Stacy Tuchel, executive assistant in the Office of University Relations, began her Marquette career in University Advancement and then Public Affairs. She says: “During my time at Marquette, I’ve learned that there’s much more to learn. Every day I find out something new about this place and the people here.”
Dr. Jay Goldberg, professor of practice in the Opus College of Engineering, came to Marquette after working in the medical device industry for 14 years. “Working with collegial, collaborative colleagues who share your values, goals and desire to improve the world can lead to a fulfilling career with a sense of purpose,” Goldberg says.
Dr. Sarah Knox, professor of counselor education and counseling psychology in the College of Education, says: “Balance drive for improvement and change with patience and understanding, and cherish those on the journey with you.”
Dr. Eugenia Afinoguenova, chair and professor of Spanish in the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Alan Burkhard, chair and professor of counselor education and counseling psychology in the College of Education
Susana Crespo is a Marquette model teacher and preceptor manager in the College of Nursing. She has grown personally and professionally working for the Institute for Natural Family Planning. “I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate 25 years in this line of work and look forward to many more years to come, God willing,” Crespo says.
Dr. Scott Dale, associate professor of Spanish, says: “One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the years is how nice it is to work with such supportive and empowering colleagues.”
Dr. Ed de St. Aubin, professor of psychology who is involved with community engaged work, says he has learned the importance of dedicating his time and resources to meaningful endeavors.
David Dray is an associate dean in the School of Dentistry. Originally an assistant dean for finance and administration, Dray says he thought it would be a smart career move to work at Marquette but didn’t realize all the fulfillment it would bring him. “Be open to hearing what God is calling you to do,” he says.
Missy Egelhoff, senior director of advancement information services in University Advancement, started at Marquette in a temporary position. One lesson she offers is to not take for granted all the wonderful development opportunities offered to staff members.
Tina McNamara, assistant dean of advising and student services in the College of Education, says: “One of the things I have appreciated the most about my time here is the opportunity to participate in so many wonderful personal and professional development activities like Faber Center events, Mission Week and GROW classes.”
Prof. Matthew Mitten is a professor of law and the executive director of the National Sports Law Institute in the Marquette Law School. His advice is: “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. So do what you can with what you have wherever you are.”
Karen Nest, graduate program coordinator in the College of Nursing, says: “The most important lesson I’ve learned is that it takes teamwork to keep Marquette strong. I’m proud to be a part of the team that makes Marquette’s nursing program so highly ranked.”
Dr. Angela Sorby, professor of English in the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, offers this advice: “If you want to find a classroom in Lalumiere Hall, you must first circle the hall three times, passing every door. This ritual will eventually make the missing classroom appear. If you want to find a classroom in Cramer Hall, by contrast, there is no magic strong enough to help you.”
Mai Vang, clinic coordinator in the School of Dentistry, says: “I consider the university as my home and love all the people that I’ve worked with all these years.”
Dr. Jay Caulfield’s first full-time role was in the former College of Professional Studies. Currently, she is an associate professor in the College of Business Administration. An important lesson Caulfield has learned is, “Don’t ever give up on your dreams, and work for an organization that shares your core values.”
Ana Escudero came to Marquette 29 years ago as a graduate student and served as a teaching assistant in Spanish at the time. Now she’s an assistant professor of Spanish in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures. Escudero says, “The one constant has always been my awareness that teaching and spending time with our students is a privilege.”
Michelle Evert Cook is currently the tax and compliance manager in the Office of the Comptroller. Her first position at Marquette was as the associate manager of grants in the same office. Cook says, “I have found over the years that simple acts of kindness and compassion show the people around you how important and valued they are.”
Steve Frieder started in the Office of the President 25 years ago. He remains there today as the senior adviser to the president and corporate secretary. “Take the time to get to know the people you work with,” Frieder says as he reflects on his time. “I’ve been blessed with wonderful friendships with many of my Marquette colleagues. These friends help me laugh and enjoy my work.”
