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DEAN MARY FIEDLER
November 10, 1942 - August 8, 2022
Mary Louise Fiedler was born in Janesville, Wisconsin. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, a Master’s Degree from Boston University, and a Doctorate Degree in Education from the University of Nevada-Reno.
Her career path took her from Chicago where she worked as Director of Admissions for DePaul University, and then to Milwaukee where she joined the staff of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She eventually made her way to Germany where she lived and travelled for the next 34 years. Mary began with the University of Maryland Munich Campus as Assistant to the Dean for Admissions in 1972 and rose through the ranks to become the Dean of University of Maryland Mannheim Campus in 2000. After the Mannheim Campus was closed by the U.S. military, she retired in 2006 and returned to Milwaukee.
In retirement, Mary became active in several associations and clubs including the American Association of University Women, the League of Women Voters-Milwaukee County, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UW-Milwaukee. She volunteered at the Milwaukee Art Museum, audited courses at the UW-Milwaukee, and supported the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and other local art, music, and theater organizations.
Mary included as highlights of her life earning her Doctorate Degree, being appointed Dean, a private audience with Pope John Paul II at the Vatican, and her spectacular lakefront apartment in Milwaukee. She was passionate about travel, art, classical music and lifelong learning. She always enjoyed her morning cup of coffee, long walks, and a glass of wine in the evening. Most importantly, she was devoted to her family and friends, and to the thousands of students she met and helped along the way.
A celebration of life is being planned for Mary’s many friends and family later this fall of 2022.
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Matt Gaglione
Dr. Fiedler was a respected colleague and treasured friend. We first met when I visited the Mannheim Campus several years ago. We became fast friends very quickly. I will never forget our escapades in Weisbadden, Lyman and Heidelberg. I will especially miss her visits to the Washington DC area which she made so often.
Rest in Peace dear Mary!
J.Matthew Gaglione
Vice Provost, Student Affairs (Ret.) UMUC-Adelphi
Dr Gregory Fant
Reflective Tribute to Dr. Mary Fielder
In remembering Dr. Mary Fielder, I am filled with gratitude for the profound influence she had on my life. As a friend and mentor at the Munich Campus (1983), Dr. Fielder's encouragement and advice were foundational to my academic and personal growth. She was instrumental in connecting my family to my educational journey, especially supporting my participation in a church group retreat that was crucial to my development during those formative years.
Dr. Fielder's joy in my accomplishments, from my induction into the Alpha Nu Alpha chapter of PTK to the completion of my PhD (1997) and my role as a federal civil servant/epidemiologist, was a testament to her unwavering support. Her gift of a Paul Suess lithograph (1968) of the Frauenkirche, during a visit to the Mannheim Campus (2005), remains a cherished symbol of her belief in my potential—a belief that encouraged me to pursue and achieve a higher doctorate (DSc) in Health Sciences/Epidemiology (2023).
Though I regret not sharing this latest milestone with her, my gratitude for Dr. Fielder's role in my journey is boundless. Her legacy continues to inspire me, and I am profoundly thankful for the wisdom, support, and friendship she bestowed.
Mary, your impact on my life is indelible, and for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Blessings always,
Gregory Fant