SUPREME CHOICE: Senior class leaders are “thrilled” with O’Connor’s selection. Linda Cicero

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor will speak at this year’s Commencement on June 13. Nominated to the high court in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan, O’Connor became the first woman to serve as a justice and in recent years has been the swing vote in a number of 5-4 decisions. A former trustee of the University, she was an economics major on the Farm, graduating with honors in 1950. Two years later, O’Connor graduated third in her class at Stanford Law School.

“We are absolutely thrilled that she has accepted our invitation,” said senior class presidents Mary Himinkool, Mikey Lee and Ryan Taylor in a statement. “Her life story—one of courage and integrity in the face of challenges—provides inspiration to our class as we approach Commencement.”