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Spotlight: Events and In Memoriam

Events

Chief Justice Loretta Rush and Purdue President Mung Chiang on the stage in front of an audience at a university auditorium.
Chief Justice Loretta Rush on stage with Purdue President Mung Chiang. Photo by Carly Eastman, Purdue University

Chief Justice headlines Purdue Presidential Lecture event

On March 25, Chief Justice Loretta Rush joined Purdue President Mung Chiang for a conversation as part of the university’s Presidential Lecture Series. Rush, a Purdue alumna and longtime Tippecanoe County resident, spoke on the topic of “State Courts as Engines of Economic Development, Public Safety and Access to Justice.” The event was free, open to the public, and video is available online at youtu.be/FbAREoOY_5o

The CASA Day audience all wearing blue shirts gather in the Statehouse atrium to hear from speakers including Chief Justice Loretta Rush.
Chief Justice Rush addresses volunteers during CASA Day at the Statehouse.

CASA celebrates 35 years of advocacy

State legislators, community leaders, and advocates attended this year’s celebration of Court Appointed Special Advocates on March 4. Attendees celebrated the 35th anniversary of the program’s advocacy within the Indiana court system for children experiencing abuse or neglect. The event began with breakfast and provided the opportunity to listen to a variety of speakers. Opening remarks were given by State GAL/CASA Director Rae Feller followed by Chief Justice Loretta Rush. CASA’s work was highlighted in speeches delivered by volunteers and impacted families. Throughout the day, they shared stories about reunification, finding connection through placements, and the hope CASA volunteers give to the children they advocate for.

Johnson and Shelby County VASIA staff and volunteers, all wearing blue, stand in front of a sign made of balloons that spells, "VASIA" while preparing to cut a ribbon in celebration.
Johnson & Shelby County VASIA celebrates with a swearing-in ceremony, a ribbon-cutting event, and a buffet lunch.

VASIA of Johnson and Shelby counties celebrates 5 year milestone

The Volunteer Advocates for Seniors or Incapacitated Adults program works to provide trained guardians to advocate for vulnerable adults within the court system. This year, VASIA of Johnson and Shelby counties celebrated five years of partnership with community chambers. Their connections with Aspire Johnson County, the Franklin Indiana Chamber of Commerce, and the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce have allowed VASIA to serve 150 adults in the last nine years. Judges Peter Nugent and Trent Meltzer helped celebrate this milestone by swearing in new and old volunteers to uphold VASIA’s values: confidentiality, advocacy, integrity, respect, and diligence.

Students gather around tables in a school library and listen as Magistrate Garza addresses them.
Magistrate Garza speaks to students at Bishop Noll Institute in Lake County.

Magistrate Garza speaks to high school students about First Amendment rights

For the third time, Lake County Superior Court Magistrate Katherine Garza returned to her alma mater, Bishop Noll Institute, to give an original presentation on First Amendment rights. With an emphasis on free speech, the presentation discusses five Supreme Court cases and allows students to join in the conversation to learn more about the court system and their role in it. She has also given this presentation at Munster High School.

Judge Jeffirs and a high school student pose for a photo in front of a table with materials for students to take at a career fair.
Judge Jeffirs with a student aspiring to become a judge at the Crown Point High School Career Fair.

Judge Jeffirs speaks at Crown Point High School career fair

Crown Point City Court Judge Kent Jeffirs was invited to attend the annual Crown Point High School Career Fair on January 24. Alongside dozens of business people and professionals from other fields, Judge Jeffirs had the opportunity to speak with junior and senior students about potential career paths. Throughout the four-hour event, students learned about law-related careers, law school, and the path to becoming a judge.

In Memoriam

Hon. Lori Stein Sabol (left), photo by Purdue Exponent; Hon. Michael Kramer (right), photo courtesy of the Noble County courts.

Mourning two colleagues

Judge Lori Stein Sabol passed away on March 24. She was sworn in as West Lafayette City Court Judge in January 2001 and served for more than 24 years. Her memorial service was held at Temple Israel in West Lafayette on Friday, April 11, followed by a reception and celebration of life.

Noble Circuit Court Judge Michael J. Kramer passed away on March 28. He took office in January 1991 and had served longer than any judge in Noble County history. Visitation was held on Monday, April 7 at the Noble County Courthouse in Albion and again on Tuesday, April 8 at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Fort Wayne.