Distinguished Alumna of the Year Award

Dr. Patricia F. Golden-Beckmann, Arts ’95
Franklin, Wis.

When Dr. Patricia Golden arrived on campus in 1991, she was following in the footsteps of her father, Martin, Arts ’71. Since his death in 2021, Patty has felt his absence deeply. “He was passionate about social justice, an avid reader, and loved having deep and meaningful conversations,” Patty remembers. When he died, she found the Prayer of St. Ignatius tucked neatly in his wallet. “He lived his life with purpose,” she says.

Patty clearly learned from his example. She became a family practice physician, seeing it as an opportunity to care for others. She is now clinical president of Ascension Medical Group and medical director of Ascension Wisconsin’s community clinics. In these roles, she guided much of Ascension’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Wisconsin. Marquette prepared her for this work, she says, teaching her to think critically and to seek out opportunities for servant leadership.

Among her many volunteer positions, Patty serves as a catechist in her parish and on the Education Foundation Board for Franklin, Wis., the city where she lives with her husband and three daughters. She also enjoys serving on the Ascension Wisconsin Foundation Board, which gives her a say in how Ascension “cares for the most vulnerable in our communities,” she says. “We live in a world surrounded by disparities; my time at Marquette helped me understand how I could go out and Be the Difference.”

Fun Facts:

What is one of your favorite Marquette memories?
Fr. John Naus was performing at our senior picnic during Senior Week in 1995, and I found myself drawn to his guitar playing. A few of my classmates encircled him, sang with him, and shared in the joy of being part of a Fr. Naus moment. Another favorite memory was storming down Wisconsin Avenue after Marquette made it to the Sweet 16!

Why did you choose to attend Marquette?
I am the third generation on my mother’s side to go to Marquette (my daughter, Hannah, just made her decision and will be the fourth!!). My mom’s father, Francis Kerscher, began our story at MU. My mother, Mary Golden, Arts ’71, and her three siblings also attended MU. My brother and two of my cousins, one who played basketball for MU, also attended. On my dad’s side, he was the first to go to college in his family and convinced his baby sister to attend MU.

Leave a congratulatory message for Patty!