Service Award

Richard A. Broeren, Jr., Bus Ad ’77
Arlington Heights, Ill.

After a career in banking for Bank of America and BNP Paribas, Richard Broeren is now investing in young learners as a partner with The Colors of English, an education start-up that teaches the fundamentals of reading and writing. He launched the organization with a fellow alumnus and Marquette doctoral student, and the program is already being used successfully at Notre Dame School of Milwaukee.

Rick’s decision to attend Marquette was a direct result of his high school experience. “Marquette had a great reputation at our high school,” he recalls, “and the basketball team was exciting, so it was easy to choose.” He has remained deeply involved at the university ever since.

Rick, an accounting major, has supported Marquette’s nationally recognized Applied Investment Management (AIM) program in the College of Business Administration since it was founded by Dr. David Krause in 2004, often hiring program graduates and hosting AIM students during their annual New York trip. Since 2018, Rick has been a co-teacher in Marquette’s Corporate Banking Program with Dr. Kent Belasco. He also served on the College of Business Administration Dean’s Council for six years, currently chairs the finance department advisory board, and is a member, along with his wife, Patrice, Sp ’77, Grad ’78, of the President’s Advisory Council. He is co-chair of the Chicago Time to Rise campaign committee, chair of the College of Business Administration’s Time to Rise committee, and a men’s basketball season ticket holder.

“My Jesuit education and the overall environment at Marquette inspired me to work hard, lead by example, and try to contribute based on the many blessings I have received,” Rick says.

Fun Facts:

Name someone (past or present) with whom you’d like to have dinner.
Ben Franklin.

What are your favorite Marquette memories?
My best memories are meeting my awesome wife, Patrice, and creating lifelong friendships. Winning the national championship in basketball our senior year was also amazing!

Leave a congratulatory message Rick!