Attorney Arlinda Locklear encourged the 2012 graduating class at the College of Charleston to consider a life dedicated to public service.
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“There is great work to be done in many fields,” said Locklear. “ I daresay there is a field of public service perfectly suited to every member of the 2012 graduating class. As you leave the College and embark on your life’s work, you have a responsibility to consider and an opportunity to enjoy the rewards of a life in public service.”
A 1973 graduate of the College of Charleston, Locklear began her career as an attorney at the Native American Rights Fund. During her 35-year career in federal Indian law, she has represented tribes throughout the country in federal and state courts on treaty claims to water and land, taxation disputes with states and local authorities, reservation boundary issues, and federal recognition of tribes.
In 1984, Locklear appeared before the U.S. Supreme Court, where she successfully challenged South Dakota’s authority to prosecute a Native American for on-reservation conduct. In doing so, she was the first Native American woman to appear before the Court.
She has received numerous awards for fostering the development of women, among them a 2008 honor for her contributions to the American Indian community by the Conference of American Indian Women of Proud Nations.
Also during the ceremony, The College awarded honorary degrees to long-time philanthropists and community leaders Norman and Gerry Sue Arnold.
More than 1,400 students received their degrees in two ceremonies on the College of Charleston’s historic Cistern Yard on Saturday.
