Deanell Reece Tacha Deanell Reece Tacha, J.D., c’68

Additional honors and achievements:
National President – KU Alumni Assoc.
National President – American Inns of Court
KU Outstanding Senior Woman – 1968
Chief Judge – U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit

How I became interested in my area of study/research/discipline:
Encouragement of KU Faculty.

An honor, achievement or accomplishment is most meaningful to me:
My four children! They have provided the most long-term rewards.

Someone I admire:
Senator Robert Dole – National Leader
Tensie Oldfather – local philanthropist

Someone who has been influential or had a significant impact on my life:
Dean Emily Taylor – Dean of Women at KU. She empowered and encouraged women long before professional opportunities were available to women.

Most favorite memory as a student:
Involvement in Associated Women Students and working with Norm Yetman as my advisor.

An important life lesson I have learned:
Be confident but not arrogant.
Listen carefully.
Tolerate and embrace differences.

A favorite quote or saying:
When asked why he spent a lifetime inventing a vaccine for polio, Jonas Salk said: “I am trying to be a good ancestor.”

My hopes for the world:

  • Equal justice under the law.
  • A strong and persuasive commitment to voluntarism and philanthropy
  • A flourishing system of public education for all
  • Peace
  • Plenty of healthy food, clean air and water, and adequate housing for all