NEWARK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

McCarter & English LLP has elected four new partners and one special counsel in its offices in Boston and Newark, effective January 1, 2013. The new partners are Maneesh Gulati, Yu Lu and Jonathan Short, members of the Intellectual Property / Information Technology group; and Joseph E. Ruccio III, a Construction and Infrastructure group member. The new special counsel is Kevin J. Quinn, who is part of the Public Finance group.

We are so pleased to welcome these five outstanding and talented attorneys to the partnership and our roster of special counsel, said McCarter & English Chairman Michael P. Kelly. These young attorneys have extraordinary skills and will contribute immensely to the future of this firm. We are confident in their continued success in their careers here at McCarter.

Maneesh Gulati (Boston) Mr. Gulati is a member of the Intellectual Property and Information Technology practice, where he focuses on the management and development of intellectual property portfolios, including the drafting, filing and prosecution of patent applications in a variety of genomics, chemical, biotechnological and mechanical fields. He has managed and actively prosecuted substantial patent portfolios with applications throughout the world, including for several Fortune 100 biotechnology companies. Mr. Gulati manages and prosecutes portfolios protecting FDA-approved drug products and performs extensive freedom-to-operate analyses, patentability analyses, due diligence investigations, clearance searches, noninfringement and invalidity opinion drafting, and competitive landscape analyses for industry clients, venture groups and emerging companies. He is admitted to practice in Massachusetts and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Mr. Gulati earned his B.S. from the University of Michigan and his J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law. He was named a Massachusetts Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012.

Yu Lu, Ph.D. (Boston) Dr. Lu is a member of the Intellectual Property and Information Technology practice, where he focuses on strategic patent portfolio development and management for biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, as well as leading academic institutions. He has extensive experience preparing and prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications in the chemistry, renewable energy, genetics, cell biology, immunology, RNA interference, drug delivery, stem cell, pharmaceuticals and medical device fields. Prior to starting his legal career at a global law firm as a patent agent, Dr. Lu was a Jane Coffin Childs Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Cell Biology at Harvard Medical School. His research has led to the publication of multiple scientific articles in journals such as Genes & Development, Nature Medicine and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States. Dr. Lu received his B.Sc. with Highest Distinction in genetics and genetic engineering from Fudan University (Shanghai, China), his Ph.D. from Harvard University and his J.D. cum laude from Boston College Law School.

Joseph E. Ruccio III (Jed) (Boston) Mr. Ruccio is a member of the Construction and Infrastructure practice. He advises clients on the preparation of contracts, implementation of best practices and dispute resolution for their construction projects. Whether involved from a projects inception or brought in to handle a distressed project, Mr. Ruccio has the industry and legal experience to help avoid disputes or to minimize their cost and duration. Should litigation be unavoidable, he has the first chair trial experience necessary. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Ruccio gained significant experience in the area of public procurement as chief of the Bid Protest Unit in the Massachusetts Attorney Generals Office. He served as the chief hearing officer for all public contract disputes filed with the AG, prosecuted violations of the bidding and wage laws enforced by the AG, and served as the AGs liaison to state agencies, municipal organizations and trade organizations. Mr. Ruccio earned his B.A. from Colgate University with Honors and his J.D. from Boston College Law School, where he was the executive editor of the Uniform Commercial Code Reporter-Digest. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the Massachusetts Bar Association and the Boston Bar Association. He is admitted to the Bars of Massachusetts and New York. Mr. Ruccio was recognized as a Super Lawyers Massachusetts Rising Star in 2009 and 2012.

