Esther Eagan, a UB alumna and senior associate director for contracts in UB Technology Transfer, a unit within Business and Entrepreneur Partnerships, died Sept. 16. She was 50.

After receiving a BA from the University of Rochester in 1996, Eagan enrolled at UB. She received an MS in natural sciences in 1999, and a JD from the School of Law in 2004. While a law student, she worked in Technology Transfer, formerly known as the Office of Science, Technology Transfer and Economic Outreach, as an intellectual property intern.

After graduating from law school, Eagan worked in intellectual property law for Phillips Lytle for two years before rejoining UB in 2006 as Technology Transfer’s licensing manager. She was a skilled negotiator, and during her 18-year tenure at UB she brought countless technologies closer to commercialization through the execution of licenses.

Eagan was named associate director for contracts In 2015, when Technology Transfer was assigned the responsibility of negotiating and drafting industry-sponsored research agreements. She was promoted to senior associate director of contracts in 2020. She was a mentor to both her staff and the office’s externs from the law school’s Clinical Legal Education program.

Her colleagues fondly remember her excitement and enthusiasm in leading and organizing Technology Transfer’s contributions to the UB Adopt-A-Family holiday program.

In addition to her work in Technology Transfer, Eagan was immensely proud of her three children and served as a board member for the UB Child Care Center for 17 years. She was also an avid fan and supporter of all things Buffalo. She was a founder and board member for the Neil E. Garvey Foundation for the Arts for more than 12 years.

Friends are encouraged to add their thoughts to the Howe Funeral Home guestbook.