TOPEKA—Supreme Court Justice Marla Luckert received the Distinguished Service Award from Washburn University.
The award was presented April 7 by the Washburn University Alumni Association. The award recognizes alumni who have made personal and professional contributions to society, demonstrated exemplary support to the Washburn University Alumni Association and the community, been of service to humanity, distinguished themselves in their careers, and brought honor to Washburn through their accomplishments.
Luckert earned a bachelor's degree from Washburn University in 1977 and a law degree from Washburn University School of Law in 1980.
"I am very honored to be recognized for service to Washburn, especially when I know I can never begin to repay what Washburn has given me," Luckert said. "Beyond the excellent education, the people that make Washburn special have inspired and supported me as a student and in every aspect of my life since that time. My debt to Washburn and all those special people is immense. "
Luckert has served on the Kansas Supreme Court since 2003. Before that, she was a district judge and then chief judge of the 3rd Judicial District for 11 years. She was in private practice for 12 years at Goodell Stratton Edmonds & Palmer.
As an alumna, Luckert has remained active at Washburn, serving on various committees for the law school and on the alumni association board.
In 2017, she received the Kansas Bar Foundation’s Award for Exemplary Service, and in 2015, she was named a Woman of Influence by Go Topeka’s Entrepreneurial and Minority Business Development Program.
Luckert, a Goodland native, said a high school trip to Washburn drew her to the school.
"I came to Washburn for the state debate tournament, and I liked what I saw. Even then, I wanted to be an attorney, so the law school was a plus. In addition, the school’s size appealed to me, and I wanted the ability to participate in a variety of activities, including debate, student government, and music. Receiving scholarships was imperative, and Washburn came through, making my college dream a reality," she said.