Professional Achievement Award

DENISE HORNE, BUS AD '85

Naperville, Ill.

From a young age, Denise Horne has been driven to succeed. And of her successes, she likes to point to her grandmother’s early influences.

“Growing up, my grandmother instilled in me her Catholic values, strong work ethic and independent thinking,” she says. “She believed in my potential and always challenged me to excel. Thanks to her inspiration, my dreams were never limited to the paths that society had traditionally set aside for women. Instead, she made me realize that every challenge also presents an opportunity.”

Denise followed opportunity to Keck, Mahin & Cate and then to McDonald’s Corp., where she plays an ongoing role in shaping the company’s disclosures and corporate governance as corporate vice president and associate general counsel. Additionally, she provides advice and counsel on matters of corporate governance as assistant secretary to the board of directors.

“Over my career,” she says, “the practice of securities law and corporate governance has evolved greatly. This evolution has provided me with many unique and exciting opportunities and enhanced my professional development.”

Denise also has taken the opportunity to participate in community service, including through her support of Ronald McDonald House Charities, which helps children and families around the world during their most difficult times. She also co-sponsored a Marquette CIRCLES event and has participated in the university’s mentoring program. In her professional life, as well as in her most cherished role as a mother of two, Denise strives to live and share the lessons she learned at Marquette.

“For me, success is measured not only by accomplishments but also in the day-to-day journey along the way,” she says. “With each step, it’s important to be true to myself and to my personal values.”

Fun facts about Denise:
Hometown: Niles, Ill.
Favorite quote: “I am the master of my fate: I am captain of my soul.”  — from the poem Invictus by William Ernest Henley
Someone alive or dead she’d like to have dinner with: Tom Brokaw
The Marquette faculty member who had an impact on Denise: Professor Sweeney
Favorite Marquette memory: Block parties on Central Mall.
In grade school, Denise wanted to be a lawyer.
Most influential person in Denise’s life: Her paternal grandmother, “Granny”