Aug. 5, 2025 ̶ ̶ The Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law Alumni Association will honor seven distinguished members of the legal community at the 2025 Pillars of Excellence Law Alumni Awards on Saturday, Aug. 9, at the University of Memphis Maxine A. Smith University Center.
Established in 2007, the Pillars of Excellence Award recognizes attorneys in the Memphis-area legal community who have profoundly influenced the practice of law. Honorees must have practiced law for more than 40 years, demonstrated outstanding service to the profession and broader community, held leadership roles in legal and civic spheres and earned a reputation among peers for exemplary legal skill and ethical conduct.
All proceeds from the event benefit the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and support student scholarships.
The 2025 Pillars of Excellence honorees are:
- Ben C. Adams, Jr., Chairman Emeritus | Baker Donelson
- Stevan L. Black, Founding Member | Black McLaren Jones Ryland & Griffee, P.C.
- The Honorable Deborah Means Henderson (JD ’83), Judge | General Sessions Court, Shelby County, Tennessee, Civil Division IV
- The Honorable Holly M. Kirby (JD ’82), Chief Justice | Tennessee Supreme Court
- Russell E. (Rusty) Reviere (JD ’80), Attorney at Law | Rainey Kizer Reviere & Bell PLC
- Gary K. Smith (JD ’73), Attorney at Law | Gary K. Smith Law, PLLC
- John A. Stemmler, Retired Member | Bass, Berry & Sims PLC
The Law Alumni Association will also recognize Terrence O. Reed (JD ’00), Managing Director of Employment and ERISA Litigation at FedEx Corporation, as the 2025 Friend of the Law School for his exemplary support and dedication to the Law School’s mission and community.
Media Contact:
Parker King, Assistant Director
University Media and Public Relations
University of Memphis
(O) 901.678.4822
