Celebrating Progress and Welcoming New Leadership at the Andrew Center for Restorative Justice
It is an extraordinary privilege to serve as director of Marquette Law School’s Andrew Center for Restorative Justice (Andrew Center) for the past year and a half. During this time, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of restorative justice in action—bringing hope, healing, and solutions to individuals, families, and communities facing significant challenges.
We are thrilled to welcome Becca Donaldson as our new Assistant Director. Becca, an Assistant Clinical Professor of Law, brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to advancing restorative justice through education, practice, and partnerships.
My journey with restorative justice began when Justice Janine Geske invited me to participate in restorative justice circles at Green Bay Correctional Institution, an experience that solidified my dedication to justice rooted in healing, accountability, and equity. Over 19 years as a Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge, including three as chief judge, I saw firsthand the need for justice systems that center humanity and compassion.
Thanks to Suzanne (Sp’66) and Louis (L’66) Andrew’s transformative gift, the Andrew Center has become a permanent hub for restorative justice education, practice, and collaboration. We continue to make significant strides in this work:
- Restorative Justice Clinic: Facilitating circles of support and healing circles in the community and at correctional facilities, fostering healing, accountability, and harm repair.
- Domestic Violence Initiative: Partnering with Sojourner Family Peace Center to create restorative justice pathways for families impacted by domestic violence.
- Groundbreaking Conference: Hosting The Union of Restorative Justice, Health Care, and Street Outreach as a Healing Approach to Gun Violence, which united survivors, violence interrupters, health care professionals, and restorative justice practitioners to address our gun violence crisis.
These efforts, among many, reflect our belief that restorative justice is both a public safety and public health strategy. By acknowledging harm and trauma, responding with empathy, and fostering accountability, we strengthen relationships, promote healing, and create safer communities.
We remain steadfast in our mission to educate the next generation of legal and community leaders. Through the Restorative Justice Workshop, clinical programs, and unique collaborative opportunities, our students develop the skills and empathy to advocate for justice rooted in healing and humanity.
The Andrew Center’s mission—grounded in compassion, equity, respect, and trauma-informed care—is more vital than ever. Together, we are reshaping justice to reflect the humanity of all involved.
To learn more about the Andrew Center’s ongoing work, visit law.marquette.edu/andrew-center. We welcome your questions, ideas, and passion for restorative justice as we continue expanding this transformative work.
Sincerely,
Mary E. Triggiano
Director, Andrew Center for Restorative Justice
Marquette Law School
mary.triggiano@marquette.edu