(L-R) Karol V. Mason, President of John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Jamella Richmond, Student President at John Jay College, Honorable Joseph A. Zayas, NYS Chief Administrative Judge, and Hon. Edwina G. Richardson, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives. On Tuesday, April 28th, 2026, the John Jay Alumni Association held an event honoring judges who mentor their students. Chief Administrative Judge of the Courts, Joseph A. Zayas, was a featured honoree at the event.

(L-R) Karol V. Mason, President of John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Jamella Richmond, Student President at John Jay College, Honorable Joseph A. Zayas, NYS Chief Administrative Judge, and Hon. Edwina G. Richardson, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives. On Tuesday, April 28th, 2026, the John Jay Alumni Association held an event honoring judges who mentor their students. Chief Administrative Judge of the Courts, Joseph A. Zayas, was a featured honoree at the event.

Photo by William Farrington for the OCA

John Jay College of Criminal Justice recently held its annual alumni celebration honoring previous graduates who are now serving as judges throughout New York state.

Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas helped bring together many distinguished alumni for the April 28 event, during which the judges connected with students. 

Among those who spoke at the event were Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for the Office of Justice Initiatives Edwina Richardson, who previously served the college as an adjunct professor; John Jay College President Karol Mason, and Jamella Richmond, president of the John Jay College student council for 2025-26. Members of the New York Latino Judges Association also participated in the gathering.

The college said it was thrilled to have the judges take part in the special event and give current John Jay students an opportunity to engage with those whom they see as role models advancing the cause of justice in the Empire State.

Members of the New York Latino Judges Association at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. 860 11th Avenue in Manhattan, Tuesday April28th, 2026. The event recognized judges who mentor students.Photo by William Farrington for the OCA (L-R) Hon. Wilma Guzman, Hon. Yadhira Gonzalez-Taylor and Hon. Julio Rodriguez.Photo by William Farrington for the OCA Hon. Michael Liddie (left) and Hon. Edwina G. Richardson (right), Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives.Photo by William Farrington for the OCA Hon. Angel Cruz (left) and Hon. Lumarie Maldonado-Cruz (right).Photo by William Farrington for the OCA Hon. Angel Cruz (left) and Hon. Nestor Diaz (right) at the event.Photo by William Farrington for the OCA Honorable Joseph A. Zayas, NYS Chief Administrative Judge, speaking with event attendees.Photo by William Farrington for the OCA Karol V. Mason, President of John Jay College of Criminal Justice, addresses the crowd.Photo by William Farrington for the OCA Hon. Wilma Guzman, Supreme Court Bronx County, speaking to guests at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Manhattan on Tuesday April 28th, 2026. The event recognized judges who mentor students.Photo by William Farrington for the OCA The Honorable Rupert V. Barry, Supreme Court of Kings County, speaking to students at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, in NYC. On Tuesday, April 28th, 2026, the John Jay Alumni Association held an event honoring judges who mentor their students. Chief Administrative Judge of the Courts, Joseph A. Zayas, was a featured honoree at the event.Photo by William Farrington for the OCA Honorable Joseph A. Zayas, NYS Chief Administrative Judge, speaking with event attendees.Photo by William Farrington for the OCA