O'Hara to speak at HCC graduation
By JASON McFARLEY
News Editor
Patricia O'Hara will be Holy Cross College's commencement speaker next month. O'Hara, dean of the Notre Dame Law School, will address the 34th graduating class on May 12 at 2 p.m. in the college's St. Joseph Chapel.
"I know that commencement day is a very significant day in the lives of the Holy Cross graduates and their families, and I'm honored to be a part of it," O'Hara said.
O'Hara has been a law school faculty member since 1981 and dean since April 1999.
In the nine years prior to her appointment as dean, she held the post of vice president for student affairs, a role that in June 1990 made her the first woman to serve as a University officer. In this position, O'Hara oversaw many aspects of student life, including campus ministry, student activities, student residences, residence life, health services, Notre Dame Security/Police.
O'Hara earned a bachelor's degree from Santa Clara University in 1971. In 1974, she graduated first in her class on her way to receiving a doctor of laws degree from Notre Dame.
O'Hara specializes in corporate and securities law. She is a member of the California State Bar, the Federal Bar for the Northern and Central Districts of California and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Throughout her career, O'Hara has received several awards and distinctions.
In 1986, she was chosen Distinguished Professor of the Year by the law school students. In 1997, she was honored with the Howard J. Kenna, C.S.C. Award for outstanding service to Notre Dame and the Congregation of Holy Cross.
A 1988 U.S. Supreme Court opinion also cited a UCLA Law Review article by O'Hara.
All News Stories for Wednesday, April 25, 2001
