SERVICE AWARD
Mary Isom Nolte, Nurs ’84
Whitefish Bay, Wis.
Mary Nolte is no stranger to Marquette’s campus, but as a nurse, community volunteer and family-first woman, she’s always stayed “behind the scenes.” This nursing graduate brings cura personalis to everything she does. She knows firsthand that caring for the whole person means helping others find their purpose in life.
Mary is committed to her alma mater in numerous ways. In addition to serving on the College of Nursing Leadership Council, she’s volunteered with Admissions, directed the nursing alumni-association, served on the nursing capital campaign committee, served on the reunion committee, has actively served on the parents’ leadership council for a period of years, been a member of President’s Society, and consistently connects alumni back to the university. She is proud to give back to the school that gave her so much. Not only did she meet her husband on the Marquette campus, she also attributes much of her success to the university. Her experiences in faith, scholarship and community at Marquette were big contributors in her ability and desire to serve others.
Mary’s resume overflows with volunteer experience. She doesn’t shy away with sharing her gifts with anyone in need. Mary serves on the board of Nativity Jesuit Academy, aiming to better prepare the youngest generations of Milwaukee’s Latino community. She has a history of active involvement with Ronald McDonald House Charities and Children’s Hospital. She has co-chaired auctions at Marquette University High School and Holy Family Parish, in addition to leading the MUHS Mother’s Guild and assisting with the Jesuit Partnership Council and its work with the elderly Jesuits. Mary puts family first in her life, consistently caring for others through a listening heart, words and actions.
Name someone (past or present) with whom you'd like to have dinner.
The number one on my list would be the Virgin Mary. What a life she led! I have tried to see her as an example of (blind) faith, to trust and to have confidence in God, and to remember her suffering when dealing with any fears or potential disappointments in my own needs or desires. Sometimes the best way to the Son is through the Mother ... and as a mother of (all) boys, I see her as truly an icon or role model in my life. She continues to offer merciful hope and healing to the faithful these many generations, and in these challenging times, I find that bit of unyielding support and love to be more than miraculous.
Name a Marquette faculty or staff member who had an impact on you, and how.
While there are many, I would highlight the Rev. John Naus, S.J. I think of Fr. Naus daily and repeat his favorite prayer several times per day: “Live Jesus live, so live in me, so all I do, be done by Thee and grant that all I think and say, may be Thy thought and word today.” It was gratifying to annually organize the Fr. Naus Christmas card mailing to over 3,000 of his friends, and to provide his transportation to the Marquette campus to say Mass Tuesday nights at the St. Joan of Arc Chapel as his health declined — this was "the happiest hour of his week.” He exemplified, for me, pure cura personalis.
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