Reunion and Alumni/ae Weekend Highlights

• A Look Back at Reunion 2024...

  The Best Moments With the Best Law School!
  Reunion and Alumni/ae Weekend

  More than 225 graduates and friends gathered on campus last month for Reunion and Alumni/ae Weekend, enjoying a fun-filled celebration of friendship and shared memories.

  Our Alumni/ae Relations and Development team extends a heartfelt thank you to the colleagues, faculty, graduates and student volunteers who helped make the 2024 Reunion and Alumni/ae Weekend a tremendous success. Special appreciation goes to the hard-working Reunion Committees for their efforts in fundraising and reminding classmates how fun it is to reunite!

  Back to Class Night

  Class was back in session on Friday, October 18, as we kicked off Reunion and Alumni/ae Weekend.  Professors Richard Daynard, Daniel Medwed and Hilary Robinson—leaders in their fields— discussed their groundbreaking research and innovative courses.

  >> View photos

  Conversations With...

  Saturday’s morning session opened with our signature “Conversations With” program. Seven distinguished graduates—Susan Merewitz ’74, Patricia Elam Walker ’79, David Heilbroner ’84, Geoff Spofford ’89, Shaswat Das ’94, Patrick Parker ’99 and Sofia Lingos ’09—shared their insights and perspectives from cutting-edge fields.
  >> View photos

  Reunion Class Reception Keynote: Katherine McHugh ’74

  We were honored to hear from Katherine McHugh ’74, trustee emerita at Northeastern University and former executive director at the Cabot Family Charitable Trust, our keynote speaker for Saturday night’s reunion class reception. Her inspiring words resonated deeply with graduates celebrating their milestone reunions.
  >> View photos

  Reunion and Alumni/ae Weekend Program
  Friday, October 18, 2024 Location: Northeastern University School of Law, 416 Huntington Ave., Dockser Hall (entrance at 65 Forsyth Street), Boston
  6:00 to 8:00 PM	Back to Class Night 240 Dockser Hall Three Northeastern Law faculty members will provide the latest updates in their field and discuss the current curriculum with graduates returning to campus for Reunions 2024.  With 58 faculty members, including 69% women and 33% people of color, Northeastern Law’s scholars are trailblazers and leaders in a variety of cutting-edge fields. Faculty presenters: Richard Daynard, University Distinguished Professor of Law and President, Public Health Advocacy Institute Hilary Robinson, Associate Professor of Law and Sociology Daniel Medwed, University Distinguished Professor of Law and Criminal Justice Moderator: Hemanth Gundavaram, Associate Dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs; Director of the Immigrant Justice Clinic; Director of Clinical Programs  Reception to follow in 240 Docker Hall lounge.
  Saturday, October 19, 2024 Location: Northeastern University School of Law, 416 Huntington Ave., Dockser Hall (entrance at 65 Forsyth Street), Boston
  8:15 AM	Registration and Continental Breakfast
  9:00 AM	Dean’s Welcome
  9:15 AM	Conversations With … 240 Dockser Hall   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. Interviewees include (in order of appearance): Susan Merewitz ’74 Senior Attorney, US Department of Health and Human Service (retired)    In conversation with Jennifer Huer, Assistant Dean for Centers, Programs and Institutes   Shaswat Das ’94 Counsel, King & Spalding   In conversation with Matthews Distinguished Professor of Law Emeritus Michael Meltsner   Patricia Elam Walker ’79 Author; Attorney; Assistant Professor of Creative Writing, Howard University   In conversation with University Distinguished Professor of Law Margaret Burnham   David Heilbroner ’84 Academy Award-Nominated Filmmaker In conversation with Professor Jeremy Paul   Geoff Spofford ’89 Partner, Lian Zarrow   In conversation with Professor Carol Mallory   Patrick Parker ’99 President, Eluvayt   In conversation with Professor Darryl Walton Sofia Lingos '09 Founding and Managing Attorney, Trident Law; Adjunct Professor of Law, Northeastern University School of Law In conversation with Mielle Marquis, Director of Alumni/ae Engagement and Initiatives
  11:30 AM - 1:15 PM	Reunion Class Lunch Dockser Commons, Northeastern University School of Law
  6:00 - 9:00 PM	Reunion Class Reception Northeastern’s East Village, 291 St. Botolph Street, 17th Floor   Join all classes for a cocktail reception with heavy h’ors d’oeuvres 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 Speaker: Katherine McHugh ’74 Trustee Emerita, Northeastern University; Former Executive Director, Cabot Family Charitable Trust   Katherine McHugh is celebrating her 50th law school reunion. She was a civil trial lawyer in Boston for 15 years, but her skills and interests eventually led her in a different direction. She spent the second half of her career as a philanthropic advisor to several family foundations in Boston, most recently the Cabot Family Charitable Trust. She has also served on many nonprofit boards, including Greater Boston Legal Services, where she served as president; National Consumer Law Center; Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts  and Northeastern University, where she served for 36 years and received an honorary degree in 2008.   Closest parking is Gainsborough Garage, located at 10 Gainsbrough Street.

