Recognition has come from the highest level for one NIU professor.

Last September, President Clinton confirmed law lecturer John W. Darrah to a seat on the Illinois federal bench — one of the highest honors a judge can receive. He serves for life on the U.S. District Court for Northern Illinois.

“This was one of the most buoyant moments in my career,” Darrah said of his judgeship.

Darrah won his seat after an intense round of questioning from the U.S. Senate, a thorough background check from the FBI and a screening from the Federal Bar Association.

Two of his most prized possessions are a plaque above his desk, signed by Clinton, confirming his judgeship, and a letter from former Attorney General Janet Reno confirming the appointment.

Although Darrah’s new job keeps him very busy, he still devotes time to educating NIU’s future lawyers, professors and judges, teaching trial advocacy Mondays at the DuPage County Courthouse. He continues to teach students in the same way he was taught. More importantly, he does it to express gratitude for the people who have helped him with his career and his goals.

“It’s is extremely rewarding,” Darrah said. “They’ll have to drive me out of here. It’s a fine law school.”

Darrah graduated from Loyola University in 1969 with his juris doctorate and went on to amass a large list of accomplishments and achievements.

Since coming to NIU in 1975, he has been named NIU Professor of the Year in 1992 and 1995. He’s also served in various state legal positions, such as circuit court judge from 1986 to 2000 and presiding judge of chancery from 1992 to 1994.

He has worked closely with former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan, with whom he practiced law before Ryan became attorney general.

“He’s tireless,” said Dan Reynolds, associate dean of the NIU College of Law. “He can cram 34 hours into a 24-hour day.”