Service Award

JAMES G. SHAW, ENG '63
Mequon, Wis.

“Do all your work,” Jim’s young daughter —Maureen, Arts ’94 — once told him.  So he did that and more during his prolific career in the water field and in service to Marquette and civic organizations.

After graduating from Marquette, Jim served for three years in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps as a sanitary engineer in Korea and the United States. Then he embarked on a career that satisfied his professional interests: the engineering, manufacturing and sales of water treatment equipment designed for the drinking, reclamation and reuse market worldwide.

“It is an interesting and challenging field,” he says, “and very important for everyday living, public health and the environment.”

Jim also understands the importance of professional involvement. He is a life member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Water Environment Federation, Central States Water Environment Association, American Water Works Association, Wisconsin Wastewater Operators’ Association and Sigma Phi Delta International Engineering Fraternity. His outreach efforts include Ozaukee County’s Habitat for Humanity, the North Shore Pro Life Coalition and Unbound. Jim has served on his parish council, finance and communication committees and as stewardship chairman.

Jim has been equally active with his alma mater, serving on the CIRCLES host committee; reunion committees including his class’ Golden Jubilee celebration; the Marquette University Alumni Association National Board; and the Engineering Alumni Association Board. In that role, Jim spearheaded the college’s student recruitment program with alumni contacting potential engineering students to choose Marquette.

“At Marquette, I was surrounded by good people with high standards: morally, intellectually and spiritually and dedicated teachers who guided us to graduation in a Catholic, Christian atmosphere,” says Jim, who met his wife, Denise, Arts ’67, through Marquette friends after graduation. “It was a great place to be and still is today.”

Hometown: Menasha, Wis.
Favorite quote: “I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” — anonymous from the late Rev. John E. Naus, S.J.
Dream dinner guest: “My dad. He died when both of us were too young. We never had the opportunity to know each other, nor could we do things together because he was ill all of my life and a large portion of his. It would be nice to share the stories we encountered in our lives.”
Most influential Marquette faculty members: “Dr. Raymond Kipp. Great teacher, no-nonsense persona, guided us to our first job (in my case woke me up as Vietnam approached).”

“Dr. Al Zanoni. Great teacher, encouraged us to see ourselves in the future after school. We have stayed in touch the past 40 years through involvement in the water treatment industry.”

“Professor John B. McKevitt. Taught us the practical application of the class material instead of theory only with helpful anecdotal information and a great sense of humor.”
Favorite Marquette memory: “Sigma Phi Delta fraternity brothers and other Marquette friends —past and present.” Some of these friendships have been maintained for more than 50 years.”