Associated Press

Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, was nominated in 1981 and served until 2006.

Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor is scheduled to speak at Roanoke College's Constitution Day on Sept. 17.

O'Connor's address will focus on judicial independence and will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the college's Bast Center, according to a news release.

The first female to serve on the federal bench, O'Connor was nominated by President Reagan in 1981 and served until her retirement in 2006.

"We are extraordinarily pleased to have Justice O'Connor on campus," said Richard Smith, vice president and dean of academic affairs. "Our students will have multiple opportunities to listen and interact with her, and thus they will be able to explore some of the most pressing and contentious issues facing American society and also to experience the workings of a first-rate mind."

The annual Constitution Day lectures are sponsored by the college president's office and the Henry H. Fowler program. William Hill, director of the Fowler program and retired public affairs professor, said he scheduled O'Connor's appearance thanks to "the assistance of a Roanoke board of trustees member who is a personal friend of hers. We had extended an open invitation to her several years ago, and this year it all worked out."

Complimentary tickets are required for O'Connor's appearance and can be ordered online at www.roanoke.edu/tickets or by calling 378-5125.

-- The Roanoke Times