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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.

    Richard A. Soden to be Honored with 2025 Drinan Award

    Richard A. Soden

    January 23, 2025 | 5:30 - 7pm ET

    This year, the American Bar Association Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice will posthumously honor beloved Section legend, Richard A. Soden, and celebrate his impactful life and legacy. For many years, Richard served as the Budget Officer and a member of the Section’s governing Council. He was deeply committed to the Section’s mission and its growing need for a sustained source of funding. As a Section leader, Richard was indefatigable in his fundraising efforts and inspirational in the service and guidance he so thoughtfully provided to the Section often referred to as “the conscience of the ABA.”

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    Drucilla Stender Ramey honored with 2024 Drinan Award

    About the 2024 Recipient

    The Section honored 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. Friends and colleagues joined us as we honored her legacy with the Section.

    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.

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    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.