Justice Robert D. Rucker

Indiana Supreme Court Justice Robert D. Rucker will serve as the commencement speaker for the 2009 Valparaiso University School of Law graduation.  The commencement will be held Saturday, May 23rd at 10 a.m. at the Chapel of the Resurrection on campus.

Justice Rucker is a 1976 Valparaiso University Law School graduate.  He is honored his alma mater asked him to address the 160 graduates of the class of 2009.  He explained, “It is exciting to come back to campus and meet with students, parents, and faculty.  I know these graduates have been through a rigorous curriculum and are prepared to take on the challenges ahead with great enthusiasm.  I offer my most sincere congratulations to this class.”

Justice Rucker grew up in Gary, Indiana, and is a veteran of the Vietnam War.  He is a graduate of Indiana University (B.A. 1974) and Valparaiso University School of Law (J.D. 1976). In 1998, he earned a Master of Laws degree in the judicial process from the University of Virginia Law School. 

As an attorney, Justice Rucker served on the board of directors of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association and on the board of directors of the Northwest Indiana Legal Services Organization. He also served as a deputy prosecuting attorney for Lake County, City Attorney for the City of Gary, and engaged in the general practice of law in East Chicago. 

In 1991, Justice Rucker was appointed to serve on the Indiana Court of Appeals by Governor Evan Bayh.  In 1999, he was appointed to the Indiana Supreme Court by Governor Frank O'Bannon.