BUFFALO, NY - Canisius President John J. Hurley conferred the President’s Medal upon the Honorable John T. Curtin ’46, HON ’78, in recognition of the magistrate’s remarkable tenure.
The senior U.S. District Judge for the Western District of New York stepped down from his position on April 12 following 48 years on the bench. During his career, Judge Curtin presided over such landmark cases as the 1972 Buffalo Schools desegregation suit and the 1994 ruling that found Hooker Chemical illegally dumped chemicals into Love Canal. He also oversaw the 1994 L.A. Boys gang case, in which he handed down two of the longest prison terms in local history.
“Judge Curtin has been a fierce advocate for civil and human rights, and the principle of equal justice under the law,” said President Hurley in conferring the medal. “His faith in God and his devotion to family, country and the profession make him eminently well-qualified to be added to our distinguished list of President’s Medal honorees.”
The President’s Medal bears the phrase “For God and Country,” and is bestowed only periodically to individuals who have distinguished themselves in public life through service to God and community. Since 1955, the President’s Medal has been conferred only 47 times.
