Sarah T. Hughes Scholarship
About the Scholarship
Created at Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law in 1981, the Sarah T. Hughes Scholarships are named for Judge Sarah T. Hughes, United States District Court Judge for the Northern District of Texas. The Scholarships enable talented law students to obtain a legal education in our community with the purpose of expanding access and opportunity for individuals whose experiences and perspectives are not widely represented in the legal community of North Texas, and serve as a permanent recognition of Judge Hughes’ vast contribution to the legal profession.
The Scholarships benefit students attending all Dallas-area law schools, including SMU’s Dedman School of Law, UNT Dallas College of Law, and Texas A&M University Law School.
The Hughes Scholars have distinguished themselves in many ways including being named valedictorian in law school, serving as members of the federal and state judiciary, volunteering for local and state bar associations, donating their time to serve area nonprofit organizations, and mentoring others. And a few of them perform in Bar None!
One past Hughes Scholar said “The Hughes Scholarship provided a source of inspiration through its honoree, Sarah T. Hughes. Judge Hughes is remembered for bringing a feisty, sincere, and compassionate spirit to the interpretation of law and responsibility.” Another said, “this scholarship is a source of empowerment because it places responsibility in the hands of those who have been traditionally under-represented in the legal community.”
In 1986, Bar None performed its first show for the Dallas legal community. The organizers decided that all proceeds should benefit the Sarah T. Hughes Scholarships. Now in its 40th year, Bar None has raised well in excess of $3,000,000 for the Hughes Scholarships.
About Sarah T. Hughes
Sarah Tilghman Hughes (August 2, 1896 - April 23, 1985) was the United States District Court judge who swore Lyndon Johnson into the office of President on Air Force One, becoming the first - and to date the only - woman in U.S. history to swear in a U.S. President, a task usually executed by the Chief Justice of the United States. The photo of Judge Hughes administering the oath of office remains the most famous photo ever taken aboard Air Force One.
