Judge Frederica Brenneman, a member of the 1953 Harvard Law School class which was the first class to admit women and the inspiration behind the television show “Judging Amy” (starring Brenneman’s daughter, Amy), will be on the campus Monday and Tuesday, April 25-26 to speak to various groups and organizations. Brenneman’s visit is part of the University’s year-long theme “Now is the Time … Civic Engagement.”

In 1967 Brenneman was appointed as a juvenile court judge, the second woman on the bench in Connecticut history. She became a Superior Court judge when the state trial courts merged in 1978. In her long career Brenneman has specialized in abuse and neglect cases, pushed for stronger legal protections for children, shaped clear statewide protocols and case law, trained innumerable judges and educated caseworkers, attorneys, parents and the public on court procedures.

On Monday, April 25, the Legal Association of WIU will host an open reception for Judge Brenneman at 4 p.m. in the Union Sandburg Lounge. On Tuesday, April 26, Judge Brenneman will present the keynote address at the Western Organization for Women annual banquet from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. in the Union Lamoine Room. Brenneman will share thoughts on her career, her daughter’s career and the Juvenile Court. Also on April 26, Brenneman will present, “I Think I Can,” a discussion about enhancing self-esteem of women and girls, from 3-4 p.m. in the Union Fox Room.

Brenneman’s campuswide keynote address, “Impact Thinking: A Civic Responsibility,” will begin at 7:30 p.m. April 26 in the College of Fine Arts and Communication Recital Hall, followed by a reception in the Union Prairie Lounge. The keynote and reception are open free to the public.

For more information on Brenneman’s visit and presentations, call 309/298-3232. For more information the University theme and social dialogues, visit www.theme.wiu.edu.