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It has been an interesting journey for Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert R. Thomas, who will speak at SAU’s commencement ceremonies at the Mark of the Quad Cities on Sunday, May 14. A 1974 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Justice Thomas received his J.D. degree from Loyola University School of Law in 1981. In 1988, he was elected circuit court judge in DuPage County, where he presided over civil jury trials. In 1994, he was elected to the Appellate Court Second District, and, by 2000, he had been sworn in as Illinois Supreme Court justice for the Second District.

Justice Thomas’ path to the Illinois Supreme Court was interrupted for a few years by quite a different pursuit however – as a kicker for the Chicago Bears. In an election speech given during his campaign for the Illinois Supreme Court, Justice Thomas said he was both proud of, and humbled by, his NFL experience.

“When I ran for circuit court judge in 1988, I recall a memorable moment that took place in a local food store. A man approached me with a quizzical expression on his face. ‘Can I ask you a question’ he asked. I replied, ‘Sure,’ and with that, he queried, ‘Didn’t you used to be Bob Thomas” That moment crystallized the realization that I would always be better known for my ten-year career with the Chicago Bears than I would ever be for my judicial career.

Thomas goes on to say that, “The life experience of being noted by the press for both winning and losing games has brought a certain humility that helps me remember that judicial robes are made of the fabric of responsibility, rather than power.”

President Ed Rogalski says of the senior class’ selection, “I am pleased to honor Justice Thomas as commencement speaker. He has an excellent record of public service via the bench, and will bring energy and inspiration to the podium on a day of great joy for the St. Ambrose community.”