DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA OF THE YEAR AWARD
Hon. Patrice A. Baker, Bus Ad ’88, Law ’91
Wauwatosa, Wis.
Few Law School students play varsity basketball as part of their Marquette experience. As a former member of the women’s basketball team and a Law School graduate, Patrice hopes she can change that trend.
The Milwaukee County Judicial Court Commissioner in the Probate Division believes her job is to serve the members of the public who come through her courtroom daily. She also serves current student-athletes by mentoring them, encouraging them to pursue careers in law and criminal justice, and coordinating opportunities for job shadowing. It’s how she pays it forward in thanks for her own formative experiences.
One of Marquette’s all-time letter-winners, Patrice gained valuable time management skills balancing basketball while earning her business degree. “Marquette taught me that the connections and relationships you make, and the way you treat people, are just as important or more important than monetary or professional success,” she says.
The friendships Patrice built with her teammates have made a lasting impression on her, as have her connections with Marquette faculty. She is especially grateful to former coach Tat Shiely for recruiting her and Dr. Greg Naples for encouraging her to attend law school and later mentoring her.
Patrice enjoys the variety of cases and individuals who come through her courtroom. “No two days are ever identical,” she says. Outside of work, she volunteers for Vivent Health, where her spouse serves on the board of directors. She also recently served as board president for the National Alliance on Mental Illness – Greater Milwaukee.
Fun Fact:
Patrice’s dream dinner guest is Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.