The 25th annual Thomas J. Drinan Memorial Fellowship was awarded to second-year law student Michael D'Angelo of Andover at a reception held June 12 at the Suffolk University Law School.

The prestigious fellowship was created by friends and colleagues of Thomas J. Drinan, a 1976 graduate of Suffolk Law School and former Assistant United States Attorney within the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney's Office in Boston. Drinan died suddenly at age 38.

"Each of the 25 fellows selected over the years reflect Tom, what he stood for and what he meant to all of us," said Richard Glovsky, Chairman of the Drinan Memorial Fellowship Committee and partner in the law firm of Edwards Wildman and Palmer LLP. Glovsky and Drinan met when they worked together at the U.S. Attorney's office in Boston.

Glovsky and several of Drinan's colleagues created the annual fellowship to fund the summer employment of a designated Suffolk University Law School student who demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of integrity and advocacy within the criminal justice field.

"With this fellowship, Tom's legacy lives on today," said the Honorable Marianne B. Bowler JD '76, HLLD '94. "He was a great lawyer who believed in the law and the fair administration of justice. Tom was tough, fair, and compassionate, and he was always committed to public service."

Judge Bowler presented this year's award to Michael D'Angelo. "It is a great pleasure to recognize Michael," she said. "Like Tom, Michael is serious about the academic pursuit of law. After interviewing him, it was clear that he had a strong presence. It was also clear that he was the candidate to become part of the Drinan legacy."

"It is an honor to be standing here tonight," said D'Angelo, who has already started his internship in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney's Office. "Tom Drinan will always be remembered for his devotion to public service and his integrity and compassion for others. He was truly committed to making his community better. I share that commitment and will work hard to honor his memory."

At the end of the presentation, Suffolk University President James McCarthy honored Richard Glovsky, Drinan Memorial Fellowship Committee Chair. "Dick has led the committee since its inception in 1988," he said. "He has graciously taken on the stewardship of Tom's legacy. He shepherds the fellowship process – he makes this happen."

Pictured, from left: Rosemary Connolly, Assistant U.S. Attorney; James McCarthy, Suffolk University President; The Hon. Marianne Bowler, Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts; Michael D'Angelo, 2012 Drinan Fellow; Diane Drinan, Drinan Committee; Greg Massing, Executive Director of the Rappaport Center; Dick Glovsky, Drinan Committee Chairman