Jonathan Short (Newark) Mr. Short practices in all areas of intellectual property law, representing clients in disputes and transactions relating to patent, trademark, trade dress, copyright, trade secrets, cyberlaw and data privacy issues. He is dedicated to providing business-minded solutions to corporate clients from startups to international market leaders, including litigation avoidance and pre-litigation counseling. He has extensive experience with patent and other litigation relating to consumer electronics products and computer technology, including flash memory products (nonvolatile computer storage). Mr. Short has litigated several transaction-based disputes, including the alleged copyright infringement of a multimillion-dollar software product. Mr. Short earned his B.A. from Bowdoin College, magna cum laude, and his J.D. from William & Mary School of Law. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the New Jersey State Bar Association, the Bowdoin Alumni Schools and Interviewing Committee, and the Bowdoin Career Advisory Network. He is admitted to the Bars of New Jersey and Massachusetts, and was recognized as a Chambers USA Associate to Watch for 2012 and a Super Lawyers Rising Star for 2013.

Kevin J. Quinn (Newark) Mr. Quinn practices in the area of public finance, serving as bond counsel for conduit and direct issuers, and counsel for underwriters, borrowers, banks and trustees. He concentrates primarily on revenue bond financings, having extensive experience with acute and subacute health care facility financings, higher education facility financings and economic development transactions. He has participated in financings through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, the New Jersey Healthcare Facilities Financing Authority and the New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority, as well as financings of various municipalities, school districts and local authorities. Mr. Quinn received his J.D. from Fordham University Law School, his MBA from Fordham University and his B.A. from Franklin & Marshall College. He is a member of the National Association of Bond Lawyers. He is admitted to the Bars of New Jersey and New York.

About McCarter & English, LLP

McCarter & English, LLP, established more than 160 years ago, represents Fortune 500 and middle-market companies in their national, regional and local litigation and on important transactions. Its 400 attorneys are based in offices in Boston, Hartford, New York, Newark, Philadelphia, Stamford and Wilmington. http://www.mccarter.com

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McCarter & English LLP Promotes Five Attorneys in Boston and Newark

Three Harrisonville High School graduates will become the ninth class inducted into the HHS Distinguished Alumni Wall of Fame during Winter Homecoming activities at HHS Feb. 1.

G.R. Milner, Ret. Lt. Col. Renee (Labitska) Holmes, and Dr. Hillary (Rolls) Kelly will be inducted during a banquet and introduced to the community prior to the 7 p.m. varsity basketball game.

Milner graduated in 1958 from Harrisonville High School as the salutatorian. During his youth, he was highly involved in 4-H and band. He is a lifetime resident of Cass County.

Following graduation, Milner went to work as a bookkeeper at Henderson Burris Motors in Harrisonville. He worked in all facets of the business and at 23 purchased shares of stock in the business. He was one of the youngest dealers in the nation to be given ownership approval by the Ford Motor Company. He also graduated from the Ford Motor Companys School of Accounting and their School of Retail Salesmanship.

In 1977, he became full owner and changed the name to GR Milner Ford Sales and in 1978, he moved the dealership from near the square to its current location on Cantrell Road. During this time, Milner grew the business to one of the largest Ford, Lincoln, Mercury dealerships in the state of Missouri and tripled the number of his employees.

In 2012, Milner was honored by the Ford Motor Company for his 50 years as a dealership owner. Milner was a member of the Missouri Automobile Dealers Association and served in numerous leadership capacities including the associations 60th president in 1998.

As a business leader in Harrisonville, he was a member of the Chamber of commerce, Masonic Lodge and Ararat Shrine.

Milner and his wife, Karazo, will celebrate 22 years of marriage this year. His family includes two children, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Holmes is a 1986 graduate of Harrisonville High School and spent a 20 year career with the United States Marine Corp.

She retired in December.

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Harrisonville announces Wall of Fame inductees

Tom Goodhart, a member of McCaskey's Class of 1980, buried his football jacket a few years ago at the high school stadium.

That's school pride.

After his beloved jacket was damaged in a fire, Goodhart couldn't just toss it. A volunteer assistant equipment manager for the Red Tornadoes, he wrapped the jacket and a football program in thick plastic and buried the package time-capsule style. He won't say where.

A bachelor who lives alone in his childhood home on Pearl Street, Goodhart, 51, is an unofficial Mr. McCaskey, his school spirit infectious. But lately, friends have grown concerned about Goodhart's well-being. They know he's reeling from his mother's death and the loss of his job, and they want to help.

