Golden Grads return
“It’s been wonderful seeing my grandniece going through classes and talking with her and listening to her," says Ruth McGregor, ’74 JD and former chief justice of the Arizona Supreme Court. "It’s really brought back a lot of memories for me." McGregor is pictured with her grandniece, Jacqueline Cochrane, above at the Tempe campus. Photo by Sabira Madady
Editor's note: This story originally appeared in the summer 2024 issue of ASU Thrive magazine.
Fifty years ago, ASU alumni Ruth McGregor and Mark Kerrigan completed their degrees. Celebrating this achievement with ASU, they share the university’s impact on their lives and how their programs set them up for their career milestones, including McGregor serving as Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court and Kerrigan working in the White House Office of Management and Budget.
Ruth McGregor
Degree
’74 JD from the ASU College of Law
Major career milestone
Justice on the Arizona Supreme Court from 1998 until 2009; chief justice, 2005–09
Favorite ASU memory
“I think my fondest memory might be studying for our first semester exams,” McGregor says. “We all felt so much that we were in it together.”
McGregor was in the fifth class of the ASU College of Law. Being part of the law school in its beginning stages meant she was helping create a path for future students.
McGregor’s grandniece, Jacqueline Cochrane, graduates in May 2024 with her Juris Doctor, exactly 50 years after her grandaunt. Afterward, Cochrane will be moving to Dallas to pursue a career in personal injury law.
Mark Kerrigan
Degree
’74 BS in political science
Major career milestones
Worked at the White House Office of Management and Budget, appointee to the Department of Energy
Favorite ASU memory
“When I had the opportunity to be president of the student body, that was really a tremendous year for me,” Kerrigan says. “We testified before the state legislature, traveled and raised money for the university. And it was just a fantastic experience.”
Kerrigan has fond memories of his time at ASU, calling it his happy place and says today, ASU stands better than ever.
Learn more about the Golden Grads program and other opportunities at alumni.asu.edu.
Story by Damian Goacher, a junior majoring in journalism and mass communication.
More Sun Devil community
How 2 women who call each other 'sis' raised ASU running back Kyson Brown
The Lancaster High School graduation ceremony has just ended, and running back Kyson Brown poses for a photo with the two most important people in his life. ASU…
FOLC Fest 2025 explores Principled Innovation, leadership and learning at ASU
"Principled Innovation is about using our creativity, knowledge and resources to make decisions that ultimately benefit humanity — not just in the short term, but for generations to come."That's what…
These Sun Devils are inspiring the next generation of female athletes
This year, Women's History Month is celebrating the theme “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.”Women in sports inspire fans of all ages through their accomplishments…