Commencement Weekend is one of my favorite events of the academic year. It is rewarding to share in our graduates’ excitement, even if it is tinged with a hint of sadness, knowing their time at Marquette is coming to an end. I enjoyed spending time with graduates while taking photos at St. Joan of Arc Chapel, meeting their families during the President’s Reception, and celebrating them at the Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement ceremonies. This year’s Commencement Weekend was even more special as our son Benjamin earned his bachelor’s degree from Marquette. Special thanks to all who made the celebrations so wonderful – the work behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly is seen and appreciated.
As we said farewell to the Class of 2025, we prepare to welcome the Class of 2029. In alignment with our Marquette 2031 strategic plan, Guided by Mission, Inspired to Change, we are implementing a sustainable, mission-aligned multi-year enrollment strategy that prioritizes student and institutional success and well-being, and a commitment to recruiting, enrolling and graduating successful and proud alumni.
Thanks to the work of our enrollment management team and countless faculty and staff across campus, I am happy to report that we are on pace to meet or exceed our class-shaping goals, including:
- Surpassed 20,000 undergraduate applications, a nearly 30% increase in undergraduate applications in two years
- Academic quality is very strong, and is consistent with recent cohorts that have produced Marquette’s two highest first-to-second year retention rates in our history, and we also increased selectivity, with the lowest acceptance rate of the past 10 years.
- Welcomed the first cohort of four Lovell Scholars, our new prestigious, full-ride academic scholarship for students who are grounded in humility and committed to the same values with which President Lovell lived his life: Faith, Leadership and Service.
- Strong diversity in terms of geography, ethnicity and socioeconomic status, including more than 22% first-generation students
- Increased percentage of class that is Pell-eligible
- Double-digit growth in key geographic markets outside of the Midwest
- More than 1 in 3 admitted students who took a campus tour or attended one of our signature visit programs (e.g. Admitted Student Days, Find Your Fit Fridays, Discovery Days) have committed to attending Marquette.
These results, coupled with our highest-ever first-to-second-year retention rate, make it clear our focus on student success is working.
Investment in faculty, staff compensation
One of my responsibilities as Marquette’s president is telling our compelling story and detailing the tremendous momentum we are experiencing. That momentum would not be possible without all of you – our dedicated faculty and staff. It is imperative that we continue to prioritize investing in our people to recognize your remarkable contributions that advance the university’s academic and Catholic, Jesuit missions.
Earlier this week we announced a $4.1 million salary pool for discretionary merit-based pay increases for employees (staff, tenured/tenure-track faculty and participating/non-tenure-track faculty) in fiscal year 2025-26 has been approved. These increases will be effective July 1. In addition to this pool, we announced another focused $1.8 million is being invested in market adjustments improving staff, tenured/tenure-track faculty and participating/NTT faculty salaries in alignment with our Marquette 2031 strategic plan.
Celebrating 10 years of MUPD – One of the questions parents of prospective students frequently ask me is, “Will my child be safe at Marquette?” I can confidently respond “yes!” thanks to Chief Edith Hudson and the dedicated team of professionals in the Marquette University Police Department, which celebrated the 10th anniversary of its commissioning earlier this month. The relationships MUPD has formed with the Milwaukee Police Department, as well as businesses and neighbors, a commitment to the university’s Catholic, Jesuit mission and innovative initiatives like the Behavioral Health Unit and Blue, our beloved community support dog, contribute to creating a safe campus and neighborhood environment.
New Campus Connections video highlights Midnight Run – The second installment of Campus Connections, the new video series that demonstrates members of the Marquette community bringing our mission to life, features Midnight Run. It’s powerful to be with them as they engage with the community and work to create a more just and equitable world.
I hope you will consider joining our students in a service opportunity this fall. It’s powerful to be with our students as they engage with the community and take steps to promote a just and equitable world.
Do you have a suggestion for a future Campus Connections subject? Please send it to president@marquette.edu.
Catching up on social media – Six outstanding faculty members were recognized for teaching excellence at this year’s Père Marquette Dinner. I’m grateful for everything that these six individuals, and all members of our faculty, do to help our students achieve their academic goals and realize their dreams.
Looking ahead to Summerfest – Once again this year Marquette is participating in Summerfest’s Show Your College Pride Day on Friday, June 27, to increase awareness with prospective students and families. From noon to 3 p.m. patrons who wear a Marquette hat or t-shirt will be admitted free at the Mid Gate. If you take advantage of this promotion, be sure to stop by and say hello to the Marquette team that will be on the Summerfest grounds with fun games and giveaways.
I always look forward to the release of the Summerfest schedule so I can plan my trip to the lakefront and enjoy live music. I’m eager to see the band Chicago on Friday, July 4. In addition to some favorite songs from the 1970s and 80s, there will be bonus fireworks (but probably not a Pope Leo XIV sighting!).
I opened my Inauguration address with a passage from Colossians 3:15 – “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” I am incredibly thankful for the support the Marquette community has shown me throughout the academic year.
This year has brought unprecedented scrutiny on higher education and on the principles of access, belonging and inclusion, on which Marquette has stood since it was founded by Bishop Martin Henni in 1881. Ensuring our students have access to a high-quality, Catholic education so their lives can be transformed and they, in turn, can go out and set the world on fire needs to remain a priority for everyone at Marquette. We are stronger when we work together and the world needs a strong Marquette.
I wish you a wonderful and restful summer.
We are Marquette!
Dr. Kimo Ah Yun
President
Marquette University
