John Satira J.D. ’17 Honored as a 2015 Anderson Scholar
Honoring Alvin P. Anderson On hand for the scholarship reception were, from left to right: Law School Dean Davison M. Douglas, John Satira J.D. '17, TowneBank President Brian K. Skinner, Betsy Anderson, Erica Amatori '16, and Mason School of Business Dean Larry Pulley. Photo by David F. Morrill
John Satira, a second year student at William & Mary Law School, and Erica Amatori, a senior undergraduate at William & Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business, were honored as TowneBank’s 2015 Alvin P. Anderson Scholars on Sept. 10 at the bank’s Monticello Avenue office in Williamsburg.
The scholarship honors the late Alvin P. Anderson, a 1970 graduate of William & Mary, and 1972 graduate of the Law School. The program recognizes Anderson’s contributions to the community and the exceptional students following in his footsteps. Both recipients received a $5,000 scholarship and an inscribed crystal vase.
Brian Skinner, the regional president of TowneBank, said Satira and Amatori were selected after a series of interviews.
Davison Douglas, Dean of the Law School, said the program is a “wonderful tribute to Alvin,” and recognizes qualities that Anderson is remembered for.
At the Law School, John Satira is distinguished for outstanding grades, his position as a semi-finalist in Moot Court, and participation with the respected William & Mary Law Review. He already has multiple offers at top law firms in Washington, D.C. for summer 2016. Satira received his undergraduate degree from Penn State, where he served as president of the student ambassador program.
Satira stated he was, “absolutely humbled and honored” to receive the honor. “What is not to love about being a student here, and part of the Williamsburg community?” he said in remarks to guests.
Erica Amatori is a double-major in marketing and psychology, with a special interest in business analytics. Amatori was honored for her ability to take risks, having started several companies and recently selling one.
“It is a wonderful honor to get this scholarship,” Amatori said. “It’s going to be hard following in [Anderson’s] footsteps.”
Alvin P. Anderson practiced law at Kaufman & Canoles and was also a member of the firm's Executive Committee until shortly before his death in 2008. His civic contributions during his 36-year legal career were numerous. He served on TowneBank's Hampton Roads, Peninsula, and Williamsburg boards, and was a director of the Riverside Healthcare Association and a director of Hampton Roads Academy. He also was the commissioner in chancery and the commissioner of accounts for the circuit courts of the City of Williamsburg and James City County.
In 1998, Anderson was awarded the William & Mary Alumni Medallion in recognition of his professional achievements and his outstanding commitment to his alma mater. He also served as a member of the College's Board of Visitors, as a trustee of the Law School Foundation, and as president of the Alumni Association.
“It is wonderful to see who is coming up in the ranks and who is going to be running the world at some point,” said Mrs. Betsy Anderson, Alvin’s widow. “I am so glad to have the two recipients here from the Law School and the Business School, and that everyone could be here to meet them and enjoy this wonderful evening of celebration.”
About William & Mary Law School
Thomas Jefferson founded William & Mary Law School in 1779 to train leaders for the new nation. Now in its third century, America's oldest law school continues its historic mission of educating citizen lawyers who are prepared both to lead and to serve.