After more than 30 years in Wisconsin’s courts, M. Joseph Donald returned to Marquette University Law School this month to be honored as its 2026 Alumnus of the Year.
Judge Donald, who serves on the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, was recognized during an April 23 ceremony at Eckstein Hall for a judicial career spanning more than three decades. He was appointed to the Court of Appeals in 2019 after more than 20 years on the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, where he also served in leadership roles, including deputy chief judge and presiding judge at the Vel Phillips Juvenile Justice Center.
His circuit court service included a strong focus on families and children. Judge Donald also contributed to initiatives such as Milwaukee County’s Family Drug Treatment Court and Healthy Infant Court. When serving on the bench, Judge Donald said, he centers his approach on carefully weighing each case.
“I’m understanding and considering all the options and looking at all sides of an argument before making a ruling,” Judge Donald said.
A Milwaukee native and Marquette graduate, Judge Donald reflected on the university’s role in shaping his path.
“I’m very aware of how different my life could have been had I not been accepted into Marquette as a freshman undergraduate through the Equal Opportunity Program,” he said. “EOP didn’t just open a door for me—it changed my life. It reflected a powerful belief: that talent is everywhere, even when opportunity is not.”
The Alumnus of the Year award recognizes graduates who have demonstrated professional achievement and service aligned with the values of Marquette University Law School. You can watch a recording of the event here.
Third Branch eNews is an online monthly newsletter of the Director of State Courts Office. If you are interested in contributing an article about your department’s programs or accomplishments, contact your department head. Information about judicial retirements and judicial obituaries may be submitted to: Sara.Foster@wicourts.gov