Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor Inspires Students at St. Thomas University

Justice Sonia Sotomayor Engages with St. Thomas University Community

On February 13, 2025, St. Thomas University (STU) in Miami Gardens, Florida, had the honor of hosting United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Her visit was marked by a series of formal and informal gatherings that brought together students, faculty, and local leaders, aimed at fostering a spirit of dialogue and understanding.

A Day of Meaningful Interactions

The day's schedule was packed with activities designed to engage with the university's vibrant community. Justice Sotomayor began with a small working breakfast, where she met with key members of the STU College of Law, including the champion Trial and Moot Court Teams. This meeting provided a fantastic opportunity for students to gain insights from one of the nation's highest-ranking legal minds.

In continuation of her engagement, Justice Sotomayor held meetings with the editors of STU's law journals, further underlining the significance of academic collaboration in the field of law.

What stood out most was a moderated 90-minute conversation attended by around 270 students and 30 faculty members. Facilitated by Professor Kevin Frazier, a distinguished scholar from the Benjamin L. Crump College of Law, the conversation was not only enlightening but also deeply interactive.

The Essence of Dialogue

Justice Sotomayor's dialogue was rooted in the principles of understanding and the importance of approaching disagreements with empathy. She addressed the pervasive adversarial mindset often seen in political debates and encouraged attendees to recognize that differing opinions often stem from varied life experiences rather than malicious intent.

Sotomayor highlighted the need for balance and civil discourse, stating, "Balance is an integral part of civil discourse." She elaborated on the necessity of active listening and the pursuit of common ground, something that resonated deeply with the law students and faculty alike.

STU President David Armstrong, J.D., echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude for Justice Sotomayor’s visit and her inspiring words that bolstered the university’s commitment to developing ethical leaders.

A Tradition of Engagement

Justice Sotomayor’s presence at STU adds to the rich tradition of Supreme Court Justices engaging with the university community. Previously, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson participated in a virtual session with STU law students, while Justice Antonin Scalia visited the campus in November 2011. These interactions emphasize the university's dedication to providing students with opportunities to learn directly from eminent figures in law.

In her closing remarks, Justice Sotomayor reflected on her commitment to outreach and community engagement, a tradition she cherishes following in the footsteps of Justice Scalia. She shared her experiences from speaking engagements across the country, concluding her visit with a heartfelt standing ovation from the packed Judge Peter T. Fay Moot Court Room.

About St. Thomas University

St. Thomas University stands out as one of the South's premier Catholic universities. It prides itself on a vibrant educational environment that fosters academic excellence and ethical leadership. Since the appointment of President David A. Armstrong in 2018, STU has seen significant growth, culminating in record enrollment numbers. The university is committed to its strategic plan, Limitless, which seeks to enhance the collegiate experience through mentorship, character development, and real-world engagement.

As STU continues to grow and adapt, the impact of visits like that of Justice Sotomayor will surely resonate within the community, inspiring future generations of law professionals and leaders.

Through engagements like these, St. Thomas University underscores its mission to nurture a diverse and inclusive education that prepares students for real-world challenges, guiding them to become ethical leaders in the global community.