Eureka College Honors the Legacy of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor
EUREKA – Eureka College mourns the loss of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, a prominent advocate for our campus community and a trailblazer, legal luminary, and pioneering figure in American history.
“As our flag flies at half-mast today, we reflect on Justice O'Connor's remarkable achievements and honor her legacy of support for Eureka College,” stated President Jamel Wright. “Notably, Justice O’Connor was awarded with an honorary doctorate and received the distinction of an honorary Ronald Reagan Fellow when she spoke at convocation in April 2013.”
“Justice O’Connor also supported our fundraising efforts with various donor events at the “O’Connor House,” her former adobe home in Tempe, AZ that is part of the National Register of Historic Places, keeping our community close to her heart from across the country,” President Wright added.
Justice O'Connor's groundbreaking career began as the first woman appointed to the United States Supreme Court, under President Ronald Reagan, himself a Eureka College alumnus. This historic moment for gender equality and the legal profession propelled Justice O’Connor’s commitment to justice, integrity, and public service.
In celebration of her life and legacy, Eureka College will be honoring Justice O’Connor at our Founder’s Day and Reagan birthday festivities on February 8. Details and information for those events will be available soon.
About Eureka College
Located on nearly 70 wooded acres in Eureka, Illinois, and chartered in 1855, Eureka College cultivates excellence in learning, service and leadership while providing students uniquely personalized educational opportunities.
Eureka College holds the unique distinction of being the first college in Illinois and among the first in the nation to admit men and women on an equal basis. The College, originally founded by abolitionist members of Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), is the smallest of only 24 colleges and universities to ever award a bachelor’s degree to a future President of the United States.