Dr. Anne M. Lent and David W. Watson, Law ’16
Whitefish Bay, Wis.
Instead of receiving gifts for their first anniversary in 2014, Annie and Dave engaged their guests in giving to the Marquette College of Nursing鈥檚 work in community health. This inspired the annual NightinGala, an event Annie and Dave created with the college to support its community care programs.
The cause combines several passions for Annie, an allergy and immunology physician at Columbia St. Mary鈥檚 in Milwaukee, and Dave, an attorney in private practice. Specifically, these include medicine, Marquette and community service.
Annie鈥檚 mother, Barbara Lent, Nurs 鈥�64, her grandfather, John Dunphy, Eng 鈥�32, and a number of other relatives are Marquette alumni. Dave enrolled at the Law School shortly after the couple鈥檚 wedding, humbled on his first day, he says, 鈥渂y the fact that most of my classmates were in kindergarten when I was in college.鈥�
The College of Nursing鈥檚 community care programs serve the dual mission of transforming health care for Milwaukee鈥檚 most vulnerable individuals while providing hands-on clinical experience for nursing students in a manner that reflects Marquette鈥檚 Jesuit ideals. Programs include a free clinic for women and children as well as a partnership with Sojourner Family Peace Center, which supports people impacted by domestic violence.
鈥淭he NightinGala raises valuable funds that enable students to experience their education far beyond the classroom,鈥� Annie says. 鈥淭o teach them that healing goes beyond blood pressures and extends to the vital signs of hope, empathy, justice and grace.鈥�
Annie calls her mom and the College of Nursing Class of 1964 鈥渢rue rock star alumni鈥� who have generously supported the first two NightinGalas.
鈥淏eing a part of the NightinGala and the Marquette community has taught us that we may not change the world today, yet we can plant the seeds that will grow into the vines that permeate generations to come,鈥� Dave says. 鈥淭he NightinGala truly embodies Marquette鈥檚 commitment to giving a voice to those who have no voice.鈥�
Fun facts: Dave was inspired and mentored by Louie Andrew, Jr., Law 鈥�66, the 2016 All-University Service to Marquette Award recipient.
Annie says her dream dinner guest is Dave, and the dream comes true most Friday nights. 鈥淗e embodies the qualities of forgiveness, of strength, of perseverance and of faith,鈥� she says.
