as a 2020 Power 50 – Extraordinary Year, Extraordinary People honoree. She is also the co-founder of Amplify Latinx, a social venture that’s building Latino economic and political power in Massachusetts. Before joining BII, Betty was general counsel at Compass Working Capital, where she oversaw its legal affairs, compliance and risk management. She serves on the boards of The Boston Foundation, Nellie Mae Education Foundation, Beth Israel Lahey Health and Roxbury Community College. Betty obtained her JD and MBA from Northeastern University, and BA in history from Bard College. Closest parking is Gainsborough Garage, located at 10 Gainsbrough Street. |
Hotel Room Block:
A block of rooms at the nearby Colonnade Hotel has been reserved for our out-of-town guests for a discounted rate. These are available on a first come, first served basis and the hotel deadline is September 29, 2023. October is one of the busiest tourist months for Boston, so we suggest you make your reservations soon by clicking this link.
Local Hotel Listings
Boston Back Bay Hilton Hotel
Prudential Stop, Green E Line
40 Dalton Street
Boston, MA 02199
617.236.1100
Colonnade Hotel
Prudential Stop, Green E Line
120 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02116
617.424.7000
Midtown Hotel
Symphony Stop, Green E Line
220 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02115
617.262.1000
Sheraton Boston
Prudential Stop, Green E Line
39 Dalton Street
Boston, MA 02199
617.236.2000
COVID Guidelines
Masking is not required on any of Northeastern’s global campuses, unless mandated by a local public health authority. Those who choose to wear masks are welcome to do so.
Reunion and Alumni/ae Weekend Highlights
Alumni/ae Weekend offers a time for connecting with old friends and making new ones, visiting campus and catching up with your favorite faculty. In addition to a gala dinner for classes celebrating their 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th and 30th class reunions, Reunion offers fun activities open to all graduates.
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Close to 300 graduates and friends were welcomed back to campus for a weekend of fun and friendship on October 21-22, 2022, as we celebrated Reunion and Alumni/ae Weekend.
- View photos of the Urvashi Vaid tribute panel
- View photos of “Conversations With”
- View photos of the Reunion Class Recpetion
Urvashi Vaid ’83 Tribute Panel
On Friday, October 21, the Northeastern Law community honored the life and impact of Urvashi Vaid ’83, a legendary leader and visionary in the fight for LGBTQ+ and civil rights, with a reception and panel discussion led by Richard Burns ’83, Kevin Cathcart ’82, Katherine Grainger ’02 and Barbara Macy ’84. A poem dedicated to Urvashi was delivered by Sunu Chandy ‘98, civil rights attorney and author of My Dear Comrades.
>> View photo gallery“Conversations With …,”
Saturday‘s morning program opened with “Conversations With …,” featuring eight graduates who are at the top of their game in cutting-edge fields. Thank you to the Honorable Janet Bond Arterton ’77, Adriane Dudley ’72, Thomas Gallitano ’87, Kyana Givens ’02, Gautam Jagannath ’12, Curtis Tucker ’97 and Leocadia Zak ’82 for sharing your insights and a special shout out to Stephanie Swanson ’12 for serving as an interviewer.
>> View photo galleryReunion Class Reception
We were honored to hear from US Attorney for Massachusetts Rachael Rollins ’97, our keynote speaker for Saturday night’s reunion class reception, as we celebrated the classes of the 1950s, ’72, ’77, ’82, ’87, ’92, ’97, ’02, 07, ’12 and ’17.
>> View photo galleryThank You!
To our friends and colleagues who joined us, supported us, assisted us and celebrated with us in person and in spirit, we thank you for making the 2022 Reunion and Alumni/ae Weekend such a success. We also thank your hard-working Reunion Committees who helped us fundraise and remind classmates how fun it is to come back together.
Get Social
To join the conversation, please add the hashtag #NUSLReunion to your tweets!
Reunion and Alumni/ae Weekend Program
Friday, October 21 | 5:30 - 6:30 PM | 240 Dockser*
Celebrating the Life and Impact of Urvashi Vaid ’83
Urvashi Vaid ’83, a legendary leader and visionary in the fight for LGBTQ+ and civil rights, died of cancer on May 14 at her home in New York City. Join us for a panel and reception in celebration of her life and accomplishments. A poem dedicated to Urvashi will be delivered by Sunu Chandy ‘98, civil rights attorney and author of My Dear Comrades. (@sunuchandy)
Panelists:
- Richard Burns ’83, Interim Executive Director, Johnson Family Foundation (@JohnsonFamFound)
- Kevin Cathcart ’82, Executive Director, Lambda Legal (retired)
- Katherine Grainger ’02, Managing Partner, Civitas Public Affairs Group (@CivitasFirm)
- Barbara Macy ’84, Principal, Barbara J. Macy Attorney at Law
Reception to follow in the lounge outside 250 Dockser.
