THE FOLLOWING IS AN AMBUCS RELEASE
Danville – The Danville Chapter of AMBUCS has chosen Justice Rita Garman as the 2025 recipient of our annual First Citizen award.
Justice Garman’s lengthy career in the law and on the bench speaks for itself. Entering the legal profession when it was male-dominated, Justice Garman persisted through her hard work and committed determination. Starting as a legal aid attorney, she soon became an assistant state’s attorney. She served 49 years on the bench in Illinois- as an associate circuit judge, circuit judge, appellate judge, as a member of the Illinois Supreme Court from 2001 until 2022, lastly, she served as the Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme court from 2013-2016.
Justice Garman also exemplifies selfless service to her community. Along with singing in the choir at St. James United Methodist Church, she also served on all the significant committees supporting the church for many years. She has served as an important member of the Vermilion County 708 Mental Health board, an agency that provides funds for much needed mental health services in our county. Justice Garman was also one of the very first women in the Danville noon Rotary Club, and is a past recipient of the Vocational Service Award. Rita has long-served on the board of directors for the Danville Symphony Orchestra, and was honored with Emeritus Board Member status for all of her valuable contributions. As if that wasn’t enough, Justice Garman established the John Sanders Scholarship, to honor the beloved English teacher from Danville High School. The scholarship has been awarded for the last 38 years.
A pioneer, a visionary, a well-respected member of the Illinois Bar Association, a selfless example of service, a luminary in our community, we are incredibly proud to recognize this amazing woman. Rita exemplifies the definition of what it means to be a First Citizen by choosing to make a positive impact within the Danville community and for all who encounter her exceptional presence. Congratulations Rita!
The dinner honoring Justice Garman will be held on Thursday, May 29th at the Turtle Run banquet center. Our dinner is open to the public, $35 tickets can be purchased at the door. The dinner starts at 6pm.
