The women’s liberal arts school near Philadelphia announced Tuesday that Sotomayor will receive the 2015 Katharine Hepburn Medal, given to women who embody “the intelligence, drive and independence” of the Oscar-winning actress. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen, File)
The Katharine Houghton Hepburn Center at Bryn Mawr College will present the 2015 Katharine Hepburn Medal to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
“As the first Hispanic and third female Supreme Court justice, Justice Sotomayor is truly a trailblazer, said College President Kim Cassidy.
SEE ALSO: Sonia Sotomayors My Beloved World shows triumph and tragedy
The Katharine Hepburn Medal is given to women who embody “the intelligence, drive and independence” of the Oscar-winning actress, and undoubtedly Sotomayor represents all these qualities.
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor will be honored by Bryn Mawr College for her trailblazing legal career. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Her twenty-year commitment to the federal judiciary reveals her unwavering commitment both to public service and the importance of the legal system in our society and exemplifies the attributes deserving of the Hepburn Medal. Equally important, Justice Sotomayors many opinions from the bench, whether in the majority or expressing critical interests from a dissent, exhibit wisdom, an unflinching commitment to justice, and a fundamental dedication to real equality in our diverse society. In these and other ways, Justice Sotomayor truly embodies the Hepburn spirit. Cassidy said.
The medal will be awarded to Justice Sotomayor at a gala event in Bryn Mawrs Goodhart Hall on April 17, 2015.
Sotomayor was nominated on May 26, 2009, for the United States Supreme Court by President Barack Obama. After contentious confirmation hearings, Sonia Sotomayor became the first Hispanic Justice and third woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Sotomayor was raised in the Bronx in a housing project. Her parents were born in Puerto Rico, and came to New York during World War II.
Former Hepburn Medal recipients include the actresses Lauren Bacall and Blythe Danner, Jane Golden, executive director of Philadelphias Mural Arts Program, Helene Gayle, president and chief executive officer of the international humanitarian organization CARE, and musician Patti Smith.
SEE ALSO: Sonia Sotomayor on Oprah: Her most revealing interview yet