This honor is awarded, at the discretion of the president of the Alumni Association, for outstanding and remarkable support to the School of Law and its mission.
Harry G. Beyoglides, Jr. ’78, 2022 Recipient
When reflecting on the career of Harry G. Beyoglides, a common theme is his desire to make the world a better place. His commitment started in 1972, when he began serving his country in the U.S. Army shortly after earning a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University. His tours included El Paso, South Korea, and Panama.
Subsequent to his military service, Beyoglides, a lifelong Daytonian, wanted to continue helping those around him. He enrolled in the University of Dayton School of Law and assumed leadership roles in order to make a difference. While pursuing his Juris Doctorate, he became a charter member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, UD's first ever law fraternity, and he was elected to the SBA treasurer role.
A 1978 graduate of the School of Law, Beyoglides devoted himself to the service of others as a member of the Dayton-based law firm of Breidenbach, Johnson, Douple, Beyoglides & Leve. He can reflect on over 44 years as a general practitioner, concentrating in probate matters. Beyoglides is active in the Dayton Bar Association and is a member of the Ohio State Bar and American Bar Associations. Additionally, he has continued to serve his alma mater by making an impact through several charitable and community organizations.
Immediately following his graduation from UD, Beyoglides became a charter member of the UDSL Alumni Association Board of Directors, serving until his resignation in August 2021. He has volunteered for various committees, and has been a recurring speaker to student groups and orientation programs. Beyoglides has made an impact on the Dayton community as well through civic organizations, including the Board of the Special Olympics of Greater Dayton.
The UDSL Alumni Association has previously honored Beyoglides with its 2002 Distinguished Alumnus Award. As a tribute to his faithful service to the School of Law, the President and Board of Directors are pleased to present Beyoglides with the 2022 President's Award.
Paul E. McGreal, 2015 Recipient
Paul McGreal assumed the leadership of the University of Dayton School of Law in July, 2011 at a time when legal education found itself in a very precarious position. Dean McGreal recognized that going forward law schools must make significant changes in order to stay competitive and also to fulfill the needs of students as they traverse through the rigors of legal education and into the practice of law. Dean McGreal accepted the overwhelming responsibility of ushering UDSL into the new era of legal education and made very difficult decisions along the way, but decisions that had to be made for the future of UDSL, its students and alumni. To quote Paul Benson, interim provost: “Paul McGreal’s leadership has strengthened UD’s School of Law significantly, even in the fact of the most challenging environment for legal education in the U.S. that we have seen in the past generation. Dean McGreal made numerous innovations in student recruitment, curriculum and job placement that set the school on a firm foundation for the future.” Despite the challenging legal education environment, Dean McGreal implemented changes to student recruitment and marketing practices that made it possible for UDSL to exceed its 2014 student enrollment goals, without compromising on the credentials of enrolling students. Paul has also spearheaded curricular innovations including the creation of an intellectual property and entrepreneurship clinic, an immigration clinic, and establishing learning communities to foster greater student success. These are just a few of the reasons Paul McGreal has earned the respect of the entire UDSL community and is a deserving recipient of the President’s Award.
Adam Armstrong '05, 2010 Recipient
Adam Armstrong is an attorney at Freund, Freeze & Arnold of Dayton. His areas of practice include appellate group, business litigation, employment law, legal malpractice, medical malpractice, nursing home defense and pharmacy liability.
He graduated from the University of Dayton School of Law in 2005. While at the School of Law, Adam served as executive editor for notes and comments for the University of Dayton Law Review and clerked at various law firms in the Dayton area. He received a B.A. in speech communications/public relations in 2002 from Miami University.
Adam remains involved with the School of Law as a member of the Alumni Association Board of Trustees, and assists with organizing the annual Kessler Golf Tournament and Alumni Weekend. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Dayton Law, teaching a course in Tort Litigation, and volunteers his time in the recruitment of new law students.
He is also a member of the Dayton Bar Association, Carl D. Kessler Inn of Court and Ohio State Bar Association.
Lee Ann Ross, 2008 Recipient
As administrative assistant for external relations, Lee Ann Ross plans alumni events and activities, including reunions, special lunches, golf and softball tournaments and other sporting events; maintains the online alumni directory; and generally helps keep track of alumni.
Ross has worked at the School of Law since 2005. She previously worked at UD in the Finance and Economic Department and in the Center for Entrepreneur Leadership. Ross also has an associate's degree in business administration from the University of Cincinnati.
Outside of the office, she enjoys shopping, vacationing at the beach, reading, and spending time with her family, including her son, Ryan, and daughter, Emily.
