College of Nursing Award Recipients

Distinguished Alumna of the Year Award
Patricia A. Lasky, R.N., Ph.D., Nurs ’63
Madison, Wis.

After a long career as a nurse and professor, Pat Lasky enjoys volunteering in a first-grade classroom at Chávez Elementary School in Madison, Wis. Pat is an active member of the board of visitors of the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing. She is especially proud of the many years she spent educating young men and women entering the profession of nursing. Read more.

Service Award
Alice Freiberg Stecker, Nurs ’59, Grad ’64
Nebo, N.C.

If Alice Freiberg Stecker could do it all over again, she wouldn’t change a thing. Even as a child, she knew nursing would be her lifelong career and passion. She doesn’t remember exactly when her admiration for nurses began, but it started at a young age and continues to this day. Read more.

Young Alumna of the Year Award
Jessica Spencer Castner, Nurs ’99
Grand Island, N.Y.

Two of Jessica Castner’s fondest Marquette memories center around the heart of campus at St. Joan of Arc Chapel. One is packing a lunch on a nice day and studying with friends in the gardens outside of the chapel. Another she recalled was a Tuesday evening Mass where Rev. John Naus, S.J., was presiding and delivered a moving homily about humanitarianism and love. Read more.

Friends of the College Award
Mary K. Tardella and Stephen M. Tardella
River Forest, Ill.

While Steve and Mary Tardella are not Marquette alumni, their love and commitment for Marquette is rooted in their children, two of whom attended the university. Their son, James, is a 2012 graduate of the Diederich College of Communication; and their daughter, Kathleen, a 2016 graduate of the College of Nursing. Read more.