Dear Marquette students, faculty and staff:
As we begin this Lenten season, I’m reminded of the importance of spending time each day in prayer. I start every President’s Cabinet meeting with a prayer based on a Scripture passage that applies to what we are discussing, and I have found this helps to keep us focused and grounded.
Since being named president last fall, I’ve talked with many of you across campus and had the chance to meet with our proud alumni throughout the country. To help keep you updated on how I’m spending my time and the key issues I’m focusing on, I will share regular updates in this “From the President’s Desk” feature in Marquette Today.
Advocating in Washington, D.C.
I spent the past several days in Washington, D.C., engaging with students, alumni and friends at the Les Aspin Center. I also met with members of our Wisconsin Congressional delegation and their staff members, as well as legislators from across the country, leaders from the U. S. Department of Education and national educational organizations, my fellow Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities presidents and media outlets.
My meetings on Capitol Hill provided a platform to detail the momentum we are experiencing on campus and invite legislators to campus to see that momentum firsthand when they are next in Milwaukee. I also advocated for continued federal funding that will support student aid that is vital to thousands of our students and their families, TRIO programs and research that ensures Marquette’s continued positive economic impact across Wisconsin. Our discussions also addressed higher education policy and its impact on our university and our people.
Our elected officials understand that as the state’s largest private higher education institution, Marquette is a significant contributor to Wisconsin’s workforce, both as an employer and as a pipeline for the future workforce. While we certainly prepare our students to be “career ready,” more importantly, Marquette graduates are “life ready” because of our Catholic, Jesuit education that is grounded in the liberal arts. The Marquette experience provides students a compass that guides them to be ethically minded and helps them develop a loving heart so they can contribute to the common good and make the world a better place.
A specific point in my discussions was the importance of federal funding for research following disruptions in National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation grants review and proposed reductions to NIH indirect cost rates. Research at Marquette provides transformational experiences for undergraduate and graduate students, especially the opportunity to work alongside faculty innovators on cutting-edge projects such as stroke rehabilitation, clean water technology and addiction treatment. Projects that have been funded by the NIH and NSF support and advance the overall health and well-being of the greater Milwaukee community and beyond. Any reduction in this critical funding will make it difficult to deliver important Marquette faculty research focused on improving human health outcomes, and it will cost Wisconsin jobs and hurt Wisconsin’s efforts to remain competitive with researchers around the world.
At every opportunity possible, I shared that our Catholic, Jesuit mission means we are committed to upholding the inherent dignity of each person created in the likeness of God. At Marquette, we act on that commitment by creating and maintaining a culture of inclusivity and belonging. We remain steadfast in our commitment to serve all as a welcoming learning community that is open to people from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives. Meeting people where they are and demonstrating our unwavering love and care is woven into our DNA and it is imperative that we continue the work that we have been called to do.
This was a major topic during our AJCU presidents meeting and congressional breakfast on the Hill. Being with my AJCU president colleagues affirmed that we are stronger when we advocate together. Despite the differences in our institutions’ sizes and locations, our shared mission is grounded in a 500-year-old faith tradition that seeks to educate the whole person intellectually, ethically and spiritually.
These discussions and meetings were essential to continuing the dialogue that will build support for Marquette University and the transformational work that happens every day on our campus.
What I’m reading
One of my goals for 2025 is to carve out more time for personal enrichment and inspiration. I’m reading “The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World” by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, which is a fascinating look at how these selfless leaders found joy amid so much strife, pain and sorrow. Their insight is an important reminder that joy exists all around us, even when we are facing challenging times.
Do you have a favorite book that has motivated you? Please send your recommendations to president@marquette.edu so I can build my reading list!
Catching up on social media
Chinaza Nwaneri, Comm ’17, was the keynote speaker at this year’s Ebony Ball. It was great to reconnect and hear how her Marquette experience has been integral to her journey — one that’s been driven by innovation and determination and is a testament to her hard work, vision and commitment to excellence.
Looking ahead
The Distinguished Scholars Reception is the annual celebration of exemplary faculty members who are contributing to Marquette’s strong legacy of research excellence. On Thursday, March 27, we will congratulate and recognize the deserving recipients of this year’s Lawrence G. Haggerty Faculty Award for Excellence in Research, Way Klingler Fellowship, Way Klingler Early Career Award, and Participating Faculty Research Award. Be sure to save the date!
Approaching Spring Break means the home stretch of the spring semester and academic year is in sight. I’m looking forward to our year-end gatherings that celebrate the significant accomplishments of our Marquette community, particularly our graduating students. I remain grateful for all you do to bring our mission to life and to fulfill the promise to Be The Difference.
We Are Marquette!
Dr. Kimo Ah Yun
President
Marquette University
