Aspin Center to Honor Former Governor
Patrick Lucey and Northwestern Mutual

September 2004

Marquette University's Les Aspin Center will honor former Wisconsin Gov. Patrick J. Lucey and Northwestern Mutual at the 2004 Les Aspin Center for Government Distinguished Public Service Award Luncheon at Marquette’s campus on Thursday.

Les Aspin Distinguished Public Service Award

Governor Lucey will receive the Les Aspin Distinguished Public Service Award in honor of his career in public service and commitment to the advancement of democratic ideals. Northwestern Mutual will be honored with the Founders Award in recognition of its pioneering support of the Les Aspin Center for Government since the center’s founding in 1984.

"As we celebrate the ongoing success of the Les Aspin Center, we also have the opportunity to recognize a truly extraordinary leader and a highly respected company," said Marquette President Robert A. Wild, S.J. "Governor Lucey has lived a lifetime of public service and commitment to the highest ideals of public service. Northwestern Mutual is one of Wisconsin’s great corporate citizens and has been a leader in support of the center’s mission. Both are among the finest examples for our students who aspire to a career in public service."

After serving in World War II, Lucey entered politics and was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1949. In 1964, he was elected lieutenant governor and in 1970, Lucey was elected to the first of his two terms as governor. As governor, he was active on issues of education, consumer protection and environmental policy. At the end of his second term, Lucey was named ambassador to Mexico by President Carter.

Lucey’s political contributions extend far beyond state politics. He had a key role in John F. Kennedy’s victory in the crucial Democratic primary in Wisconsin in 1960.

The Les Aspin Distinguished Public Service Award recognizes an individual from Wisconsin who, like the late Les Aspin, has epitomized public service in the state and whose efforts have influenced national policy. Former recipients include U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson and Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B.

Les Aspin Founder's Award

This year, the Les Aspin Founder’s Award is presented to Northwestern Mutual. In 1988, when Marquette established the center that would later bear Les Aspin’s name, Northwestern Mutual was among the earliest supporters. True to its time-honored commitment to the community as a responsible corporate citizen, the firm continues to be one of the Aspin Center’s most vital partners. Northwestern Mutual has contributed significant support for student scholarships and has consistently provided invaluable guidance to the program, particularly through its participation on the Center’s National Board of Visitors."

The Les Aspin Founder's Award is presented to individuals or organizations that have played an instrumental role in the work of the Les Aspin Center for Government and whose contributions have directly furthered the mission of the center. Former recipients include Congressman Jerry Kleczka and the Honorable and Mrs. David A. Straz, Jr.