The UB Law School recently received an endowment to create a $323,500 memorial scholarship to honor the memory of the late Carmen P. Tarantino, a prominent New York State lawyer. Tarantino received his bachelor's degree in social sciences from UB in 1973 and his juris doctor degree from the UB Law School in 1977.
According to Professor Steve Pustatier, Tarantino had a very unique and different personality, which made him so outstanding. Tarantino was known for his motivation, dedication and aggressive behavior in courtrooms.
"Tarantino was a highly intelligent person with a very aggressive personality, he would take on every case with an enormous energy," Pustatier said. "He was one of the most respected lawyers."
The scholarship, which comes from David E. Brown, a law partner of Tarantino, will be awarded to one law student each year and will provide that student with full tuition.
The scholarship is offered to one applicant and the offer is based on his or her academic accomplishments as well as their interest in litigation.
"Tarantino was a very accomplished litigator, so the idea behind the fund is to find someone else who is interested in being a litigator," said Lillie Wiley-Upshaw, the associate dean for admissions and financial aid for the Law School. "That's the strongest element, someone who wants to practice law in that capacity. The award is based on merit as well. We'll offer this to someone who has an excellent academic background or student profile too."
The student's interest in litigation was a stipulation of the donor, Brown, but if the Law School cannot find a suitable candidate in that area, the scholarship will be awarded to the next worthy candidate, Wiley-Upshaw said.
"When they apply, students have to submit a personal statement and indicate their area of legal interest on their application, so you can get the sense if they'd like to pursue litigation," Wiley-Upshaw said.
Students and teachers alike said the memorial scholarship is a great way to honor both the late attorney as well as the reputation of UB's law school.
"The Law School is extremely grateful for this scholarship," said Jill Domagala, the assistant director for development programs with the Law School.
According to Melinda Saran, the vice dean for student affairs in the school, the scholarship will also help attract a more talented group of students.
"It will help the law school recruit and enroll highly qualified students," Saran said. "It's an entering award, so it would be something offered to someone who's coming into the Law School."
Bachir Karam was named the first recipient of the Tarantino scholarship. Karam graduated from Boston College in only three years with an honors degree in history.
While at Boston, Karam participated in various service programs, which ranged from tutoring inner city children to volunteering at the public defender's office.
He said he plans to earn juris doctor and MBA degrees while at UB.
"The Carmen P. Tarantino Memorial Scholarship means so much to me because I believe that the cost of education is often the greatest barrier that prevents students from acquiring it," Karam said. "Scholarships like this one help recipients achieve the educational goals they set for themselves, and for that I am endlessly appreciative."
Liam Dwyer, a first year law student and Karam's roommate, also noted the importance of scholarships in graduate school.
"Scholarships like the Carmen P. Tarantino award are a blessing because they allow students, like Bachir, to pursue their dreams of working in the public sector upon graduating, without the burden of heavy debt," Dwyer said.
Additional reporting by Siobhan A. Counihan
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