Best known for his dedication to the football team, Goodhart also gives information-packed high school tours to alumni at reunions. He gleans trivia from his collection of McCaskey yearbooks, dating to its 1938 opening.

Goodhart, who worked part time at Whallons gift shop until it closed in December, also organizes his class reunions, and three times a year he tidies the grave of John Piersol "J.P." McCaskey, for whom Goodhart's high school is named.

"Tom has a definite passion for McCaskey High School," said Jon Mitchell, the school's athletic director. "He doesn't like it when 'J.P.' gets left off."

Besides Goodhart's hyper-focus on all things McCaskey, he volunteers for the Red Rose Run, Sertoma Chicken BBQ and other events, and he collects kitschy items such as Happy Meal toys about 850 in original wrappers.

But what's handicapped Goodhart is interests that aren't a strategy for self-sufficiency.

Ever since his mother, Mary Ellen Goodhart, suffered a stroke and died last March 8 as he kept a vigil by her hospice bed, Goodhart has struggled with being on his own. He has told friends, acquaintances and former classmates of his deepening despair.

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Feeling alone: Tough times for 'Mr. McCaskey' after death of his Mom, loss of his job

Written by Megan Corder Tuesday, 22 January 2013 19:21

Former Kent State graduate and Olympic Gold Medalist Gerald Tinker suffered a mild stroke earlier this month and needs financial help from Kent State alumni to cover his medical bills.

Kim Delgado and Wendy Wheaton, friends of Tinkers, organized the Gerald Tinker Fund to help ensure Tinkers financial security during his recovery.

We started the fund to give him time to recuperate, Delgado said. Were trying to get him set up so that he has some kind of stability.

Tinker, who works as a physical trainer, relies on his income on a day-to-day basis. Delgado, who is an actor and screenwriter, has contacted Kent State for alumni support.

We are assisting in trying to make sure that he has a financial foundation to be able to pay his bills and that will be everything from therapy to medications to living expenses while he is rehabbing, Delgado said.

Wheaton, a talent agent for film and television, believes that Tinkers involvement in the community is benefiting the fund.

He is very much in the community, Wheaton said. He is a dynamic kind of guy that has a lot of different relationships with people. From senior citizens, all the way to someone who is in high school that shows potential.

After graduating from Kent State in 1972, Tinker competed in the Olympics that year. He won a gold medal in the 4 x 100 mens relay. Since his experience in the Olympics, he has played football for the Atlanta Falcons and the Green Bay Packers.

Delgado, who wrote Gerald Tinkers story for television, said that Tinkers story intrigues him.

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Gerald Tinker, KSU alumnus and former professional athlete, suffered a stroke January and needs financial help to pay ...

The fifth time's apparently a charm. At least for recently crowned Miss USA Nana Meriwether it was. A former All-American volleyball star at UCLA, Meriwether lettered all four years of high school in volleyball, basketball and track and field in Washington D.C., and unlike most, she didnt make her way onto the beauty-queen scene until well after her highly-successful volleyball career came to an end.

Despite a late start, it was her background in athletics that helped lay the groundwork for her career in the pageant business.

I missed competing and having a goal, said Meriwether. [When] competing for pageants there is a physical aspect that you have to get your body to a certain way and I miss having that through sports.

Meriwether entered in the Miss California pageant for four straight years from 2008-2011, but could only come as close as second place in 2008. Perseverance was key for the 27-year-old, who in her final year of eligibility moved back to the East Coast to compete in the Miss Maryland pageant.

After finally winning the coveted state crown in 2012, Meriwether earned herself a spot in the Miss USA competition. From there, history was made.

Meriwether was named first runner-up to Miss Rhode Island, Olivia Culpo, who went on to win Miss Universe six months later. With the new vacancy, Meriwether took over as Miss USA.

