DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA Nancy Freudenthal

Growing up in Cody, Wyo., Nancy Spouses’ Leadership Committee, Freudenthal always knew she’d Carbon Sequestration Working Group, attend the University of . Wyoming Humanities Council, and the She earned her bachelor’s degree in Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol philosophy in 1976 and her juris Free Foundation. A lifelong collector doctorate in 1980 before beginning a of Western artwork, Freudenthal also very successful law career. served on the Western States Arts “UW really provided me with a Federation and the UW Art Museum great foundation to go into law school,” Board during the time her husband, Freudenthal says, adding that the small , served as governor classes made it easy to get to know her of Wyoming (2003–11). professors. “Both my undergraduate “I’ve always enjoyed the UW Art career and law experience helped me Museum,” she says. “I think it’s an move into the work that I’ve done undiscovered gem at UW. My time on throughout my career as a lawyer. “ PHOTO BY MICHELE RUSHWORTH the board was a time for me to educate She found UW’s law school excellent myself about the important work they and now makes a point to recruit her do there.” law clerks from the College of Law. She went on to become partner at Freudenthal stays involved with “ e clerks have been wonderful Davis and Cannon LLP in Cheyenne her local Zonta Club, which works to from day one in terms of the law school and to chair the Wyoming Tax improve the lives of women and girls. preparation,” Freudenthal says. Commission and the State Board of “I’m really passionate about As a law student, her rst choice for Equalization. In 2010, President Obama self-suciency for women, girls and an internship was the Wyoming attorney appointed Freudenthal a U.S. District children. ose are the areas that are general’s oce, but it turned out to be Court judge, making her the rst female closest to my heart,” she says. serendipitous that she got her second judge to serve the District of Wyoming. In less than two years, Freudenthal choice at the state planning oce. He said of Freudenthal and two will qualify for senior status as a judge, “I can’t imagine how my life would other nominees: “ roughout their which will allow her more exibility. have ever been any better,” Freudenthal careers, these nominees have displayed “I plan on rolling back my docket says. “For everyone out there who gets unwavering commitment to justice and so that I have the chance to visit my turned down, that decision may take integrity. eir records of public service grandkids,” she says. you on a path that’s remarkable.” are distinguished and impressive, and Freudenthal is honored to be named From 1980–89, she worked as an I am condent that they will serve the a UW Distinguished Alumna: “Even attorney for intergovernmental aairs American people well from the United if I had just been nominated, it would under two governors, Ed Herschler and States District Court bench.” have been a real honor. UW was a Mike Sullivan. Despite the rigor of her impressive special place for me, and it’s stayed with “I’m proud I had the opportunity career, Freudenthal always found me whether volunteering or teaching or to work with Gov. Herschler and Gov. time to give back. She served on the recruiting. It’s a forever backdrop that’s Sullivan,” Freudenthal says. National Governors Association present in my life.”

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