Holly Hamilton joined Marquette in 1998 as project manager in information technology. Today, she’s a senior engagement adviser in University Advancement. “I’ve learned the foundations of Ignatian spirituality and to look for God in all things,” Hamilton says. “I’ve learned to trust my intuition, to never stop developing and to remain inquisitive and open.”
John Hammetter first attended Marquette University in 1978 as an undergraduate. Twenty years later he was hired to teach a geography course in the Department of Social and Cultural Sciences and is still there today. “Having spent a significant part of my life at Marquette, I’ve seen the architecture change and people come and go,” Hammetter says. “Despite many differences, it still seems the same after all that time.”
Wendy Krueger first attended graduate school at Marquette in the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology. She started as a clinical instructor in the Marquette University Speech and Hearing Clinic. Five years ago, Krueger took an administrative position as the director of clinical education and continues to teach. Krueger says, “Our faculty and students have equally strong hearts and minds. That makes a difference.”
Twenty-six years ago, Patrick McGilligan received a phone call asking if he could teach film courses in the Diederich College of Communication. He began teaching Broadcast Scriptwriting, but he has taught many film classes since. Over the years, he’s learned, “Even though the department and course names change, every year I learn something meaningful from my students or interaction with other staff.”
Dr. Timothy Melchert started at the university as the chair of the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology (now the Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology). Melchert decided to retire this past May. Reflecting on his career, Melchert says, “Faculty often avoid service work, but it provides the opportunity to meet many wonderful people you’d otherwise never know.”
Charles Ries came to the university 25 years ago to start in University Advancement and the College of Business Administration. Today he is the senior director of development, principal gifts and innovation in University Advancement. Ries says, “My work and my career have become my life. It is not what I do, it is who I am. I feel very blessed that I became rooted in Marquette.”
John Schauer was recommended to work at Marquette by his sister who worked for the university. He started as a residence hall officer in the Marquette Department of Public Safety (now the Marquette University Police Department). Currently, Schauer is the dental supply manager in the School of Dentistry. “The journey is worth it no matter the destination,” Schauer says. “I am grateful for all the highs and lows that have come my way these past 25 years working for Marquette University.”
Brad Schloss started working at the Alumni Memorial Union as a first-year student in 1993, and now he’s the AMU operations coordinator. Schloss says, “I have learned that if you work hard and have fun at the same time, you will impact your student employees in numerous positive ways.”
Dr. Mary Schneider first became familiar with the Marquette community after attending a Natural Family Planning class with her husband. Her first position at the university was secretary to the director for NFP in the College of Nursing, and today she is the director of the Marquette Institute for Natural Family Planning. Schneider says, “I’ve learned that I am part of a big family here at Marquette,” Schneider says.
Dr. Andrew Starsky started his undergraduate education at Marquette in 1987 and has continued his education and career here. Starsky later finished his Ph.D. in biomedical engineering in 2007 and is now a clinical professor in the Physical Therapy Department. Starsky says, “Learn the student’s names and what makes them tick. Relationships are the most important thing of the academic journey.”
Deb Baranowski is celebrating 25 years working in the Office of the Comptroller and is currently their general ledger accountant. Throughout her years working at Marquette, she’s learned that the work she does and her involvement with other groups on campus makes a difference in people’s lives.
The Quarter Century Club: a Marquette milestone
The Quarter Century Club was started in 1948 to appreciate and celebrate 25 years of dedicated employment at Marquette. This year, 30 of the 2023-24 inductees are recognized and share wisdom from their time at the university.
- By Maeve Nolan | Communication intern
- < 1 min. read
- Stacy Tuchel, executive assistant in the Office of University Relations, began her Marquette career in University Advancement and then Public Affairs. She says: “During my time at Marquette, I’ve learned that there’s much more to learn. Every day I find out something new about this place and the people here.”
