Dear Marquette students, faculty and staff:
Spring is a time for new beginnings, and it is in that spirit that I am looking forward to the presidential inauguration on April 29, when as a campus community we will come together to celebrate a new chapter for Marquette University, while also reflecting on our proud history and the legacies of the 24 presidents before me. The question I keep asking myself is: “How do we continue to honor what has been done and help guide Marquette into a bright future?”
Fortunately, we have our roadmap in Guided by Mission, Inspired to Change, the Marquette 2031 Strategic Plan, which is an aspirational, actionable path forward that is grounded in our Catholic, Jesuit mission. I appreciate the continued efforts of the many people across campus who are implementing our strategic plan. Regular progress updates on strategic plan implementation are shared with University Academic Senate, University Staff Senate and other stakeholder groups, and included in Marquette Today.
Near-term investments in our Marquette 2031 Strategic Plan
I remain committed to investing in initiatives identified in the strategic plan. The pace at which we can do that depends on our ability to implement the transformative Securing Our Future initiatives. Three near-term investments that have been prioritized for FY26 are: faculty and staff compensation, enrollment, and our next fundraising campaign.
Our faculty and staff are central to our mission, and so our first commitment is to improve our compensation. Over the past few years, we have invested in increasing faculty compensation to be more competitive in the marketplace. This spring, at the conclusion of the staff compensation structure project, the university funded salary increases to bring any staff who were below their range (about 5% of staff employees) into range. In FY26, beyond the merit pool, there will be additional investment in faculty and staff salaries.
When it comes to enrollment, the importance of creating stability and sustainability cannot be overstated, especially as we know the number of high school seniors nationwide will decline after this year. That’s why another near-term investment is a mission-aligned, multi-year undergraduate enrollment strategy focused on intentionally shaping our future incoming classes instead of allowing demographics to dictate outcomes and impacts. A key part of this investment is a coordinated effort to expand the number of applications particularly in geographic areas across the country that are experiencing growth.
We also know that fewer traditional students are attending college, and those who do attend often need more financial support. This is why the third near-term investment will be planning our next fundraising campaign, which will have a continued focus on student scholarship support. I am confident we can build on the incredibly successful Time to Rise campaign that raised more than $300 million for scholarships. It’s evident that our alumni and benefactors understand why a transformational Marquette education must remain accessible, as it has since our founding in 1881. The next campaign will be critical to the university’s long-term future.
As we continue to look forward, I’m reminded of the words of Pope Francis when he proclaimed the Jubilee Year 2025: “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision.”
What I’m looking forward to … The Marcus Performing Arts Center recently announced its 2025-26 Broadway series, and the lineup is filled with “must see hits.” For those of you who know me, my wife, Catherine, and I love attending theater performances. I’m really looking forward to seeing “& Juliet.” I love the concept: take a story we know well and put a twist to it. I have wanted to see this show on Broadway and have not had the chance, so I am eager for the production to come to town in June 2026.
Catching up on social media … The annual Distinguished Scholars Reception was a wonderful way to start the season of celebrations on campus. I appreciate Dr. Jeanne Hossenlopp and the members of the Committee on Research who selected outstanding award recipients who carry on Marquette’s legacy of research excellence. The event reminded me how these talented individuals bring our mission to life by providing our students a transformational experience through high impact practices and by engaging in research that advances knowledge and makes our world better.
Looking ahead … Today is a busy day on campus. I will welcome Rev. Michael Marco, S.J., president of Marquette University High School; Vanessa Solis, president of Nativity Jesuit Academy; and Andrew Stith, president of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School for the Jesuit Education in Milwaukee inaugural symposium. We will discuss how our respective institutions help our students find their compass and become women and men for and with others while having a significant and lasting impact on our community. The symposium will be held in the Lubar Center in Eckstein Hall.
Today is also the date of the fourth annual Institute for Women’s Leadership Gala that will feature panelists discussing how they positively engage, inspire and transform communities. Three individuals will receive 2025 Transformational Leadership Awards recognizing their professional and community contributions.
Special shoutout … Thank you to the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs staff, who are navigating a time of unprecedented uncertainty in grants administration. Their tenacity, perseverance and advocacy on behalf of our faculty and staff with grants is both seen and appreciated. As a reminder, the latest guidance related to executive orders and federal actions is available on Marquette Today.
Even though it’s officially spring, the weather can’t seem to make up its mind with fluctuating temperatures and precipitation. I hope you enjoy the upcoming Easter Break and use the time to recharge for a strong finish to the spring semester.
We are Marquette!
Dr. Kimo Ah Yun
President
Marquette University