*Please note that attendees on Friday night will be required to wear masks except when presenting, eating or drinking. Everyone will be required to be fully vaccinated, but each individual should assess their own risk.
Saturday, October 22 | 240 Dockser *
8:45 AM
Welcome Address
Lindsey Sadonis, Director of Development and Alumni/ae Relations
Dean James Hackney9:00 AM
Conversations With ...
Join us for conversations with a group of graduates who are leaders and trend-setters in a variety of legal and professional fields. Faculty and staff will interview the graduates in a conversational style that invites frank and lively discussions.Conversations:
Curtis Tucker ’97
General and Artistic Director, First Coast Opera, Saint Augustine, Florida
Follow @FirstCoastOpera
Interviewer: Professor Kara SwansonAdriane Dudley ’72
Founding Partner, Dudley Rich
Interviewer: Professor Jeremy PaulThe Honorable Janet Bond Arterton ’77
Senior U.S. District Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut
Interviewer: Professor Michael MeltsnerLeocadia Zak ’82
President, Agnes Scott College
Follow @preszak | @AgnesScott
Interviewer: Professor Margaret Hahn-DuPontThomas Gallitano ’87
Partner, Conn Kavanaugh
Follow on Twitter: @TomGallitano| @ConnKavanaugh
Interviewer: Professor Dan DanielsenKyana Givens ’02
Federal Public Defender, Districts of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island
Interviewer: Professor Stevie LeahyGautam Jagannath ’12
Executive Director, Social Justice Collaborative
Follow @sjcollaborative
Interviewer: Stephanie Swanson ’12, Chief of Staff and General Counsel, Office of Massachusetts State Senator Eric Lesser*Please note that attendees on Saturday morning will be required to wear masks except when presenting, eating or drinking. Everyone will be required to be fully vaccinated, but each individual should assess their own risk.
Saturday, October 22, 2022 | 6:00 - 9:00 PM* | East Village 17th Floor
Reunion Class Reception
(*Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Join us on Saturday evening for the Reunion Class Reception, which will be held at the beautiful, glass-enclosed 17th Floor Space at East Village on Northeastern’s campus. The reception will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres and plenty of time to mix and mingle with your classmates. At 7:00 PM, we will hear from Dean James Hackney, followed by the national trailblazer, US Attorney for Massachusetts, Rachael Rollins ’97.
Closest parking is Gainsborough Garage, located at 10 Gainsbrough Street.
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View photos from the 2020 reunion!
View photos from the 2019 reunion!
View photos from the 2018 reunion!
View photos from the 2017 reunion!
View photos from the 2016 reunion!
View photos from the 2015 reunion!
View photos from the 2014 reunion!
View photos from the 2013 reunion!
View photos from the 2012 reunion!
View photos from the 2011 reunion!
View photos from the 2010 reunion! -
For those of you who missed or asked to see it again, here is the retrospective video that was shown at our 50th anniversary bash in October 2018.
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Reunion 2021
More than 200 alumni/ae and friends from all over the globe participated in our first hybrid Reunion and Alumni/ae Weekend on October 22-23, 2021, as we honored the classes of the 1950s, '71, ’76, ’81, ’86, ’91, ’96, ’01, 06, ’11 and ’16. The festivities began on Friday night with a lively and engaging panel, “Judiciary Under Fire.” A group of wise retired and semi-retired judges, including the Honorable Carol Ball ’76, the Honorable Isaac Borenstein ’75, the Honorable Dana Fabe ’76 and the Honorable Victoria Roberts ’76, considered what can be done to restore faith in an impartial judiciary and protect the judiciary from physical danger. Professor Brook Baker ’76 moderated the discussion.
Saturday’s morning program opened with a welcome from Dean Hackney, who shared the latest news from the School of Law and introduced this year's keynote speaker, the Honorable Donald Cabell ’91, US Magistrate Judge, District of Massachusetts. “I've had a blessed career and I give all of the credit to Northeastern,” said Cabell.
