Marquette Today

Campus News and Events

Submit news

Menu

  • Campus News
    • Top News for Students
    • Top News for Faculty & Staff
    • Magazines at Marquette
    • Campus Alerts
  • Archives
  • Submit news
    • Editorial Guidelines
    • Contacts
  • @MarquetteToday
  • Events Calendar
  • Topics
    • Community Engagement
    • Diversity
    • Innovation
    • Master Planning
    • Marquette Momentum
    • Research
    • Strategic Planning
  • June 27, 2022

Welcome back: An important message from Dr. Xavier Cole, VP for student affairs

August 27, 2018

Dear students,

Welcome back to Marquette! I hope your summers were fruitful and restful. As we embark on what I hope will be a meaningful academic year, it’s important to remember that each and every one of us contributes to the kind of campus environment we create, both inside and outside the classroom. The words we choose, the compassion we show, the actions we take – they matter, perhaps now more than ever before.

By its very nature, a university is a place for dialogue, discussions and disagreements aimed at expanding knowledge. Diversity of viewpoints is imperative to a healthy college experience –  one in which you will be challenged and in turn, grow.

As a community, we collectively have much more work to do to make our campus more diverse and inclusive. I have a role in this growth process, as do you. The pursuit of excellence must mean that we do not shy away from change and challenges but instead seek out opportunities to grow and evolve. This is core to our Jesuit, Catholic mission.

In his article “Sanctuary for the Heart,” Rev. Howard Gray, S.J., discusses the role of Jesuit higher education in today’s society, where we are so easily at odds with one another. He paints a metaphor of learning as a sanctuary – a sacred space of refuge and protection. A place we can belong to and call “home.” He writes that “the adventure of education needs room to wander and to test possibilities” in order to allow for “the courage to explore the continents of knowledge no matter where these lead, the dedication to pursue research no matter the challenges it presents, the encouragement for young minds to explore new writers and new viewpoints.”

One of the ways to explore new viewpoints is through service to others. Marquette’s goal is to graduate students who will transform the world by living their lives as women and men for and with others. There are many ways students can engage in service for the betterment of our community, from student organizations to service learning courses to being a part of a university committee. Marquette’s annual Organization Fest and Community Service Fair is Wednesday, August 29 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the Central Mall. I encourage you to attend and to get involved.

My hope for all of us is that we approach this year with an open heart and a willingness to embrace new possibilities. I challenge you to receive and respond to your fellow students with compassion and generosity. Ask questions of each other with civility. Attentively listen to the response. Then, act from a more informed and loving place. This type of Ignatian interaction positively feeds the human spirit, which needs to be both nurtured and challenged.

Peace to you as you embark on this new academic year.

Dr. Xavier A. Cole
Vice President for Student Affairs

Filed Under: For Students, News

More news

An update from Dr. Kevin Rich, chair of the James H. Keyes Dean of Business Administration Search Committee

June 27, 2022

Applications open for new intergenerational student housing program with St. Camillus life plan community

June 27, 2022

School of Dentistry researcher receives $1.45 million NIH grant to study effects of aging on oral health

June 27, 2022

Marquette receives two global CASE Circle of Excellence awards for video marketing collateral

June 27, 2022

Reminder: Milwaukee County Bus Rapid Transit project continues on campus through summer

June 27, 2022

Angela Schultz receives E. Michael McCann Public Service Award

June 27, 2022

Get into Summerfest free on July 8 by wearing Marquette gear

June 27, 2022

Medical coverage transparency in coverage rule

June 27, 2022

More news

Quick Links

  • Faculty/Staff News
  • Student News
  • Magazines at Marquette
Submit news

Featured Stories

Shattering the glass frog ceiling

Shattering the glass frog ceiling

Teaching Instructor Rick Boyd is said to be only the second individual in the United States to successfully breed the granulosa glass frog in captivity.

Summer Studies empowers students to get ahead, explore interests

Summer Studies empowers students to get ahead, explore interests

Those interested in taking part in the second session of Summer Studies must register online by July 1.

Baby formula shortage presents challenges for families

Baby formula shortage presents challenges for families

Dr. Karen Robinson discusses the ongoing baby formula shortage, the difficulties many families are experiencing across the country and more.

Read more featured stories.

Safety

Safety Task Force approves 12 proposals for implementation

Plan for Commencement Weekend security measures

Last call: Safety Task Force idea submissions

Human Resources News

Medical coverage transparency in coverage rule

Walk this Way Step Challenge: My Wellness points and weekly giveaway available

Marquette University 2022 One-Time Employee Payment Information and FAQ

Research

Shattering the glass frog ceiling

Marquette faculty and staff grants from April 2022

Three faculty members earn prestigious Fulbright Scholar awards for international research

Awards & Accomplishments

School of Dentistry researcher receives $1.45 million NIH grant to study effects of aging on oral health

Marquette receives two global CASE Circle of Excellence awards for video marketing collateral

Angela Schultz receives E. Michael McCann Public Service Award

Marquette UniversityCopyright 2022 by Marquette University
MARQUETTE.EDU // CONTACTS // A TO Z