Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award

Travis L. Diener, Comm ’05   
Mequon, Wis.

Travis Diener’s basketball journey has come full circle; his college career at Marquette led to three different NBA teams, to playing national basketball for Italy, back to Marquette in a coaching role and now giving back to Marquette student-athletes.

“Marquette has been such an integral part of my life,” Travis says. “I met my wife at Marquette and have so many friends and lifelong relationships. The lessons that I learned on campus carried through the next chapter of my life.”

Travis helped lead the Marquette men’s basketball team to 91 victories, two NCAA appearances and the university’s second Final Four appearance in 2003. He was a three-year starter who ranks sixth all-time with 1,691 points and third in Marquette history with 617 assists, making him one of only two players in school history to amass such totals.

And while he will always treasure the on-court memories, he also appreciates the time spent off the court. “The memories live on in the little things, in the moments where I could be a typical student. The interactions with friends while I walked across campus. I still think back to a water balloon fight that broke out in between classes.”

In 2005, Travis was selected in the NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. He played five seasons for three teams in the NBA before heading to play in Italy from 2010 to 2014. He then returned to Marquette to join the coaching staff as the director of player personnel, where he served for three seasons.

“I was extremely humbled to learn about the award,” he says. “Marquette University has been everything to me.”

Travis now serves as the executive director for Be The Difference NIL, which supports Marquette student-athletes in earning compensation for their name, image or likeness, also known as "NIL." This non-profit collective of donors and alumni is dedicated to creating opportunities for student-athletes that positively contribute to campus and the community, while maintaining the commitment of Marquette University to make a difference in the world.

Fun Facts:

On the hardwood, he was shaped by Head Coach Tom Crean, whom he called a “huge influence” in his life. And in the classroom, another mentor jumped out — Dr. Gary Meyer, who was then the dean of the Diederich College of Communication. “Dr. Meyer had a great understanding of the demands of my schedule, and he was always willing to meet with me,” Travis says. “Through our conversations, he taught me how to be better in every area of my life.”