Jeff Rezabek '97, 2005 Recipient
Jeff Rezabek, Class of 1997, has operated his Dayton law practice since 2003. He also serves as a substitute magistrate with the Dayton Municipal Court. Rezabek has been a Guardian Ad Litem since 1998 and has assisted the CASA Program and the Dayton Bar Association in the training of GALs since 2000. He started his legal career at the firm of Charles Smiley and Associates in 1998, and was recognized as partner two years later.
He was named the GAL of the Year in 2003 by Montgomery County Juvenile Court’s CASA Program, and Attorney of the Year in both 2003 and 2009 by the Appointed Council Program of the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court.
An active and valued member of the School of Law’s Alumni Association, Rezabek has served on the association’s Board of Trustees since 1998 and plays an instrumental role in organizing the School’s annual Honorable Carl D. Kessler Scholarship Golf Tournament. He received the Alumni Association’s Steven E. Yuhas Special Service Award in 2011.
Rezabek also received his undergraduate degree, in psychology and history, from UD in 1991.
Professor Tom Hagel, 2003 Recipient
Since coming to the University of Dayton School of Law in 1982, Thomas Hagel has received the 2003 UD Alumni Association’s President’s Award for his dedication to the growth and development of the School of Law and his commitment to excellence. He is a Master of the Bench of the local American Inn of Court as well as Acting Judge for the Dayton Municipal Court. A commissioner on the Montgomery County (Ohio) Veterans’ Service Commission, he represents members of Disabled American Veterans. Professor Hagel is also a member of the American Bar Association’s Committee on Training Trial Advocates.
As a law student at the University of Nebraska, he was an associate editor and member of the executive committee of the Nebraska Law Review. After graduation, Professor Hagel became a deputy public defender for Lincoln, Nebraska, where he represented criminal clients in more than 200 bench trials, motion hearings and post-trial proceedings in state and federal courts. He was also the lead trial attorney in approximately 20 homicide cases and tried approximately 30 felony cases to a jury. Additionally, he represented indigent clients at civil mental health commitment hearings. While a deputy public defender, he maintained a limited private practice, specializing in criminal, domestic relations, and personal injury cases, and served on a lawyers’ panel for the Nebraska Civil Liberties Union.
Professor Hagel has lectured at the Ohio Judicial College since 1998 and has previously lectured for the Federal Bar Examination for the Southern District of Ohio, Dayton Bar Association, and Nebraska Bar Association. He has also taught at Temple University School of Law, where he was a Law and Humanities Fellow.
He has been named Professor of the Year by School of Law students and was nominated for University Professor of the Year by the dean in 1986.
Bob Kress, 2002 Recipient
Bob Kress was the 2002 recipient of the President's Award.
Janet DeBanto, 2001 Recipient
Janet DeBanto was the 2001 recipient of the President's Award.
Gary Schaengold '81, 2000 recipient
Gary Schaengold, who is a 1981 graduate of the University of Dayton School of Law, was the 2000 recipient of the President's Award.
Sr. Mary Louise Foley, 1997 Recipient
Sr. Mary Louise Foley, F.M.I., has been around the University for many years. After graduating from UD, she went to San Antonio, Texas, to join the Marianist sisters. After novitiate she taught sixth graders for several years, then returned to Dayton and worked at Marycrest Hall. Another trip to San Antonio brought new ministry opportunities: work at the Marianist Sisters renewal center was followed by pastoral ministry at a Marianist parish, then administrative work for the Sisters.
In 1991, Sr. Mary Louise joined the School of Law as campus minister, serving as counselor and friend to the students, faculty and staff. She also helps organize the School’s annual Interfaith Prayer Service and Red Mass, and serves as an advisor for the St. Thomas More Society, a student organization. In addition, Sr. Mary Louise is involved in the Hand in Hand program, which helps students who are pregnant.
Tim Stonecash, 1995 Recipient
Tim Stonecash has worked at the School of Law for more than 20 years and currently serves as Assistant Dean for External Relations. He works to provide opportunities for alumni and friends to become involved in the life of the law school. His work includes organizing special events for alumni and their families such as Alumni Weekend, the Honorable Carl Kessler Golf Tournament and regional lunches and receptions. Dean Stonecash also offers services for alumni including an online alumni directory, and coordinates the Alumni Association and the School of Law Advisory Council. He also works closely with the dean in developing external support and marketing strategies for the School of Law.
A two-time University of Dayton graduate, Dean Stonecash previously worked in fundraising and administration for a national health agency. Outside of work, he nurtures his passion for basketball by coaching at a local high school. He also enjoys gardening, fishing, and spending time and traveling with his family.