Austin Fragomen is being honored for his groundbreaking work in immigration law and generosity. The speaker shares their story of how Fragomen, their first employer, helped change their life by hiring them and later encouraging them to attend law school, which led them to becoming an immigration lawyer. Fragomen has had a significant impact beyond just helping individuals, but in establishing immigration law as a respected legal field through his efforts like publishing an influential handbook for immigration lawyers. He has also supported the law school community for over 40 years through initiatives like founding its international law journal.

1. The man we are honoring today, Austin Fragomen, is well known for his truly
groundbreaking work in immigration law. To this audience, he is an immensely valuable
member of our law school community. But his reach extends beyond our law school and
beyond the arena of law. Austin's generosity of spirit has changed many lives, including
mine.
A friend who teaches psychology told me not long ago that I “was one in a million.” I
was flattered until he announced that the remaining 999,999 who had had a life similar to
mine were either dead or in prison. He then asked me who had been most prominent in
helping me to get to where I am today; my reply was instant: Austin Fragomen, my first
employer.
I grew up on welfare and I was the first person in my family to graduate from high school.
I attended a college I first called Vass-R- I was there on a full scholarship.
When I graduated from Vassar, I didn’t really know what to do next. I had no real role
models. I knew I needed to work. I responded to a classified ad in the New York Times
for a German and French speaking legal assistant.
I can still picture myself heading into 515 Madison Avenue for my interview. I had never
met a lawyer in my life. I was wearing argyle knee socks, hand-me-down loafers, skirt
and shirt hand-sewn by my grandmother. My hair was in braids. I looked like some
blend of Heidi and Pippi Longstocking.
In the waiting room, another young woman sat, also waiting to be interviewed. She was
in a navy blue suit, Pappagallo headband, seamless hose, burgundy pumps, pearl earrings
and necklace, and, she carried a burgundy leather portfolio, containing extra copies of her
resume and writing sample. I was empty-handed. I am proud to say that despite my lack
of polish, I got the job.
Six months later, I was getting bored with my job. I was probably just young and restless
but I told Austin that I was bored. He said: "Lisa, go to law school." When I told my
grandparents that my boss thought I should go to law school, my grandmother said, "Lisa,
you should get married."
Well, I listened to Austin. I applied to Case Western, was lucky enough to get a
scholarship and graduated from law school in 1986. Austin's influence did not stop
there; I became an immigration lawyer.
At that time immigration lawyers were treated like the “black sheep” of the legal
profession. We were undervalued and underpaid. Through Austin’s efforts, immigration
lawyers have become very visible and influential players in the legal field. We are at the
forefront of one of this country's most important debates and what we do has national
impact. We have changed the face of America and continue to do so.
To me and to others in our field, Austin has been and is our guide and leader. His
“Handbook” provides the nuts and bolts for all immigration lawyers as they work their

2. way through employment-based immigration. It is the “go to” resource for immigration
lawyers. His pioneering efforts in teaching immigration law show up in the resumes I
receive from law students who proudly state their participation in immigration law
courses and clinics.
Austin has been a loyal supporter of the law school for over 40 years. In 1968, he co-
founded the law school’s Journal of International Law – one of the oldest and most
prestigious international law journals in the world. In 1993, he established The Austin T.
Fragomen, Jr. Endowment for International Law, which supports the international law
center.
Please join me in thanking and congratulating the man who is truly “one in a
million”…Austin T. Fragomen, Jr.