Dear friends and partners of Marquette Engineering,
I am excited to share another digest of inspirational stories from our Marquette engineering students, faculty, staff, alumni and collaborators.
We kicked off this academic year with the news that Marquette was again ranked No. 1 in the country for engagement in community service by The Princeton Review, an exciting recognition that is not entirely surprising to those living the Marquette experience. Our Catholic, Jesuit values call us to serve wherever we can, and as engineers, this calling carries a serious responsibility to use our gifts for others.
This commitment to serving others also calls us to keep our own skills sharp, as we are stewards of something bigger than our own ambition. While our research efforts are one way our faculty stay at the forefront of their fields, I am proud to see leaders like Dr. Philip Voglewede, Dr. Patrick McNamara and others seeking opportunities to engage with industry and expand their experiences. This humble commitment to lifelong learning enables our faculty to create truly transformative classroom environments for our students, naturally earning Marquette another top 20 ranking for best undergraduate teaching from U.S. News & World Report.
We take this commitment seriously because we know our actions and values are often mirrored by our students, who will ultimately go on to shape the future of our communities. The importance of our mission is clearest in moments when we see a Marquette engineering student blossom into a true servant leader. Dr. Kassidy O’Malley’s story in this digest is just one example. O’Malley has masterfully absorbed her Marquette experiences so that she can pursue her own vision for the future as an industry leader and engineering educator.
Further, at a time when university-led research efforts have been disrupted by changes in federal support, we remain steadfast in the why behind our research. Whether it is O’Malley and McNamara protecting water resources or Dr. Frank Pintar moving vehicular safety forward, every minute in the lab is intended to pay dividends in safer, cleaner, healthier communities. Our research leaders remain committed to the important work ahead, and we’re bringing students aboard at every step for more learning and discovery.
Please join me in celebrating these stories and supporting our Ignatian-inspired engineers committed to Be The Difference! As we all prepare for the holiday season and new year ahead, let us take time to notice where we may be called to serve next.
With gratitude,
Dr. Kristina Ropella
Opus Dean
Opus College of Engineering
