1937 – present
The Honorable Judge Walter Herbert Rice is a jurist, humanitarian,
and community leader. Since 1980, he has been a member of the
federal bench, serving as Judge and then Chief Judge of the United
States District Court. His decisions are well written, carefully researched, and compassionate. His contributions to the legal profession include being a founding and current board member of the Montgomery County Volunteer Lawyers Project and serving on the University of Dayton Law School Board of Advisors. However, Judge Rice’s community engagement is not limited to legal projects. His leadership made possible the creation of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. Judge Rice chaired the 2003
Committee which secured the designation of the National Park and then the Dayton Aviation Heritage Commission which was congressionally chartered to maximize the potential of the new
park site. He was a founding trustee of the Aviation Heritage Foundation. Known as an engaging public speaker, he manages to find time to serve on many community boards, including important
roles in the redevelopment of the Wright-Dunbar neighborhood.