“I could write volumes,” Donna Farrell said, when asked to share her Marquette story with us as our
first alumni/ae in our “English Alumni Spotlights.”
The amazing thing, though, is that she has already given us these volumes. Her generous actions,
words, and spirit are the volumes that have been written – she has created such inspiration in our
Marquette community and established a legacy with incredible depth.
Marquette University strives to instill in its students the ideals of faith, excellence, leadership, and
service, so that when these students graduate and become alumni/ae of this institution, they are
prepared to exhibit excellence in these core values throughout their personal and professional lives.
And, while many alumni/ae succeed in exhibiting these attributes, this particular alumna from our
English department has done so in extraordinary ways and continues to do so every day.
During her time at Marquette and in her personal and professional life since graduating, Donna Farrell,
Arts ’70, has illustrated what it means to “be the difference” in concrete ways. Her remarkable
contributions to her family, her professional life, and to the Marquette University community continue
to distinguish her as an esteemed member of the Marquette English community.
Still, writing about her incredible accomplishments and continued generosity to the Marquette
community will not do these accomplishments justice, especially given Donna’s unique voice and knack
for storytelling. After all, she is one of Marquette’s finest literature gurus. “I chose English as a major
because I have always had an intense love of literature,” she said when asked about the reasons for her
pursuit of an English major and how this decision has shaped her professional and personal
development. “[Studying English] helps you to grow and experience more of life,” she said.
Growing and experiencing life and learning lessons beyond the classroom have certainly been a
fundamental element of Donna’s story. Having married a fellow Marquette student and moving to
south Texas, Donna was hired within a week to teach reading to students in the public junior high
school. “One of my classes was an English class meant for remedial readers. That was fine with me, but
there were no textbooks – remember, this was 1971, before the days of the internet and copy
machines. We had one mimeograph machine to use for the school, so I called some friends at
Marquette and a former professor, and they sent some books that I had used. I will never forget how
much that meant to me.”
Donna never let her connection to the Marquette community lapse, despite the challenges that
crossed her path. When asked to articulate one of the greatest lessons she learned through these
experiences, Donna talked about a lesson she learned early in life: “never giving up” and the importance
of perseverance. “Don’t quit, no matter how hard the situation might be,” she said, “and, be sincere.
Sincerity is such a simple word and yet it embodies being faithful, trustworthy, and always giving and
doing the best you can.”
Teaching in Texas enabled her to put this perseverance and sincerity into action. Without anything
close to sufficient funding, she was able to direct and produce the first play this school had ever
performed. “With sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students, we put on The Christmas Carol just for the
school. I had no money, nada! Marley’s chains were old bicycle chains and his beard was made of
cotton balls glued together. But, the best part was watching the students dedicate themselves and
really get into the play – they really did a wonderful job.”
She credits her Marquette education as the impetus for her volunteering and making an effort to
“impact and really help people.” It has shaped both her personal and professional life and she continues
to act on it. “After my husband left the Navy, he took an engineering job in LaCrosse, WI. We knew no
one in that area, but because of what we learned at Marquette about the meaning of volunteering, we
went to the only Catholic high school in the area and volunteered to host a party for seniors considering
Marquette. The following year, the party included potential students and returning students.”
This passion for making a deep impact on others through volunteer work is what led her to develop
new ways to bolster the “spirit of ‘the Marquette family’ that was, in 1984, already stronger than ever.”
Her strongest contributions came through her years of service as the Association of Marquette
University Women (AMUW) President , an organization supporting students with scholarships and
mentors and through which she established the AMUW Women’s Faculty Achievement Award and as
the National Alumni Board President.
Still, she admits that her active participation in the continued enhancement of the Marquette
community stems from her relationship with the Marquette faculty. “I have so much respect for the
Marquette faculty,” she said. “I had the privilege of co-chairing the Women’s Centennial Celebration at
Marquette with Dr. Krista Ratcliffe in 2009. We tried to plan events for both alumni and students, as I
have learned that you are always better prepared for your future when you know your past.” Donna
continues to serve on the Women’s Council at Marquette, yet another example of her extraordinary
ability to “be the difference” to this community.
Still, beyond all of these incredible contributions to many diverse communities over the years, Donna
has never lost what truly motivates her: a love for literature and a love for service to others. “My love of
literature has not diminished over the years. Literature is meant to be shared and discussed. We learn
from others and it enriches our lives too. Good literature is food for our mind and our soul,” she said. “I
participate in four book clubs, two of which I founded. I'm proud to be the co-chair of the AMUW Book
Club.”
And, given her identity as a literature guru, we couldn’t let her avoid a question about her favorite
books. Here’s what she shared: “I have many favorite authors and books, but some of my favorites
include anything by Zora Neale Hurston, John Irving, Sebastian Barry, and poet Seamus Heaney; Ernest
Gaines’ Lesson Before Dying; Geraldine Brooks’ People of the Book; Frankl Man's Search for Meaning;
Alice Munro’s Hateship, Friendship, Loveship, Marriage. Currently I'm reading TRANSATLANTIC by
Colum McCann.”
As far as volunteering and working to make an impact on those around her, Donna said she has
“always received more than [she has] given to others.” Hopefully, she will continue to write volumes
about the work she does and the humility by which she abides throughout every challenge she faces and
opportunity she experiences.
Know alumni of the Marquette University English program? Nominate them to be featured in our
“English Alum Spotlight”!