I hope your summer is off to a great start. Catherine and I were fortunate to celebrate milestone achievements of all three of our kids over the past month: Benjamin graduated from Marquette, Molly earned her degree from the University of Southern California, and Haven graduated from Whitefish Bay High School this past weekend and will be starting at Marquette in the fall. We are looking forward to recognizing their accomplishments with our family and friends throughout the summer.
Closer to home, I appreciate everyone who welcomed three candidates for the provost position to campus in early May. The search committee chaired by Dr. SuJean Choi, professor of biomedical sciences, identified a strong pool. The candidates were impressed with the faculty, staff and students they met and by our Guided by Mission, Inspired to Change Strategic Plan. I’m grateful to the many members of our community who participated in dialogue and discernment and have offered me advice and counsel throughout the process. As shared earlier, the search will continue, and updates will be shared as the process moves forward.
I am grateful for the search committee its work to date and for its willingness to help identify the leader that Marquette needs moving forward. I also want to thank Acting Provost Sarah Feldner, who has agreed to continue in her role. The process of identifying qualified candidates will continue this summer as the search committee works with Isaacson, Miller, our executive search firm.
Last Monday, June 9, we marked the one-year anniversary of President Michael R. Lovell’s passing by walking the Marquette Mile, coming together for Mass in the Chapel of the Holy Family followed by fellowship, and praying the Rosary in the Marian Grotto. These activities gave us the opportunity to reflect on President Lovell’s legacy and the profound impact he had on our university and all who had the good fortune to work alongside him.
We continue to hold Amy Lovell, their children and other family members in our thoughts and prayers.
A few weeks ago, we honored exemplary members of the Marquette community at the annual Staff Excellence Awards. Eric Benjamin, director of applications in Information Technology Services; Sara Koenig, coordinator of records and student services in the College of Business Administration; Steven Robertson, associate director of the Educational Opportunity Program and Pre-College Programs; and Darwin Sanders, IT support associate in Raynor Library each received an Excellence in University Service Award. Taylor Rose Pamperin, graduate student success and programming specialist in the College of Nursing, received the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award. This year’s honorees inspire me with their commitment to our university mission and our students’ success. It was a real pleasure to celebrate them.
I continue to meet with business, civic and alumni groups to share the incredible momentum we are experiencing at Marquette. One of the recent gatherings was with the Waukesha County Business Alliance board of directors, a group that was incredibly engaged and interested in all that is happening on campus. Many members of the organization are Marquette alumni or employ our graduates, so maintaining a healthy relationship creates a win-win outcome.
This year’s Faculty Staff Golf Outing was held on one of the nicest days of the spring/summer. It was great to see so many people at Brookfield Hills enjoying the beautiful weather and friendly competition. Thanks to the Campus Recreation team for its work coordinating such a fun event.
I am looking forward to spending time with my mom and other family members during the upcoming weeks. Those of us who have elderly parents realize what a gift it is to be with them. You do not need to have a packed agenda or constantly be on the go for the time to be fulfilling. While I know how special the time will be for me, I really enjoy seeing my mom interact with Benjamin, Molly and Haven and teach them about our Hawaiian heritage.
I hope you have a wonderful and relaxing Gift of Time and have the opportunity to do something good for yourself.
We Are Marquette!
President Kimo
