Gary A. Munneke, a longtime American Bar Association member and professor at Pace School of Law in White Plains, New York, passed away on November 22, 2012. Professor Munneke was a dedicated member of the profession, mentor, and friend to many. “Gary was a great friend, co-author, and mentor. Gary was always available to talk about teaching, the ABA, books, and his favorite topic––fine food and wine. Dining with Gary was always a culinary adventure; an expensive adventure, but an adventure nonetheless. While I didn’t get to spend as much time as I would have liked with Gary and his wife Sharon, the time we spent together was memorable and will always be cherished. I will miss my friend,” Bill Henslee, professor of law at FAMU College of Law, says.
Professor Munneke began at Pace Law in 1988, first as associate dean for placement and career services and then professor of law teaching courses in professional responsibility, law practice management, and the legal profession. He was an enthusiastic ABA member authoring books and frequently speaking at meetings. “Professor Gary Munneke was a big man with a large personality and a mission to teach and to mentor student and lawyers,” Ellen Wayne, consultant and retired dean of career services at Columbia Law School, says.
Professor Munneke was always a great friend to law students and the ABA Law Student Division. Among many things, he authored articles for Student Lawyer and served countless times as a career panelist. “Gary was the man and the leader we could always count on––no matter the issue. He was truly and delightfully charming and witty––you were always happy to run into Gary. He was a valued resource, advocate, confidant, and friend to the Division in just about every way you can imagine. We have lost a tremendously great friend,” Law Student Division Director Patricia Brennan says.
Our thoughts are with his family, his Pace Law School friends and colleagues, and the many students he taught along the way. Wayne says, “The true tragedy in the loss of Gary so soon is that future law students will not have the chance to meet him and experience his exuberance and his unique ability to teach and to guide students.”