We were both part of history, said Meriwether, who found out her fate while eating dinner at a restaurant with friends. It was such a unique way to come into the title.

But for the athlete-turned-beauty queen, Meriwethers sights werent always set on the pageant scene.

I would have never dreamed she would have matured enough to possess the confidence to put herself her out there like she does standing alone in a beauty pageant, said her UCLA coach, the legendary Andy Banachowski. She was willing to speak up among her teammates and lead them, but I never imagined she would have the drive to go it alone.

Once a shy, awkward multi-sport athlete, not even Meriwether envisioned she would land where she is today.

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Ex-UCLA volleyball star now Miss USA

Five seniors named Niswonger Scholars Published January 21st, 2013 6:42 am

GREENEVILLE Five new Niswonger Scholars, including one from Sullivan Countys Sullivan North High School, have been chosen.

The five new Northeast Tennessee scholars three from the Tri-Cities are Sam Brashears of Sullivan North High School; Matthew Grimm of Daniel Boone High School; Dustin Howser of Tennessee High School; Raini Rowenhorst of David Crockett High School; and Katie Shields of Pigeon Forge High School.

The Niswonger Foundation, founded by Greeneville businessman and philanthropist Scott Niswonger, announced the five seniors Wednesday. They join 18 Niswonger Scholars for a total of 23, not counting 44 alumni.

The program takes the brightest young leaders in Northeast Tennessee, provides them the opportunity to attend the college or university that will best prepare them for their chosen career, and supplements that education with four years of leadership development activities, a news release said.

The plan is to see Niswonger Scholars come back to the region with not only strong earning potential, but an entrepreneurial spirit and overwhelming desire to return their talents and energy to this region, bringing exceptional leadership ability, exemplary personal character, and a strong commitment to building community, according to the news release.

Samuel Sam Lucas Brashears from North is ranked first in his class and has a 4.0 grade point average.

He has served as vice president and president of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), placing second in the HOSA Bowl Regional Competition and fifth at the 2012 state convention. He is senior class vice president.

Sam has received the Sullivan North Scholar Athlete Award for the past three years, and has been recognized as Top 5 Member of the Tennessee Association of Student Councils 4-Star Student Council.

He has participated in varsity cross country, track and basketball. He is the founding member of the North Robotics Team.

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Five seniors named Niswonger Scholars

Little changes can make a big difference sometimes. I thought this when I walked into 55 South, a restaurant and bar that opened late last year on South First and Post streets in downtown San Jose.

You might recall that being the location of A Perfect Finish, a wine and dessert bar that never found the customer base it deserved but soldiered on nonetheless for a few years. 55 South is a reinvention of A Perfect Finish, and while it is very similar physically, some of the details and the smooth, stylish vibe is entirely different.

Andre Chenoweth is the remaining holdover owner from A Perfect Finish, and he's joined in the new ownership team of Paul Chun, Eric Nielsen and Michael Nguyen. In addition to changing the name, which is derived from the address at 55 S. First St., the new owners wanted to change the identity

"We shifted the focus," said Chun, who worked as a bartender there for six months before becoming part owner in September. "It had been more geared toward wine than spirits. We wanted to be Cocktail Culture 2.0."

The old furniture, which conveyed a sense of Old World comfort, has been replaced by contemporary couches and cocktail tables. The wine offerings are still solid, but craft spirits are center stage, with Nielsen reconstructing vintage cocktails such as the Moscow Mule and the Old Fashioned. In the coming weeks, the food menu will get a makeover with the help of a consultant with serious cred, chef Louis

It's another sign that stretch of South First Street, which had started looking a little barren, is coming back in a big way.

HARD-WORKING HOLIDAY: Employees at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara and San Jose hospitals will team up to enhance Thomas P. Ryan School on McGinness Avenue in San Jose as their "Day On, Not Off" volunteer community project Monday.

