College of Education Award Recipients
Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
Achievement Award
DR. BONNIE J. BEHEE-SEMLER, GRAD '90, '96
River Hills, Wis.
For Bonnie, living the Marquette mission boils down to this simple but powerful goal: 鈥淭reat every person with respect, compassion and dignity.鈥�
And throughout her career, she has strived to do just that. A former nurse, Bonnie is now a psychologist who specializes in psychological diagnostic assessments, particularly for children on the autism spectrum.
鈥淢y joy comes from supporting and empowering parents who have children with disabilities,鈥� she says. 鈥淧arents are empowered by knowledge of their child, the system and their rights. This knowledge provides them with practical tools for improving their lives and the lives of their children.鈥�
After starting her career as a registered nurse and pediatric nurse practitioner, Bonnie decided to return to school for her master鈥檚 degree in educational psychology and then her doctoral degree in counseling psychology.
鈥淭he common thread throughout my nursing career was parent education and counseling in outpatient clinics and neonatal intensive care units,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t was the desire to continue graduate education in parenting education that led me to Dr. Robert Fox, who thankfully became my adviser at Marquette.鈥�
Bonnie has also been an active community leader over the years, serving as founding president of the Wisconsin Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and Associates; president of the Wisconsin Association for Perinatal Care and chair of its Infant/Family Committee; as a facilitator of the March Of Dimes Support Group for Parents; and as a member of the Wisconsin Division of Health and Department of Public Instruction work groups on Maternal and Child Health Block Grants and the Birth to Three Program.
And she has no plans to slow down. 鈥淎lthough I am of retirement age, I can鈥檛 imagine leaving my profession yet,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t is my identity!鈥�
Hometown: Chicago
Favorite quote: Her Bible verse from confirmation: 鈥淏e not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.鈥�
Dream dinner guest: 鈥淚 won鈥檛 admit to it ... but anyone who knows me know who it is.鈥�
Marquette faculty member who had an impact: Her adviser, Dr. Robert Fox. She was inspired by 鈥渉is passion for parent education and research.鈥�
Favorite Marquette memories: 鈥淭he camaraderie of studying for 鈥榗omps鈥� at the home of peers.鈥�
Career she aspired to in grade school: 鈥淔rom age 9, I said I wanted to be a nurse after I helped take care of my sick father.鈥�
Not-so-secret talent: She鈥檚 passionate about the Scottish arts and has performed across Milwaukee, Canada and Scotland as a former member of the Caledonian Scottish Dancers, a highland dance group. Her daughter, Catherine, was also a highland dancer, and her son, Bob, and grandson, Adam, are drummers in a Scottish bagpipe band.
Most influential person: 鈥淢y husband, David, has taught me to enjoy life, good food, good literature and nature. He has taught me to laugh. His thirst for knowledge has exposed me to a variety of entertaining and educational experiences."