• A Look Back at Reunion 2023..

  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*

  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.

  Reunion and Alumni/ae Weekend Program
  Friday, October 20, 2023 Location: Northeastern EXP, 815 Columbus Avenue, 8th Floor, Boston Closest parking is Renaissance Garage, located at 835 Columbus Ave.
  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 Dean James Hackney Recorded Remarks The Honorable Deval Patrick Moderator: Beth Noveck Professor and Director, The Burnes Center for Social Change Speakers: The Honorable Carol Ball ’76 (ret) Associate Justice, Suffolk County Superior Court Elyse Cherry ’83 CEO, BlueHub Capital Dr. Jennifer Childs-Roshak Family Physician and Healthcare Executive; Former President and CEO, Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts Michelle Fujii ’24 Public Interest Law Scholar
  Saturday, October 21, 2023 Location: Northeastern University School of Law, 416 Huntington Ave., Dockser Hall (entrance at 65 Forsyth Street), Boston
  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:  Professor Emeritus Michael Meltsner ***************** The Honorable Stuart Rice '78 Judge, Los Angeles County Superior Court In conversation with: Professor Hemanth Gundavaram Associate Dean for Academic Affairs; Director, Immigrant Justice Clinic; Director, Clinical Programs ***************** Elyse Cherry ’83 CEO, BlueHub Capital In conversation with: Professor Katherine Kraschel ***************** Pam Wilmot ’88 Executive Director, Common Cause In conversation with: Professor Jeremy Paul ***************** Sunu Chandy ’98 Senior Advisor, Democracy Forward; Author of My Dear Comrades In conversation with:  Professor Karl Klare ***************** Rana Alexander ’03 Executive Director, Standpoint In conversation with:  Professor Hayat Bearat, Interim Director, Domestic Violence Institute ***************** Dana Sussman ’08 Acting Executive Director, Pregnancy Justice In conversation with:  Professor Margaret Burnham ***************** Tram Nguyen ’13 Massachusetts State Representative for the 18th Essex District In conversation with: Professor Margaret Woo
  11:30 AM - 1:15 PM	Reunion Class Lunch Dockser Commons, Northeastern University School of Law
  2:00 - 3:30 PM	Boston Duck Boat Tour Departing from Ruggles – Forsyth Circle 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 Northeastern’s East Village, 291 St. Botolph Street, 17th Floor 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: Betty Francisco ’98 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.

• A look back at Reunion 2022...

  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 gallery

  Reunion 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 gallery

  Thank 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!

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  Reunion and Alumni/ae Weekend Program 

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  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)
  

  >> View photo gallery 

  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.

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  Saturday, October 22 | 240 Dockser *

  8:45 AM

  Welcome Address
  Lindsey Sadonis, Director of Development and Alumni/ae Relations
  Dean James Hackney

  9:00 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 Swanson

  Adriane Dudley ’72 
  Founding Partner, Dudley Rich
  Interviewer: Professor Jeremy Paul

  The Honorable Janet Bond Arterton ’77
  Senior U.S. District Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut
  Interviewer: Professor Michael Meltsner

  Leocadia Zak ’82
  President, Agnes Scott College
  Follow @preszak | @AgnesScott
  Interviewer: Professor Margaret Hahn-DuPont

  Thomas Gallitano ’87
  Partner, Conn Kavanaugh
  Follow on Twitter:  @TomGallitano| @ConnKavanaugh
  Interviewer: Professor Dan Danielsen

  Kyana Givens ’02
  Federal Public Defender, Districts of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island
  Interviewer: Professor Stevie Leahy

  Gautam 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.

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  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 17^th 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.

• Reunion Photo Galleries and Highlights (2010-2020)

  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!

• Watch: 50 Years: Celebrating Our Past, Building Our Future

  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.

• View the 2021 Reunion Program and Videos

  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 ’91

  Video 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 Massachusetts
  10:00 - 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 Author
  5:30 - 7:30 PM ET	Reception An in-person reception for reunion classes.