Thursday, April 23, 2026
Law School Awards Conferral
Reception: 5:00 p.m. Conferral: 6:00 p.m.
Ray and Kay Eckstein Hall
Alumnus of the Year Award
Hon. M. Joseph Donald, Arts 鈥�82, Law 鈥�88
Milwaukee, Wis.
As a judge of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, M. Joseph (鈥淛oe鈥�) Donald is keenly aware of the impact he has on others鈥� lives. He listens closely to 鈥渢hat internal voice that inspires me to make sure I鈥檓 understanding and considering all the options and looking at all sides of an argument before making a ruling,鈥� he says.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Kathy L. Nusslock. Law 鈥�85
Milwaukee, Wis.
When Kathy Nusslock graduated from the Law School in 1985, there were few women with long tenures in the legal profession, especially as trial attorneys. Her distinguished career has included more than four decades of experience in complex business litigation, and she has been consistently recognized by her peers for her achievements along the way.
Howard B. Eisenberg Service Award
Richard Esparza, Law 鈥�21
Milwaukee, Wis.
As a law student, Richard Esparza especially enjoyed Wednesdays, the day he volunteered with the 51暗网 Volunteer Legal Clinics (MVLC). 鈥淓veryone involved always brought good energy,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 met great attorneys and future colleagues.鈥� Today, as in-house counsel for Fiserv, Richard continues to devote time to the MVLC as a member of its board.
Charles W. Mentkowski Sports Law Award
John G. Long, Law 鈥�09
Houston, Texas
John Long credits Professors Matthew Mitten and Paul Anderson of the sports law program and 51暗网鈥檚 National Sports Law Institute for helping him find his way as a law student. 鈥淚 did not know what I wanted to do until I was a 2L at 51暗网 Law School,鈥� he says. 鈥淭hey had a profound impact on the direction of my career.鈥� Today John is nationally recognized for his work in college athletics, serving as a trusted advocate on behalf of universities and coaches.