Our “Conversations With …” program followed. Six graduates who are at the top of their game were interviewed by faculty and fellow alumni/ae. Thank you to Neil Leifer ’81, James Morton ’81, Mytrang Nguyen ’96, Gina Perini ’01, Jay Pozenel ’91 and Reed Zars ’86, for sharing your insights and a special shout out to Rishi Reddi ’92 for serving as one of our interviewers.
On Saturday night, we hosted an in-person reception in Northeastern’s lodge-themed tent for graduates celebrating milestone reunion years.
To our friends and colleagues who joined us, supported us, assisted us and celebrated with us in person and virtually, we thank you for making the 2021 Reunion and Alumni/ae Weekend such a success. We also thank your hard working Reunion Committees, who helped us fundraise and remind classmates how fun it is to come back together.
Featuring Keynote Speaker
The Honorable Donald Cabell ’91Video Highlights
Judiciary Under Fire
10.22.21 — A panel of wise retired and semi-retired judges, including the Honorable Carol Ball ’76, the Honorable Isaac Borenstein ’75, the Honorable Dana Fabe ’76 and the Honorable Victoria Roberts ’76, considered what can be done to restore faith in an impartial judiciary and protect the judiciary from physical danger. Professor Brook Baker ’76 moderated.
Welcome Address by Dean James Hackney
Keynote Address by The Honorable Donald Cabell ’91, US Magistrate Judge, District of Massachusetts
Conversations With...
Six Northeastern Law graduates who are at the top of their game are interviewed by faculty and staff members. Thank you to Neil Leifer ’81, James Morton ’81, Mytrang Nguyen ’96, Gina Perini ’01, Jay Pozenel ’91 and Reed Zars ’86, for sharing your insights!
Schedule of Events
Friday, October 22, 2021 7:00 – 8:00 PM ET Judiciary Under Fire
Location: Virtual
Judges are the first line of defense in upholding the rule of law. Today, in holding that line, they are facing challenges of historic proportions. Like so much else in this country, the judiciary is increasingly seen as politicized, with those on the right and the left weighing in on the merits—and possible rulings—of judges appointed by Democratic presidents versus those appointed by Republican presidents. And what about the ideologies that judges themselves bring to the bench: conservative, liberal and progressive? Join us for a discussion on these topics as we consider what can be done to restore faith in an impartial judiciary and protect the judiciary from physical danger.Moderator:
Professor Brook BakerPanelists:
Hon. Carol Ball ’76, Associate Justice, Massachusetts Superior Court (retired)
Hon. Isaac Borenstein ’75, Superior Court, Massachusetts (Retired)
Hon. Dana Fabe ’76, Ret. Chief Justice, Alaska Supreme Court (retired)
Hon. Victoria Roberts ’76, US District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan (senior status)Saturday, October 23, 2021 9:00 AM ET Welcome Address
Dean James Hackney
Location: 240 Dockser Hall*
(Vaccinated guests only)*This event will be held in a hybrid fashion. The virtual option will be available through Zoom. A Zoom link will be e-mailed closer to the event date to all registered guests.9:15 - 10:00 AM ET Keynote Address
Hon. Donald Cabell ’91
US Magistrate Judge, United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts10:00 - 11:30 AM ET Conversations with...
Join us for conversations with a group of graduates who are leaders and trend-setters in a variety of legal and professional fields. Faculty and staff will interview the graduates in a conversational style that invites frank and lively discussions.
Conversations include: Neil Leifer ’81
Neil T. Leifer, LLC, Children’s Environmental Health Attorney.
Interviewer: Professor Hemanth Gundavaram, co-founder and director of the school's Immigrant Justice Clinic****************************************
James Morton ’81
President/CEO, YMCA of Greater Boston
Interviewer: Professor James Rowan****************************************
Mytrang Nguyen ’96
Program Counsel, Pro Bono Innovation, Legal Services Corporation
Interviewer: Nima Eshghi ’96, Associate Dean for Academic Programs, Harvard Radcliffe Institute****************************************
Gina Perini ’01
Chair/CEO, SOMOS
Interviewer: Professor Dan Danielsen****************************************
Jay Pozenel ’91
Director, General Legal Division, Office of Legal Affairs, United Nations
Interviewer: Professor Jeremy Paul****************************************
Reed Zars ’86
Reed Zars, Esq., Environmental Attorney
Interviewer: Rishi Reddi ’92, , Director of Environmental Justice, MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and Author5:30 - 7:30 PM ET Reception
An in-person reception for reunion classes.