Dr. Susan Smarr and Dr. Raj Bhandari, the medical chiefs at Santa Clara and San Jose, will probably be painting murals at the Ryan School, a topic that may not have been covered in medical school. Other docs, nurses and staff members will paint white stripes on the schoolyard to create a walking track for the students. You know those Kaiser folks and their health kick.

About 200 volunteers from both medical centers and "Hands On Bay Area" will be working on the school and furnishing the teachers' break room with tables, a couch and a microwave and more.

BULLDOG BIRTHDAY: About 200 San Jose High alumni and other supporters kicked off the school's 150th anniversary year with a luncheon Jan. 13 at the San Jose Country Club. I'm told the oldest alum in attendance was Anna Ritchison from the class of 1930, back when the school was a mere 67 years old. Check out future events at gttp://sites.google.com/site/sanjosehighbulldogfoundation.

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Pizarro: 55 South gives downtown San Jose a stylish new address

Hospital patients depend on blood donations from volunteer donors for the blood they may need for ongoing and emergency medical care. Because February is American Heart Month, the American Red Cross officials say it's a good time to donate blood.

Blood donations help many types of patients, including cardiac patients, who are one of the leading users of blood and blood products, said Tracy Duncan Fox, communications manager with the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the Red Cross. When individuals roll up their sleeve, they help build the blood supply. This is important anytime, but especially during the cold, wintry months when blood donations tend to decline.

Since 1963, the president has proclaimed February as American Heart Month.

Were asking more people, young and old alike, to have a heart and give blood this February," Fox said. If youre healthy and can give, your donation can help make a difference.

During February, donors will be entered into a region-wide drawing to win the following package: Two VIP tickets to the NCAA Sweet 16 and Elite 8 Midwest Regional games at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, March 29 and 31. VIP tickets include early admission to the stadium, food, drink tickets and the chance to meet an NCAA legend, a deluxe corner room at the new J.W. Marriott in Indianapolis for two nights, March 29 and 30, and a $250 Visa gift card to be used for other expenses such as meals, gas, parking andsouvenirs.

Area blood drives

1 to 7 p.m. Monday at St. Teresa of Avila in the Catholic Student Center, 1604 Lincolnway, Valparaiso. Donors will receive a coupon for a free doughnut from Dunkin Donuts.

1 to 6 p.m. Monday at the St. John Township Community Center, 1515 U.S. 30, Schererville. Donors will receive a coupon for a free doughnut from Dunkin Donuts. Go to redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code stjtcommc to schedule an appointment.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday in the Athletic Building Gymnasium at Calumet College of St. Joseph, 2400 New York, Whiting.Donors will rec be entered into a drawing for a $25 shopping spree. Go to redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code CCSJ or call (219) 473-4323 to schedule an appointment. This blood drive is sponsored by Crimson Wave Athletics Department.

Noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Kouts High School in the auditorium, 302 E. College Ave., Kouts. This is a Bleed for the Band blood drive. Donors will receive a coupon for one free taco courtesy of Taco Bell.

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Red Cross urges blood donations during winter months

The dean of a Florida business school died when he was run over by his own car while trying to stop it from being towed.

Elias Konwufine, 39, was the business school dean at the Fort Lauderdale campus of Keiser University.The accident happened Wednesday evening outside the deans home in Lauderhill, west of Fort Lauderdale.

Konwufines car was parked on the grass at Sienna Green Condominiums in violation of the condo associations rules, Lauderhill Police Captain Rick Rocco stated.When a tow truck started to tow the vehicle, Rocco said, Konwufine jumped onto the trucks running board in an attempt to stop him. Konwufine fell off the truck and under the wheels of his own vehicle. He was pronounced dead at Broward Health Medical Center two hours later, the police captain said. No charges have been filed and cause of death has not been determined.Were going back to the scene to see if there were any video recordings, Rocco said Friday.

Dr. Konwufine touched and positively shaped the lives of his students, alumni and colleagues in special ways, every day, the school said in a statement. Collectively our hearts remain heavy as we cope with this tremendous loss.

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Florida B-School Dean Dies in Towing Accident