On Friday, November 14, Western New England University (WNE) School of Law held its 11th annual Law Alumni Awards Dinner at the Blake Law Center Commons—back to where it all started for many alumni in attendance. The dinner, hosted by the WNE Law Alumni Association, recognized three remarkable alumni for their professional achievements, dedication to service, and meaningful impact in their communities. 

Nicole Mule L’17, president of the WNE Law Alumni Association, moderated the event, while Zelda Harris, dean of the School of Law; Michael B. Alexander, WNE Interim President; alongside each recipient offered remarks. 

“You have come back to your alma mater at a time of great change, progress, and innovation,” Dean Harris said, noting that WNE University School of Law continues down a path of transformative advancement through student achievements, service, and JD Access, a new part-time hybrid online degree program. 

Honoring the recipients of the Ascending Alumni Award, Dean’s Alumni Excellence Award, and the Distinguished Alumni Award, President Alexander emphasized how these individuals, “shape policy, protect rights, and stand up for those who need a champion,” all while remaining humble in their own successes and driven by their purpose of advocating for others. 

Ascending Alumni Award

The 2025 Ascending Alumni Award honored Daniel R. Carey L’17, clerk of courts for Hampshire County. Presented by Nicole Mule, this award spotlights the achievements of law alumni who graduated within the last 10 years. Recipients of this award have shown leadership in their chosen field or in the community and stand out among their peers as they display drive and potential.

Carey earned his degree from WNE University School of Law through the part-time evening program while working for the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office. To push himself to keep going with his studies, he reminded himself of the value of finishing law school, while also looking at his peers. “I was so impressed by their dedication, by how hard they were working,” Carey said. He credits his classmates for helping him continue in his studies, as he was inspired by their work ethic and commitment.

Since graduating, Carey has had a remarkable career serving his community. From local government to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, he has remained committed to fair and accessible justice. Through progressive policies that earned Carey the 2023 Legislator of the Year Award by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, and through his work to empower individuals with disabilities as a member of the board of directors for Riverside, Inc., Carey’s career is defined by his positive impact on the community and the legal field.

He ended his remarks with a lesson from Japanese philosophy about finding happiness in a career, “You need to find something you love, something you're good at, something you'll get paid for, and something that the world needs.” He emphasized that WNE University School of Law helps students discover those facets, and that what the world needs now is, “good, smart, kind, and compassionate lawyers.”

Dean's Alumni Excellence Award

The 2025 Dean’s Alumni Excellence Award honored Kathleen Dion L’09, partner at Robinson+Cole. Presented by Dean Harris, this award is given in recognition of an alumnus whose professional accomplishments bring credit to the WNE University School of Law, and who has a record of service to the school, community, state, nation, or world that demonstrates the core values of the School.

At Robinson+Cole, Dion litigates complex civil cases and defends clients in white-collar crime. She is the chair of the firm’s education industry group and a member of the internal investigations and corporate compliance team. Dion is also a member of both the Massachusetts and Connecticut bar associations. This year, Dion was recognized by Chambers USA: America’s Lawyers for Business and included in Benchmark Litigation.

Beyond her professional practice and her expertise in white-collar crime, Dion is committed to serving her community. She is a member of the firm's Domestic Violence Restraining Order program and provides pro bono legal assistance to victims of family violence.

During her remarks, Dion expressed her gratitude to the WNE University School of Law and shared how her studies taught her to think beyond the law and to lead with empathy. “Those lessons have guided me through complex cases and difficult decisions,” Dion said. Emphasizing that her role as an attorney is not to simply interpret the law, “but to serve justice in a way that honors humanity.” These values, instilled during her time at WNE, define Dion’s career as she is dedicated to passing them on to her clients, community, and future lawyers.

Distinguished Alumni Award

The 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes the Honorable Tina Cafaro L’95, first justice of the Westfield District Court. Presented by Professor Beth Cohen, this award is given to alumni who have made significant contributions to the legal profession and society while exemplifying leadership, ethics, and integrity.

Judge Cafaro has a deep connection with the WNE University School of Law, through her studies and more than twenty years as a Clinical Professor of Law and the Director of Criminal Law Clinics at the University. According to Judge Cafaro, WNE was her “foundation” to serve and try to make a difference in every role she held, especially as a professor. At the event, Cafaro spoke directly to her former students in attendance stating, “you are the reason why I'm here,” crediting them for teaching her more than she taught them.

In the classroom, Judge Cafaro taught with a focus on ethics, litigation skills, and professional responsibility, all of which defined her own legal career. Upon graduating from the WNE University School of Law, Cafaro began her career as a judicial law clerk for Justice Kent B. Smith of the Massachusetts Appeals Court. In 2001, she then became the assistant district attorney in Hampden County.

As the First Justice of the Westfield District Court, Judge Cafaro leads with integrity and wisdom. No matter her position, she continues to positively impact the legal field in numerous ways. Since 1999, Cafaro has been training law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and attorneys in impaired driving, domestic violence, and constitutional law. She also brings her knowledge and advice to the Judicial Youth Corps program, where she mentors young people who dream of careers in law or public service.

Judge Cafaro continues to inspire the WNE University School of Law community through her commitment to advancing justice, professionalism, and supporting future lawyers. At the end of her remarks, she shared words of wisdom with the current law students in the room. “Work hard, have fun, and never underestimate your ability to make an impact. The knowledge and values you are building here can change lives,” truths proven through the remarkable career and profound influence she has had on the legal community over the past 30 years.

View event photos.