Chancellor Kent Syverud Issues Statement on Passing of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor

Friday, Dec. 1, 2023

Syracuse 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 Syracuse University’s 12th chancellor and president, O’Connor participated in the ceremony at Hendricks Chapel.

“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.”