Celebrating Sandra Day O'Connor Day
A Tradition of Honoring Justice O'Connor
Since her historic swearing-in, Arizonans have come together to celebrate Justice O'Connor's life and her commitment to civic life. The Institute is proud to carry on that tradition with partners across Arizona.
Sandra Day O'Connor is sworn in by Chief Justice Warren Burger, left, while her husband John Jay O'Connor watches. September 25, 1981.
2026: A Proclamation for the 45th Anniversary
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs proclaimed September 25, 2026, Sandra Day O'Connor Day. The proclamation marks 45 years since Justice O'Connor joined the U.S. Supreme Court. It also recognizes the Institute's work to advance multigenerational civics education, civil discourse, and civic engagement.
In addition to the proclamation, the Institute was pleased to partner with the Arizona Department of Education to provide special presentations on the Justice for Arizona classrooms in which teachers and students explored Sandra Day O’Connor‘s journey from growing up on the Lazy B Ranch to becoming the first woman appointed to the US Supreme Court in a live webinar.
Civics in Action with ASU
The Institute has also partnered with ASU's School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership to mark Sandra Day O'Connor Civic Celebration Day with a week of programming. This celebration included:
- In classrooms: expert classroom visits and ready-to-use lesson plans
- For teachers: a civics seminar
- For students: the launch of the National O'Connor Civics Challenge, which invited middle school students nationwide to show what they know about civics through essays, art, music and video
- Reception: a Patrons Circle Reception with author John Augustine and Barry Goldwater Jr.
- Webcast: "The Future of the Court," featuring former O'Connor law clerk Professor Cristina Rodríguez of Yale Law School and Adam White of the American Enterprise Institute
A Daylong Tribute at ASU Law
In 2018, on the anniversary of her swearing-in, the Institute, Arizona State University, and the State of Arizona held a daylong tribute at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law. The program included a gubernatorial proclamation, constitutional law presentations, and roundtable discussions. Former O'Connor law clerks, including Charles A. Blanchard, also shared first-hand recollections of working in her chambers.
