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    Robert F. Drinan Award for Distinguished Service

    Named in honor of the late Father Robert F. Drinan, a former member of Congress who chaired the Section in 1990-91, this award recognizes individuals whose sustained and extraordinary commitment has advanced the Section's mission of providing leadership to the legal profession in protecting and advancing human rights, civil liberties, and social justice.

    Drucilla Stender Ramey to be honored with Drinan Award

    About the 2024 Recipient

    The Section will honor longtime leader and Special Counsel Drucilla Stender Ramey with its Father Robert F. Drinan Award for Distinguished Service, at a virtual reception during the Section's Midyear Council Meeting. We invite friends and colleagues to join us as we honor her legacy with the Section. Additional details about the virtual ceremony will be announced soon.

    About - the Recipient

    Kay H. Hodge honored with 2023 Father Drinan Award

    About the 2023 Recipient

    The Section honored longtime leader and 2011-12 Past Section Chair Kay H. Hodge with its Father Robert F. Drinan Award for Distinguished Service, on Thursday, January 26, during the Section's Midyear Council Meeting.

    About - the Recipient

    About the Award

    Named in honor of the late Father Robert F. Drinan, a former member of Congress who chaired the Section in 1990-91, this award recognizes individuals whose sustained and extraordinary commitment has advanced the Section's mission of providing leadership to the legal profession in protecting and advancing human rights, civil liberties, and social justice.

    Learn more - About the Award

    Past Recipients

    Past recipients of the Father Robert F. Drinan Award for distinguished service are among some of the most illustrious and determined members of the Section, include Father Drinan himself.

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    Jerry Gardner Honored with 2022 Drinan Award

    About the 2022 Recipient

    The Section honored longtime leader and current Special Counsel Jerry Gardner with its Father Robert F. Drinan Award for Distinguished Service, during the 2022 ABA Midyear Meeting. Jerry was the first Native American to receive the Award.

    About - the Recipient

    C. Elisia Frazier Honored with 2021 Drinan Award

    About the 2021 Recipient

    "Elisia walks her talk. Over the years, I have observed Elisia’s strength, perseverance, and impeccable leadership under challenging circumstances and I continue to be inspired by her service, grateful for her mentorship and honored to follow in her footsteps," said Angela Jean Scott, chair of the Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice.