M Club Hy Popuch Memorial Service Award

THOMAS R. PACKEE, BUS AD '64

Oconomowoc, Wis.

Attending Marquette is truly a family affair for the Packees, who met on a blind date while attending the university. Five of their six children also graduated from Marquette, as did Pat’s parents and two sisters. Add to that Tom’s brother, niece, brother-in-law and three daughters-in-law — and you see why this family cheers on the blue and gold.

Tom, who earned a basketball letter in 1963, and Pat, Med Tech '64, are season ticket holders for men’s and women’s basketball; have contributed to the Blue & Gold Fund and Al McGuire Center; and committed to establishing an endowed athletic scholarship through their estate plans. Tom served four terms as president of the M Club and currently serves on the Marquette Athletics Board and M Club Board. 

Though the couple clearly enjoys Marquette athletics, it’s the university’s mission and Catholic and Jesuit values that have made the biggest impact on their lives.

“Marquette gave us the base education to begin our careers and how to pursue our careers,” says Tom, who recently retired after 43 years of executive leadership in the leather industry. Pat worked in medical technology for several years, then stayed at home to raise the Packee clan.

The couple lives out Marquette’s mission of service by volunteering. Pat helps at a local hospice and serves on its board, and Tom is a member of nine nonprofit and for-profit boards, including ProHealth and the Leather Industries of America, to name just a few.

“We definitely have recommended Marquette to high school students,” Tom says. “As the campus improves, it’s easier for them to consider Marquette. And the Jesuit educational reputation has always been a strong selling point.”