In the News: Alumna Mary Yu to Retire from Washington Supreme Court

Washington State Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu ’79 announced plans to retire from the court after more than nine years of service. 

Yu, who will retire on Dec. 31, 2025, informed Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson of her decision in a letter this month. A new justice will be appointed by the governor until the 2026 general election when a justice is elected to serve out the remaining three years of Yu’s term, Washington Courts reported.

Yu was appointed to the Washington Supreme Court in May 2014 after more than 14 years as a trial court judge in King County Washington Superior Court. She became the first Asian, the first Latina and the first member of the LGBTQ community to serve on the Supreme Court and went on to win elections in 2014, 2016 and 2022.

Yu received a B.A. in Theology from Rosary College and was the recipient of a Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa during Dominican University’s 2025 undergraduate commencement. One of the university's highest honors, this honorary degree is conferred upon individuals whose exemplary achievements reflect distinguished contributions to society and embody the values and mission of Dominican University. 

“I am so proud of this university and how it continues to be an empowering force for first-generation and Latine students," Yu said in her commencement ceremony remarks.

Read more about Yu and her decision to retire from the court here.