Professional Achievement Award

Katherine Wolske Brewer, Comm ’96, H Sci ’98
Hartland, Wis.

For Kate Brewer, it’s all about relationships — being inspired by them, challenged by them, and learning from them. An appreciation she developed at Marquette. As the president and CEO of Greenfield Rehabilitation Agency, she and her team work to create systems, solve problems, and determine the best way to deliver physical, occupational, and speech therapy services across Wisconsin.

Kate prioritizes giving back to her community, serving on the board of directors for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, the Waukesha County Business Alliance and Young President’s Organization Wisconsin Chapter. And she served as the first woman chapter chair for the Young President’s Organization, which has historically been a male-dominated organization.

Kate credits Marquette with solidifying the Jesuit principles and moral compass she uses to guide her decisions on a daily basis. She recalls feeling challenged by and engaged with her professors at Marquette, especially those in the physical therapy program. When she was jokingly given “The Biggest Brown-Noser Award” at the end of her sixth year, she actually took pride in her “award.” Kate had intentionally worked to develop relationships with her professors, a skill that has served her well throughout her career.

Kate’s professional goals include continuing to grow and challenge herself by expanding her services throughout Wisconsin and the greater Midwest. She also wants to leverage her strengths and expand her board work to help other organizations achieve their goals.

Name someone (past or present) with whom you'd like to have dinner.
My dad. He was the first person I called when I had good news or was excited about something in my career. My dad was also the first person I called when I was struggling with an issue. He was my mentor, my sounding board, and my biggest fan. He would listen to me ramble, he would reflect, he would ask me questions, he would tell me to pray about it, and he would gently lead me to figure out the next best decision. I would give anything to have dinner with him to share all that has happened since he passed. He would be so proud. I miss him every single day.

Name a Marquette faculty or staff member who had an impact on you, and how.
The Marquette faculty member who had an impact on me and my career was Laurie Kontney. From my first days in the program, she instilled a passionate love and pride in the profession of physical therapy. She modeled and encouraged involvement in the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the WPTA (Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association). Due to her inspiration, I have held positions in both organizations over the years and currently serve on the Finance and Audit Committee of the APTA. I am forever grateful for her example of a professional, a leader, and a good friend.

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