06 Oct 2014
Jan Gradwohl, ’54, received the Jim Wolf Equal Justice Award at the Nebraska Appleseed Good Apple Awards on October 2.
The Jim Wolf Equal Justice Award recognizes a Nebraskan who has made significant contributions to justice for all throughout his or her career. It is given in the spirit of the late Jim Wolf, a founding Appleseed board member who possessed a lifelong dedication to promoting the common good. The award is given to an individual who is committed to public service without regard to his or her own economic or political gain.
Jan Gradwohl has dedicated her entire career to the principle of equal justice and fairness before the law after seeing how our systems of power kept long-standing barriers in place for many.
Jan began her career as an attorney, but quickly rose to become the first female appointed judge in Lancaster County. She worked to ensure fairness and equity in our legal system. For her work, she has been honored with both state and national level distinguished service awards.
Jan has also had a significant impact on the College of Law. She served as a professor and mentor to many of our law students, alongside her late husband, John, and continues to be involved in various capacities today.