University mourns the loss of alumnus, friend and major benefactor Natalie Black Kohler

University mourns the loss of alumnus, friend and major benefactor Natalie Black Kohler

The Marquette University community mourns the loss of a close friend and significant benefactor, Natalie Black Kohler, who passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 10.

In 1978, Black Kohler earned her Juris Doctorate degree from Marquette's Law School. In 2012, she was named the Law School's Alumna of the Year during the Alumni National Awards events.

"Natalie was a passionate believer in our mission," said Dr. Kimo Ah Yun, acting president, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. "We are especially grateful for her generous support of scholarship and her longstanding service to the university. She helped drive significant progress behind the scenes for nearly two decades as a member of our Board of Trustees. Our Marquette community extends our love and prayers for the Kohler family."

Black Kohler served two separate terms on the university's Board of Trustees, from 1995 to 2005 and from 2007 to 2013. In addition to supporting scholarship, she helped bolster fundraising efforts to build the Law School's Eckstein Hall.

Her presence is felt across campus, including within Marquette's Kohler Center for Entrepreneurship, housed in the 707 Hub. The Kohler Center helps students develop an entrepreneurial mindset, develop skills and grow their networks.

The Kohler Company shared an obituary stating, "She will be remembered as a passionate and purposeful individual, an unwavering and persistent businesswoman, and a devoted partner."

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