Lifetime Achievement Award
Patricia A. McGowan, Arts ’84, Law ’89
Milwaukee, Wis.
Patricia McGowan says she is sometimes called a “walking billboard” for Marquette when she leaves her house decked in blue and gold. Pat, a former assistant district attorney for Milwaukee County and a trailblazer more generally, now focuses her attention on leadership and service to her community. She is especially devoted to helping young people Be The Difference.
Pat, a Milwaukee native and graduate of Milwaukee Public Schools, felt called early on to serve her community. When she was growing up, her neighbors complained of unfair treatment in the criminal justice system. Pat decided the only way to create true change was to work inside that very system, as a prosecutor.
Marquette Law School helped Pat develop the knowledge and skills to serve her community. She credits Marquette with enhancing her abilities as a critical thinker, expanding her world view, and providing her with a new skill set to use in service to others.
Over the course of 32 years as an assistant district attorney, Pat worked tirelessly to ensure justice. She worked in many divisions of the district attorney’s office, feeling especially called to work with children and families in the juvenile court system.
Pat continues to live as a Marquette servant-leader in the greater Milwaukee community as a Sunday school teacher and youth ministry worker at her church, as well as a member of the board of directors at Hope Street Ministry.
Tell us your favorite quote.
My favorite quote comes from Matthew 6:33: “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.”
Is there a Marquette faculty or staff member who had an impact on you?
Attorney Lindsey Draper, Law ’75, taught Introduction to Legal Processes. He was the first African American attorney I met. He has nurtured, supported and mentored me throughout my educational and professional life. He made the possibilities of a future in law come to life.
Leave a congratulatory message for Pat!