Queen's Law at 50 - Cocktails at Kingston City Hall

Photo Credit: Suzy Lamont

Mayor Harvey Rosen, Law '75, presents certificates from the City of Kingston to professors emeriti Hugh Lawford (left photo) and Dan Soberman (right photo) in Kingston City Hall on August 15, 2007.

The cross-country celebrations for Queen's Law's 50th anniversary were brought home to Kingston on August 15, 2007. Alumni and current, and retired, faculty and staff gathered in Kingston City Hall to enjoy a cocktail reception hosted by Mayor Harvey Rosen, Law '75.

"The event was beautifully organized, with incredible food," said Peter Chilibeck, Law '83, of Llewellin Capital Inc., "and the ‘Town/Gown' interaction was great to see -- with Mayor Rosen hosting us in the City's historic Memorial Hall, and presenting [professors emeriti] Dan Soberman and Hugh Lawford certificates of recognition from the City."

The certificates recognized Soberman's and Lawford's contributions in improving the quality of life in the Faculty of Law, Queen's University and the City of Kingston.

Dean Bill Flanagan gave a talk and presented the 50 Years of Queen's Law video. During his speech he spoke about the scholarly paper "Let Right Be Done: A History of the Faculty of Law at Queen's University" written by Professor Mark Walters.

"I looked at Mark Walters' [paper] and he does a great job of setting out how the law school got on its feet and advanced thereafter," said Robert Kennedy, Q.C., Law '64, counsel at Viner, Kennedy, Frederick, Allan & Tobias LLP.

For many alumni, the event provided a welcome opportunity to socialize. "My favourite part was just having an opportunity to meet old classmates and people from other years," said Yvonne Pelley, Law '91, a sole practitioner.

Kennedy agreed. "It was great to see some of the [retired] professors," he said.

For Michele Lawford, Law '86, Vice Chair of the Health Services Appeal and Review Board, the event was especially meaningful. "The most memorable part was seeing old, familiar faces, both in person and on the video that was shown, and what made the event special was attending with my father, Professor Lawford," she said.

The event left guests with feelings of nostalgia and pride. "I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with faculty members past and present, and catching up on our lives," said Chilibeck. "I never cease to be amazed at the dedication and quality of the Queen's Law teaching community."

For pictures of the Kingston Cocktail Reception, please see http://law.queensu.ca/events/queensLaw50Events/kingstonCocktailReception.html.