The Honorable H. F. "Sparky" GierkeDistinguished Jurist-in-Residence
September 27 & 28, 2007
We are privileged to welcome retired United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces Chief Judge and former North Dakota Supreme Court Justice H.F. “Sparky” Gierke to the School of Law as our Distinguished Jurist-in-Residence. Judge Gierke has served his country, the armed forces, and the state of North Dakota with honor and commitment. The UND School of Law welcomes Judge Gierke with great appreciation for his residence here, so we hope you will join us in celebrating his outstanding career. The Distinguished Jurist-in-Residence Program, established in 2007, brings outstanding judges to the School of Law for an extended visit with our law school community. The schedule includes visits to classes, informal receptions, and a presentation by the judge on a topic of his or her choice, as well as a formal dinner honoring our Distinguished Jurist. This program provides a unique and varied opportunity to learn about the bench and adds greatly to the law school experience of our students, faculty and staff. Biography The Honorable H.F. “Sparky” Gierke retired as Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Services on October 1, 2006. He retired after a distinguished forty-year career serving the armed forces, his state and the nation. Gierke earned a B.A. in 1964 from the University of North Dakota (UND) and continued on to earn a Juris Doctor in 1966. After graduation from law school, he served as Judge Advocate in the United States Army from 1967 to 1971. In 1967, he graduated from the Basic Course at the Judge Advocate General’s School of the Army. In 1969, he returned to the JAG School to attend the Military Judge Course. After completing the course, he was selected to serve as the full-time military Judge in Vietnam where in the course of his 12-month tour, he presided over more than 500 courts-martial. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Vietnam Service and Vietnam Campaign medals for his service in Vietnam. After completing his Army service, Gierke returned to North Dakota and began an active and varied practice of law. He was elected President of the North Dakota Bar Association in 1982. Governor Allen I. Olson appointed him to fi ll a vacancy on the North Dakota Supreme Court in 1983, and was subsequently elected twice to continue his service on the Supreme Court. In 1991, he accepted President George H. W. Bush’s appointment to the United States Court of Military Appeals, which in 1994 became the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. On October 1, 2004 he was elevated to position of Chief Judge. His public service has been recognized in many ways. He was awarded an honorary Doctorate Degree from UND in 2005 and was honored with the Sioux Award, the University’s most prestigious award. He received a Distinguished Service Award from the General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Division of the ABA, and his contributions to the military justice system were recognized by the Judge Advocates Association with the presentation of their highest honor, the Chief Justice Marshall Lifetime Achievement Award. His service and accomplishments have also been recognized with numerous awards from the State of North Dakota and the American Bar Association. Gierke is active in veterans’ organizations. In 1983 he became the fi rst Vietnam veteran to serve as the North Dakota Department Commander of the American Legion. From 1985 to 1986 he served as a National Vice Commander and, in 1988, became the fi rst Vietnam veteran elected to serve as National Commander of the American Legion. Gierke has also demonstrated a commitment to educating young lawyers. He served as a Professorial Lecturer in Law at The George Washington University School of Law in Washington D.C. for 14 years and was an Adjunct Professor at The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law in Washington, D.C for 12 years. Upon his retirement from the court, Gierke assumed responsibilities as Visiting Professor and Distinguished Jurist in Residence at the Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law at Barry University in his hometown of Orlando, Florida. Gierke’s wife Jeanine is the Human Resources Director at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando. The Gierkes have six children and ten grandchildren.
Schedule of Events - brochure in pdf format Thursday, September 27
4:15 p.m. -
Keynote Presentation 5:15 p.m. - Reception
Friday, September 28 8:00 a.m. -
Continental Breakfast For Students 9:05 a.m. -
Constitutional Law Class
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