Pete Axthelm

Bonnie Axthelm

The Pete and Bonnie Axthelm Memorial Program was established at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to acknowledge and recognize the life of Pete Axthelm and his sister Bonnie. Each year since 1994, the Axthelm Memorial Program awards one scholarship to an outstanding Marquette journalism student who has an interest in sports journalism.

Pete Axthelm was one of America's foremost journalists. Although a Yale alum he created ties to Marquette University while working on his critically acclaimed book, "The City Game," which covers the glory and tragedy of New York basketball. While writing and researching the book, Axthelm looked to the expertise of such Marquette notables as Al McGuire, Pat Smith, and Dean Meminger.

While working as a sportswriter and columnist for the New York Herald Tribune, Sport Illustrated and Newsweek, he established a reputation as a gifted journalist. During the 1980s his knowledge of sports and journalistic skill aided him in becoming a sports commentator for NBC and ESPN. Pete Axthelm died of liver failure on February 2, 1991.

Bonnie Axthelm was among the highest ranking women at 3M Europe when she passed away. She began her career as a secretary at Media Networks, Incorporated. Then eventually became the Executive Director of Corporate Marketing and Public Affairs, the highest position at the company. In 1998 when she lost her battle with breast cancer, her name was added to the memorial.

 

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