Dear Lucas,
On Sunday, April 26, our beloved Professor Joe Crea ‘47 will turn 100 years young. Joe has taught at Brooklyn Law School for more than six decades, and he is still going strong. As recently as last year, he was teaching a course in Commercial Paper and Banking.
The son of Italian immigrants who grew up in Brooklyn and still lives in
our Borough, Joe embodies the American dream and the very best of our
national character. Everyone who has met Joe knows he is one of a kind.
He is an inspiring teacher, cherished colleague, and world-class human
being. His intellect, zest for life, courage, and selflessness make him
one of the Law School’s iconic figures. Legions of Brooklyn Law
School graduates live by his unforgettable “Crea-isms,” such
as “the barrel rolls” and “don't drop your briefcase
and run.”
On a personal note, I’ll always appreciate that from day one, Joe took this new Dean under his wing offering invaluable counsel and support. It is an enormous honor that the Brooklyn Law School Deanship is named for Joseph Crea.
We will honor Professor Crea and seven other icons who have contributed to the rich legacy of our school on June 11 at the Salute to Brooklyn Law School Icons Gala, which will be held, fittingly, on Ellis Island.
Please join me in wishing Professor Joe Crea a happy 100th birthday. And visit our
Facebook page to say Happy Birthday to Joe.
Nick Allard
Joseph Crea Dean and Professor of Law