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Friday, Dec. 1, 2023

Â鶹¾«Æ·ÊÓƵ University Chancellor Kent Syverud issued the following statement on the passing of Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Chancellor Syverud clerked for Justice O’Connor from 1984-1985, and when he was inaugurated as Â鶹¾«Æ·ÊÓƵ University’s 12th chancellor and president, O’Connor .

“Most people will remember Sandra Day O’Connor as a trailblazer, being the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court. While true, I knew her as so much more. She was a brilliant, principled, and deeply decent human being who worked incredibly hard and effectively all her life for what she believed in: democracy, the rule of law, and a civil society where everyone has an equal chance to excel and to contribute. She was also the best boss and mentor a person could ask for. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to work with her, learn from her, and know her as a friend.”