Judge Donine Carrington ’91

On Oct. 6, Gov. Lawrence Hogan of the state of Maryland appointed Donine M. Carrington ’91, (S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications) to the Seventh Judicial Circuit of Maryland. She is the first African American woman to be appointed to the Charles County Maryland bench.

Carrington, who is the first in her family to graduate from college and law school, does not take on this responsibility lightly. “I will always remember that I represent all of my ancestors, professors, and colleagues who have assisted in my professional development,” says Carrington. By accepting this position with the Judicial Circuit, she sees herself as a role model to her family and the community.

“The appointment reminds me that ‘to whom much is given much is required,’” says Carrington. “I am the face of the State of Maryland to everyone who walks into my courtroom and as such I am honored to represent the State of Maryland and mete out justice equitably and fairly and to all who appear before me.”

The newly appointed judge points to the long hours and hard work spanning back some 30 years, when she entered Syracuse University, that has prepared her for all that followed. “Syracuse helped prepare me by teaching me how to assimilate into new environments,” says Carrington. “In addition it taught me the benefits of commitment and perseverance.”

Dream big. This is the advice Carrington, whose plan was to apply for a judgeship when she was 50, puts forward. “An opportunity arose before I was 50. Because I had prepared myself and was constantly accepting assignments and cases, I was prepared and qualified long before I thought I would be,” explains the judge, who suggests that if you reach a goal, you should make another. “I will stop reaching for my goals when my life is over, and not a second before.”