James Wake Memorial Lecture 2026

About this event

When a Loved One is Dying: Providing Comfort and Care at the End of Life Friday, November 20, 2026 | 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. CST 11:30 a.m. – Registration Check-In and Complimentary Lunch 12:00 p.m. – Keynote Presentation and Reactor Panel 1:30 p.m. – Complimentary Dessert Reception with Presenters Join us for the James Wake Memorial Lecture hosted by Marquette University’s College of Nursing and the Institute for Palliative and End-of-Life Care . The event will be held in-person and online. The in-person event includes a complimentary lunch and dessert reception. KEYNOTE PRESENTER | Maureen Groden, RN, MS, CHPN Maureen Groden, hospice nurse, educator, and author of When a Loved One is Dying: Conversations About Care, Connection, and Coping, uses storytelling as a means of conveying information to the public about the end of life. During this presentation she will share excerpts from her book and insights about end-of-life care, navigating emotional challenges, and supporting loved ones with compassion and confidence. In this presentation, participants will learn: The power of storytelling and how it can be used to create meaning, preserve identity, and connect people through shared memory, emotion, and truth. Effective strategies for providing emotional, practical, and compassionate support to loved ones experiencing terminal illness. How health professionals can best support families with approaches that promote connection, resilience, meaningful communication, and a peaceful end-of-life experience. Immediately following the keynote presentation, a reactor panel featuring Glenn Ragalie, MD, and Martha Badger, PhD, RN, NI-BC, will share additional resources such as death doulas, transition choirs, hospice, and more. Full bios for our keynote speaker and members of the reactor panel can be found here. This memorial lecture is held biennially in memory of James Wake, chaplain and husband of Dr. Madeline Wake, former Provost of Marquette University. James’ career was devoted to helping others through social work and chaplaincy. You have the option to attend the lecture in person on Marquette’s campus in the new home for the College of Nursing, David A. Straz, Jr., Hall, or virtually as a Beyond MU program. For questions or special requests, please contact Jaimee Hills at [email protected] .