Miami Law Alumni Receive Awards For Their Work In The Community

In recognition of their humanitarianism, two Miami Law alumni – Hilarie Bass and Dr. Rudolph Moise – received the prestigious Silver Medallion from The Miami Coalition of Christians and Jews (MCCJ) on Saturday, February 26 at the Four Seasons Hotel. The award recognizes those individuals whose lives reflect MCCJ's mission - to promote understanding and respect for all faiths, cultures and races.

By UM News 02-22-2011

Additionally, Miami Law alumnus Donald I. Bierman received a Lifetime Achievement Medallion.

Hilarie Bass, JD '81, has been a leader at the law firm of Greenberg Traurig, and recently was elected ABA Chair of the 70,000-member Litigation Section. Under her leadership as board chairman of United Way of Miami-Dade County, she oversaw two of the most successful fundraising campaigns. According to Harve Mogul, President and CEO of The United Way of Miami-Dade, "What makes Hilarie such an effective leader is her quick mind, her sound judgment and her ability to listen and build consensus." Bass is also a member of the University of Miami Board of Trustees.

Dr. Rudolph Moise, JD '97 is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Comprehensive Health Center. A native of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Moise was a teenager when he immigrated to the United States. Since that time, he has not forgotten his place of birth, and has continuously immersed himself in helping the Haitian people. He has co-hosted no fewer than three weekly TV programs focused on the Miami Haitian community. Other accomplishments include involvement in the AIDS Haitian Coalition and establishing the first dialysis unit in Haiti.

Donald I. Bierman, JD '65 is a criminal defense attorney and has tried more than 100 criminal trials. His leadership was evident when he served as Chairman of the Metropolitan Dade County Community Relations Board. During his tenure, he was instrumental in keeping the peace when police officers were charged in the shootings of minority residents. Each day he gave a television summary of events that helped keep the community informed and in control. Ten years later, Bierman was a charter member and Treasurer of the Miami Civilian Investigate Panel, an agency created and empowered by voters to conduct independent and impartial oversight of the Miami Police Department.

Since 1946, the MCCJ has honored a select group of South Floridians with the prestigious Silver Medallion. Past recipients include such well-known leaders as Thelma Gibson, Donna Shalala, Antonio Argiz and Sister Jeanne O'Laughlin. In addition to Bass and Moise, the Medallion was also be presented to UM trustee Richard Fain.