Georgia A. McElroy ’80 Scholarship

This scholarship is named in honor and memory of Georgia A. McElroy ‘80. The McElroy scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate a commitment to public defense and service, those who plan to work with the under-served individuals in our legal system. After receiving her bachelor’s degree from Duke University, Georgia joined VISTA, serving and advocating the health and welfare of the Native Americans on Pine Ridge reservation. With a desire to have a greater impact on systemic injustice, Georgia enrolled in UC Davis School of Law, receiving a Juris Doctor degree in 1980. After a few years of practicing criminal law with a private firm, Georgia joined the Office of Public Defender - San Joaquin County where she began her career as a dedicated and tenacious public defender. For the remainder of her life, Georgia’s professional mission was to doggedly serve her clients with empathy, patience and dignity to support their Constitutional rights and follow the due process of law.