Jesse Udall Award presented to Matheson

06/05/2008
Jesse Udall Award presented to Matheson

Alan Matheson 

Alan Matheson
     Professor Alan Matheson of the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law has received a prestigious award named for an Arizonan who was a dedicated public servant and a model for future lawyers.
     Matheson, Dean Emeritus at the College of Law, received the Jesse Udall Community Service Award from the Phoenix Chapter of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society, for providing significant service to the greater community, at a luncheon in May. Udall was a former Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court, an officer in the U.S. and Arizona National Guards, a veteran of World War I and World War II, and a Bishop, President and Missionary President for the Mormon Church.
     Judge Daniel A. Barker of the Arizona Court of Appeals and a past president of the Phoenix chapter, said Matheson's selection was not difficult.
     "Alan has rendered a couple person's lifetime of service," Barker said. "To us, he was an obvious choice. He's highly respected in the legal community and has been a great example for so many of us who believe in the rule of law and the role that faith plays in it."
     Matheson said the award was unexpected.
     "I was delighted to receive it, and I treasure it because of the organization and the wonderful attorneys who are members," said Matheson, who is the advisor for the student chapter of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society at the College of Law. "Their recognition is especially meaningful."
     The society draws on the philosophy and personal example of J. Reuben Clark Jr., a Mormon lawyer who had a long and distinguished career, having worked for the U.S. Department of State, as a former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and as a long-time counselor to President Heber J. Grant of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
     Udall also had an impressive career, having served as Graham County Attorney, a member of the Arizona Legislature and a Superior Court Judge in Graham County. As a legislator, he sponsored a bill that established Junior College Districts in Arizona.
     Udall retired as Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court in 1972, and he died on April 18, 1980.
     Matheson, who knew Udall, called him a "compassionate and able person and a wonderful role model." Udall also was fair-minded, and he recognized talent: years ago, when no one would interview, much less, hire Mary Schroeder, he employed her as a clerk. Schroeder later went on to become Chief Judge of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
     As a young boy, Matheson's son, Alan Jr., met Udall, and was enraptured by his kindness.. Today, Alan Jr. is an attorney and executive director of a public policy non-profit organization in Salt Lake City.
      "Jesse was just very down-to-earth, and he reached out to others," Matheson said.
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