February 18, 2013

Roger Ferland ’68

2012
Distinguished Alumnus Award
Roger Ferland is an environmental and natural resources lawyer with a distinguished career representing clients from both the private and public sectors in a number of precedent-setting matters. A veteran, Roger lost his legs in the Vietnam War, and he received the Bronze Star with the V device (for valor in combat), Purple Heart, and Combat Infantry Badge for his service. In addition to his law practice, he has served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations and is working to develop resources for veterans who need legal assistance. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Audubon Arizona and is Co-chair of the Audubon Science and Policy Committee.

In 1968, Roger Ferland planned to attend law school. Instead, he was drafted into the Vietnam War. He served as a squad leader and platoon sergeant until he was injured, losing both legs and severely injuring an arm. For his service, he was awarded a Bronze Star with the V device (for combat-related valor), the Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantry Badge. He began an extensive rehabilitation process and, while in the hospital, became engaged. He and his wife, Sandy, married in July 1970. During this time, he also was accepted to Duke University School of Law.

After graduating from Duke, Ferland began a distinguished career in environmental law representing clients in both the private and public sectors on a number of precedent-setting matters. He has also chaired or cochaired air quality strategies task forces for Phoenix as well as business consortiums that negotiated Arizona’s Environmental Quality Act and the Comprehensive Air Quality Act. He has been recognized with awards and on lists of top lawyers.

Outside of his career, Ferland has chaired or served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations. He is working on a radio program for the visually impaired on personal finance issues and chairing the state bar’s Military Legal Assistance Committee. He and Sandy, who passed away in December 2012, raised three daughters together.