Her husband, Donn, also earned a degree from WMU, a BBA in General Business in 1981. Both attended Law School—Donn is now the Chief of Staff for the Wayne County Prosecutors Office. He works on the twelfth floor of the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice, and Patricia works on the eighth—they do not drive to work together, Donn added.
The couple met at a party on Catherine Street in Kalamazoo in 1977 and then again on Spring Break in 1978, "when Ft. Lauderdale was the WMU Spring Break destination," Donn explained.
Patricia started law school a couple of years after Donn, and then went to work as a Macomb County Prosecutor. In 1998, Patricia decided she wanted to be a judge and felt strongly that she could be elected. The very same day the couple walked to the County Clerk's office to get petitions. They obtained 7,500 signatures, filed by deadline, held 14 fundraisers, and raised over $120,000. She won out of a pool of seven candidates in the November 1998 election. "For a Bronco, anything is possible," Donn commented.
Patricia is currently a circuit court judge presiding over major felony trials including murder, carjacking, and rape. She is also known for a compelling article she wrote for the Michigan Bar Journal, 'Alice in Wonderland: The Child as a Complainant in the Criminal Sexual Conduct Case.'
Her reputation was described as 'Outstanding' by the Detroit Bar Association when she was rated in 2010.
The Fresards are most proud of three children, all grown, and Patricia's father—who immigrated from Ecuador in the 60's with four small children, to become a leading neurologist in America.
So, what do they remember most about WMU?
Donn answers, "The staff and faculty. I applied late on a Monday, three years out of high school, was accepted on Wednesday, and was in Drops and Adds/Late Registration at Read Fieldhouse on that Friday—completely overwhelmed, confused, and having no idea what to do. A counselor spotted me, reached out, and helped with a great freshman schedule. I made the Dean's list first semester— next semester I met my future wife and got a four point."
That, and the Soap Box Derby Races. They also remember the great lifetime friends they made while at WMU. They continue to cherish those connections— Patricia's legal assistant, Nancy Grady-Hames (BBA '79, Marketing) is also a Bronco.
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