Two student-led, criminal justice organizations at Marshall University will host Judge Stephanie Thacker of the United States Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, in the Memorial Student Center.
“Students and members of the community can expect to learn about Judge Thacker’s career path, starting from her experiences in law school to becoming a prosecutor and her 2012 appointment as a federal judge,” said Dr. Stephen Young, advisor for Alpha Sigma Phi, which is a criminal justice honor society.
Thacker, a native of Hamlin, W.Va., and a Marshall alumna, became the first female judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit when she was appointed to the position in 2012. The event is free and open to the public.
“This event provides a unique opportunity for students and community members,” said Dr. Kimberly DeTardo-Bora, co-advisor of the Criminal Justice Association at Marshall University. “They can engage with Judge Thacker in understanding how humble beginnings can lend themselves to an incredible and rewarding career.”
The event is sponsored by Marshall University’s student chapters of the Criminal Justice Association and Alpha Sigma Phi.
“We find her story inspiring and are aware of her deep connection to the institution and to the people she has served,” said Maddi Morgan, president of Marshall’s Criminal Justice Association. “Her experiences as a practicing attorney, legal scholar and member of the judiciary will hopefully resonate with those who seek a career in the legal profession. She is a true trailblazer and a stellar legal scholar.”
The event will be held at 6 p.m. in Room BE5 of the Memorial Student Center on Marshall’s Huntington campus. Media are invited and encouraged to attend.