Dear friends and partners of Marquette Engineering,
I am excited to share another issue of Marquette Engineer and its inspirational stories of our Marquette engineering students, faculty, staff, alumni and collaborators. This special digest showcases how our Marquette engineers ignite curiosity and creativity to lead bold change.
At Marquette, we recognize that engineering students hold a great potential to serve the world, oftentimes in unpredictable ways that are uncovered as they advance in their careers and lives. As educators and mentors, it is our duty to unlock that potential the best we can. Meaningful engineering education cannot simply rely on a well-oiled technical curriculum. Instead, engineers should take part in an experiential journey that prepares them for real-world leadership, broadens their understanding of the world, and emboldens them to use their passions to create change.
In one story, we meet the people living out the legacy and impact of our engineering co-op program. Co-op experiences offer learnings that can never be replicated in the classroom, and we proudly embrace this industry-partnered augmentation to our curriculum. More than just understanding the routines, tasks and expectations of an engineering company, co-ops throw students into the unpredictable, interdisciplinary, interpersonal work of engineering professionals. Our students emerge from these experiences growing and thriving in ways they never expected.
In another story, we introduce our Global Engineering program, an exciting addition to our educational experience at Marquette. By exploring engineering industries and cultures overseas, our students expand their worldview as engineers and global citizens. International experiences can also humble our students in valuable ways, reminding them that there is always more to learn from people and communities near and far.
In our final story, we learn about a senior design capstone that leaves a lasting impact on Milwaukee: a remote weather data buoy serving local sailors and boaters on Lake Michigan. This floating beacon will guide more than just sailors though; it is a symbolic guide to the student teams of their potential. As their careers advance and take unexpected turns, they will know that they possess the creativity and collaborative leadership to bring any project to life.
Please join me in celebrating these stories and supporting our Ignatian-inspired engineers! I hope their stories provide the spark for us all to recommit to lifelong learning and curiosity. That is what keeps us ready to answer our call to Be The Difference.
With gratitude,
Dr. Kristina Ropella
Opus Dean
Opus College of Engineering
