Mission Driven
As a double RAM, Ernst, and now, with you, Marie, as Suffolk parents—your son, Myles, is a 1L at Suffolk Law—what first brought you here and what keeps you and your family so connected to Suffolk?
Ernst: I came to Suffolk because it gave me an opportunity but also because of the principle on which it was founded. It was founded for people like me—a first-generation college student with a dream of getting an education, of becoming a lawyer. And that is still at the core of Suffolk.
Marie: That is still what Suffolk is about—providing opportunities for students to achieve their dreams.
You give back to Suffolk in so many ways—helping students with their journeys; hosting donor and alumni events at your home; and of course with financial support, which you’ve been providing for 18 years now, 12 consecutively. Why has it been important to support Suffolk year in and year out—financially and otherwise?
Ernst: Suffolk has done so much for me—more than I can ever do in return. I know firsthand how important alumni involvement is—what a difference one person can make in a student’s life. I learned so much from my mentor, Richard Trifiro, JD ’57, HLLD ’87. He always had time for me. He wanted me to succeed and to pay it forward when I did.
You established the SUBAN scholarship in 2018. What led you to create this scholarship, and what is your hope for its impact?
Marie: We wanted to engage Suffolk’s Black alumni and encourage them to get involved with the University and connect with students. This scholarship provides an important way to give back and to support future generations of students.
We know how much Suffolk students benefit from gifts like yours. What do you get out of giving?
Marie: We can make a difference. Ernst enjoys spending time with students, and those conversations are important. Ernst: We also know how important financial support is, and we want every student to have a chance to be successful.
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spring 2025
By Kathleen Peets
Adult Nurse Practitioner, Hebrew Senior Life
Attorney and Founder, Guerrier & Associates
Summa Society Patrons
Frost Society Members
Suffolk University Trustee
Law Dean’s Cabinet Member
Founder, Suffolk University Black Alumni NETWORK (SUBAN)
2019 Outstanding Clinical Alumni Award Recipient
2022 Black Excellence Icon and Trailblazer Award Recipient
