获奖者

辛西娅·麦科勒姆法官（1976届）毕生致力于在司法体系中捍卫公平、正直和服务的核心价值观。在担任公设辩护人近三十年后，她现任达科他县法官，致力于确保每位被告都能获得公正对待。

Minnetonka High School played a formative role in McCollum’s development—both in academics and athletics. She was part of the school’s first state champion swim team and also ran track. After graduation, she attended the University of Minnesota, where she swam for the Gophers and became a Big Ten champion and an All-American in the 200 freestyle relay. “I swam all four years at the U of M for the late great Jean Freeman, who developed my discipline—and my love for the sport,” said McCollum.

She earned a double major in English and psychology before going on to receive her law degree cum laude from Mitchell Hamline. Inspired by her early work as a mental health counselor with adolescents, she entered the legal field to help vulnerable youth navigate the justice system. Over 28 years as a public defender, she was involved in more than 100 jury trials—including 45 homicide cases—and spent 17 years as a supervisor. In 2014, she was appointed to the bench in Minnesota’s First Judicial District in Dakota County. Beyond the courtroom, she has helped shape generations of legal professionals through her long-standing role as a professor at Mitchell Hamline School of Law.

麦科勒姆与明尼通卡的渊源依然深厚——她不仅是该校的校友，还是三名“水手”学生的家长。“明尼通卡公立学校不仅为我提供了优质的教育，也为我的所有孩子提供了优质的教育。”

Reflecting on her journey from student to judge, McCollum offers this advice to those considering a legal career: “Take advantage of AP classes or the IB Programme and get involved in Mock Trial. You have to be comfortable in an adversarial position. Law is arguing—with opposing counsel, the court or sometimes your own client. The profession revolves around logic, reason and history—so an interest in those subjects will serve you well.”