Award Honorees

Judge Cynthia McCollum ’76 has dedicated her career to upholding the core values of fairness, integrity and service in the legal system. After nearly three decades as a public defender, she now serves as a judge in Dakota County, where she ensures that every defendant is given fair treatment.

Minnetonka High School played a formative role in McCollum’s development—both in academics and athletics. She was part of the school’s first state champion swim team and also ran track. After graduation, she attended the University of Minnesota, where she swam for the Gophers and became a Big Ten champion and an All-American in the 200 freestyle relay. “I swam all four years at the U of M for the late great Jean Freeman, who developed my discipline—and my love for the sport,” said McCollum.

She earned a double major in English and psychology before going on to receive her law degree cum laude from Mitchell Hamline. Inspired by her early work as a mental health counselor with adolescents, she entered the legal field to help vulnerable youth navigate the justice system. Over 28 years as a public defender, she was involved in more than 100 jury trials—including 45 homicide cases—and spent 17 years as a supervisor. In 2014, she was appointed to the bench in Minnesota’s First Judicial District in Dakota County. Beyond the courtroom, she has helped shape generations of legal professionals through her long-standing role as a professor at Mitchell Hamline School of Law.

McCollum remains deeply connected to her Minnetonka roots—not only as an alumna, but as the parent of three Skippers. “Minnetonka Public Schools provided a great education for me and for all of my children.”

Reflecting on her journey from student to judge, McCollum offers this advice to those considering a legal career: “Take advantage of AP classes or the IB Programme and get involved in Mock Trial. You have to be comfortable in an adversarial position. Law is arguing—with opposing counsel, the court or sometimes your own client. The profession revolves around logic, reason and history—so an interest in those subjects will serve you well.”