2013 Graduation Speaker

[USFLaw GradCommittee]

Dear Class of 2013,

We are pleased and excited to announce the selection of our commencement speaker, Judge Saundra Brown Armstrong. Judge Armstrong is an incredibly well-respected and accomplished federal judge, and tremendous ambassador of the law school.

Judge Armstrong's accomplishments exemplify her ability to break down racial and gender barriers. In 1970, Armstrong became the first African-American policewoman, and only one of seven policewomen overall, in the Oakland Police Department. In 1973, she advocated for and was instrumental in the creation of equal hiring practices for women in the City of Oakland's Police Department.  In 1991, Judge Armstrong became the first African-American woman to serve on the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

A Bay Area native, Judge Armstrong is also a USF alumna, having graduated from the Law School in 1977. Judge Armstrong embodies the values and characteristics that make USF Law students and alumni unique. She is a dedicated public servant and community activist. Additionally, Judge Armstrong has maintained a strong commitment to the law school by frequently returning to speak and participate in law school activities, and mentoring countless students as they enter the legal profession.

Our Centennial year is a wonderful time to acknowledge and celebrate the lifetime achievement of one of our most prominent and successful alumni. We look forward to honoring Judge Armstrong on May 18.

Best,

Your 2013 Graduation Committee