Woman of Faith

Christine Keyes

If the value of our lives is ever estimated in terms of the good that others admire in us, then Christine Keyes will have no trouble measuring up. A tireless and dedicated volunteer for the causes and organizations about which she cares deeply, Christine sees her service to her community as a divine calling. In particular, Christine focuses on promoting causes that strengthen children and families, no matter their social or economic backgrounds. As Ann Maguire, the 2013 Woman of Faith Award honoree shared, Christine’s “faith-inspired vision for her life leads her to volunteer to make the organizations she serves better and stronger institutions and ultimately enable them to expand their missions to serve more children.”

Christine’s journey of service began in the most natural of ways—when she stepped up to help the organizations that touched her own family, including St. John Vianney parish in Brookfield, the Elmbrook United Soccer Club, and Marquette University High School. She has also faithfully served Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, and Divine Savior Holy Angels High School. Yet, as Ann Maguire points out, Christine does not merely volunteer to “help out.” Instead, she willingly accepts increasing levels of responsibility and leadership—all with a servant’s heart.

One example of this leadership is her service to the Notre Dame School of Milwaukee (NDSM), on whose board she has served since 2018, including a term as the board Chair. Yet, her service to NDSM is not limited to attending regularly-scheduled meetings and checking off agenda items. She has chaired their annual auction fundraiser for three years running, volunteered in the classroom, mentored an NDSM student and recruited tutors and mentors for other students, and she continues to serve on NDSM’s Advancement Committee.

NDSM is a Catholic school on Milwaukee’s near south side that serves 700 children—most of whom are economically disadvantaged first- or second-generation immigrants—and the commitment of volunteers is crucial to the school’s success. Patrick Landry, NDSM’s president, praises Christine’s volunteer efforts because the school depends on community members like Christine who “believe in the power of education to transform lives and who invest in that mission with all their spirit.” Ann Maguire chimes in on this note to say that Christine is driven by her “personal conviction that allowing more children to have access to a quality Catholic education is transformative.”

It is Christine’s faith that is the foundation of her pursuit of service to her community. “She is an outstanding example of the Jesuit motto of being ‘for others.’ She lives her faith authentically and proudly,” shared Fr. Michael Marco, SJ, president of Marquette University High School (MUHS). Christine has served on the MUHS Board of Trustees since 2019 and chairs the Development Committee. She is also active with the MUHS Mothers Guild and Alumni Mothers Club, organizations in which she has served in leadership roles.

Indeed, Christine is recognized for living a life of virtue and Gospel-centered values. As Patrick Landry expressed, Christine’s zeal for service models Luke 12:48, in which Jesus teaches His disciples, “Every one to whom much is given, of him will much be required.” In addition to her indefatigable contributions to the organizations she serves, she is known for her infectious volunteerism and her spirit of welcoming and connection with others. As one supporter of her nomination for the Woman of Faith Award noted, Christine “has an uncanny ability to have people feel like they belong, to make them feel loved, allowing them to be comfortable amongst others. . . . She keenly observes the needs of others and recognizes that she has the capacity and the talent to serve and improve their lives. Guided by the teachings of Jesus, she pursues this serving role with respect, love and compassion.”

Based on the strength of the support from all who enthusiastically nominated Christine Keyes, the Sisters of the Divine Savior are honored to joyfully present her with the 2024 Woman of Faith Award.