Remembering Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Image of Ruth Bader Ginsburg receiving the Smith Medal

“Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was, and will remain, a steadfast reminder that the fight for equality can never rest, even as those who fight hardest for this ideal must. Her death brings a national mourning, as we realize we have lost the best of us. She was patient as she worked for incremental change for gender equality, grounded in the law. We admire her for her life’s work but also for how she lived her life: with respect for those holding different views, with dignity in the face of opposition and with hope—always with hope.”—Smith College President Kathleen McCartney

PRESIDENT MCCARTNEY’S LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY

“I suppose if I had any talent that God could have given me, I would have been a diva. But since I am a monotone I went to law school.” 
—Ruth Bader Ginsburg upon accepting the Sophia Smith Award in 1997

The Inspiration of RBG

CSPAN Video

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the first recipient of the Sophia Smith Award for her remarkable contributions to the education of women.

CSPAN Video

Screenshot from CSPAN video

NewsSmith Article

More than 2,300 people, Including Gloria Steinem ’56, packed the audience to see Ruth Bader Ginsburg receive the Sophia Smith Award.

NewsSmith Article

A photo of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Ruth Simmons

Her Mission: Access to Education

Phoebe Haddon ’72 received the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the legal academy and to women.

Her Mission: Access to Education

Phoebe Haddon


Honoring RBG in the SAQ

Read the original announcement of Ruth Bader Ginsburg as the first recipient of the Sophia Smith Award in 1997. 
See the SAQ coverage of Ruth Bader Ginsburg accepting the first Sophia Smith Award, along with quotes from notable alumnae.
Law professor Marjorie Fine Knowles ’60 says profound changes in how the law treats women are due to RBG’s “brilliant litigation strategy.”

Photo Gallery

Photo selections of the Sophia Smith Award ceremony in 1997 with Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Click on a thumbnail image to enlarge.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg seated next to President Ruth Simmons

Kate Webster, Chair of Board of Trustees, Ruth Simmons, president of the College, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg speaking.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg posing with students.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg meeting with students

Kate Webster placing the Sophia Smith medal around Ginsburg’s neck.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg addressing the audience.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg speaking at a podium on stage

Ruth Bader Ginsburg speaking at a podium on stage

Audience for Ruth Bader Ginsburg accepting the first Sophia Smith Award.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg showing off her medal backstage.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg posing in a group

Excerpt of Award Ceremony Program

Excerpt of Award Ceremony Program

Excerpt of Award Ceremony Program

Excerpt of Award Ceremony Program

Always Remembered

As we mourn the loss of a leader, we know her legendary influence and legacy will remain. 

“During her nearly three-decade-long tenure on the Supreme Court, Justice Ginsburg’s commitment to social justice led her to sometimes take the long course—exemplified in her many incisive dissents. She also signed on to concurring opinions with others on the court with whom she agreed. These concurrences were often the product of her remarkable negotiation skills as a lawyer. As has been attributed to another icon who recently died, John Lewis, and as was first coined by Martin Luther King, it can be said that Justice Ginsburg’s judicial work embodied the steadfast belief that the arc of justice bends wide, but it always bends toward justice.”
—Phoebe Haddon ’72, chancellor emerita of Rutgers University-Camden

“Justice Ginsburg… You are the epitome of brilliance, grace and wit framed in strong and unswerving values of rights, equality and justice. I will always carry your encouraging words and your warmth within me as I continue on the path of fighting for social change. Rest in Power, Rest in Love.”
—S. Mona Sinha ’88, chair of the Fund for Women’s Equality and Women Moving Millions

Celebrating Justice Ginsburg

Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a personal hero for many. Submit your own remembrance of her here.

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