Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano was recently selected to speak at the Law School graduation this spring. The decision to invite Napolitano to speak at her alma mater was made last summer during Arizona's gubernatorial race, according to Adam Wolk, president of the Law School's Student Bar Association.
"I remember Napolitano when she was [a student] at the Law School," said Steven Hopson, senior assistant dean for University Career Services. "We have followed her path since her graduation. We are all very admirable of her at the Law School; we're awfully glad to have her speak."
According to Wolk, Napolitano attended Santa Clara University in California, and later graduated from the Law School in 1983. Upon graduation, she moved to Phoenix, Ariz. to practice law.
"We as students, especially coming out of Virginia, should feel that we have the power to change the world," Wolk said. "I hope she talks about how law students can use their degree in a good way, the importance of being a lawyer."
According to University spokesperson Carol Wood, Napolitano served as Anita Hill's attorney during the Senate confirmation hearings of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas in 1991 and two years later was appointed by President Clinton as U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona. In 1998, she was elected Attorney General of Arizona.
She became governor of Arizona in 2002, and was re-elected in 2006. During her term, she removed a billion-dollar deficit without raising taxes or cutting public school funding, Wood said
"As governor, she focuses a lot on children and education, as well as the economy," Wolk said. "She has really improved the economy in Arizona."
According to Wood, Napolitano is the 2004 recipient of the Women's Center Distinguished Alumna Award. The award is granted to an alumna of the University who embodies excellence, leadership and commitment to her field of study.
"She is a really interesting political figure, a great role model," Wolk said.
The Law School's graduation ceremony will be held May 20.
Napolitano could not be reached for comment.
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