UNB Law Presents Tom Williams with Distinguished Graduate Award

Dean Philip Bryden and Thomas E. Williams On June 4th, 2009, the UNB Faculty of Law presented Thomas E. Williams, Q.C. (’87) with the Ilsa Greenblatt-Shore Distinguished Graduate Award at a ceremony and reception held in St. John’s, Newfoundland at the provincial museum, The Rooms. Dean Philip Bryden presented Mr. Williams with the award and thanked him for his long-standing support of UNB Law and contributions to the Newfoundland and Labrador bar and the St. John’s community.

More than 100 friends, family and alumni attended the event honouring Mr. Williams. In attendance were UNB law students and alumni ranging from the very recently admitted to senior members of the local bench and bar. As well, Mr. Marvin Greenblatt, Ilsa Greenblatt-Shore’s brother, was able to attend the ceremony and reception, coming all the way from Alberta.

The Ilsa Greenblatt-Shore Distinguished Graduate Award was created to recognize Law School graduates who have achieved excellence and brought honour to our Law School. The Award is given to graduates who have made significant contributions to public service, including service to the Law School, and who have achieved recognition in their chosen field.

Mr. Williams’ has been actively involved in UNB Law recruitment and alumni activities in Newfoundland and Labrador since his time as a student. He is also involved in numerous community organizations such as the St. John’s Appeal Board, the R.C. School Board, the St. John’s Transportation Committee, the Board of Directors of the St. John’s Health Sciences Foundation, the YWCA Investment Fund Committee and, most recently, the Stella Burry Foundation. Mr. Williams is a partner with the St. John’s law firm O’Dea Earle.

In May, the graduating class of 2009 gave a large wooden law school crest to UNB Law to be hung in the newly renovated Mary Louise Lynch Room (Room 2) as their class gift. This is particularly fitting since Mr. Williams was one of a group of students who designed the Law School Crest and took steps to have it formally adopted by the university.

UNB Law would like to thank O’Dea Earle for their assistance in organizing the event as well as all of the guests who attended, particularly Mr. Greenblatt who made such a long journey to be part of the ceremony honouring not only Thomas Williams, but also his sister, Ilsa Greenblatt-Shore.

In addition to Mr. Williams, the following graduates have received the Distinguished Graduate Award:

  • 1999 Franklin O. Leger, Q.C., LL.D.
  • 2000 J. Fernand Landry, Q.C. (in memoriam)
  • 2001 Donald M. Gillis, Q.C.
  • 2004 His Hon. Judge Graydon Nicholas
  • 2006 Frank J. McKenna, P.C., Q.C., O.N.B.

Congratulations, Mr. Williams!

Pictured above is Dean Philip Bryden presenting the Ilsa Greenblatt-Shore Distinguished Alumni Award to Thomas E. Williams, Q.C.

Posted July 23, 2009 at 10:18 AM