University at Buffalo Clinical Professor George Hezel, the long-time director of the Law School's Affordable Housing Clinic and the Community Action Organization of Erie County have been named the recipients of the University Community Partners Award. The award, given for the first time, will be presented at a noontime luncheon during UB Business Partners Day on Wednesday, June 9, at the Adam's Mark Hotel.

The luncheon will follow a morning of free workshops and exhibits beginning at 8:30 a.m. focusing on ways that companies, entrepreneurs and non-profits can benefit when they enter into partnerships with the University at Buffalo.

University at Buffalo Law School Dean Makau Mutua cited Hezel's "tremendous service" to the school in announcing his award.

In addition to Hezel, the University will be honoring Hodgson Russ LLP with its Vital Partners Award, and will present a UB Faculty Entrepreneur Award to Jerome Schentag, professor of pharmaceutical sciences and founder of TheraSyn Sensors, Inc.

"It is wonderful to see Hodgson Russ, which has been so good to this Law School, receive this recognition," Mutua said.

The keynote speaker will be James Walter, senior vice president of Mattel, Inc.