This year we have much to be thankful for at Marquette. This fall we welcomed a new class of students that reflects Marquette’s positive momentum. First- and second-year students are more engaged than ever, challenging our juniors and seniors to contribute even more as leaders. You can feel the spirit on our campus as students themselves lead tours and greet visitors.
Because of the generosity of our benefactors, we celebrate Masses in our renovated Chapel of the Holy Family, with new chairs, a new sound system and stunning natural light.
The beautiful space has a consecrated new altar courtesy of Archbishop Jeffrey Grob, who celebrated a Mass with members of the Jesuit community, students, faculty, staff, board members, alumni and friends of the university.
We continue to feel the momentum of a new president and lean into our Jesuit Apostolic Preferences.
Recently Rev. Jim Pribek, S.J., assistant vice president for mission, and I addressed a group of faculty research colleagues. We discussed two of our apostolic preferences: Walking with the Excluded and Care for Our Common Home. But in the end, we were asked what gives us hope.
I envision a hope-filled future for our students, our university and our alumni as the Marquette community gives back in numerous and varied ways.
Our students continue to strive for academic excellence, while serving our local community with thousands of hours of combined service learning and service projects.
Our faculty continue to give, often without counting the costs, devoting their time and talents to their teaching while achieving impressive accolades with countless books, articles and scientific research.
Our staff members do so much for our community, the engine which keeps us running, often behind the scenes and without thanks or great accolades.
Our alumni who I connect with at baptisms, weddings and funerals continue to amaze with not only their accomplishments, but also their desire to give back, not just to Marquette, but to our city of Milwaukee, our nation and our world.
We are filled with gratitude, knowing that we also continue to grieve the loss of two Marquette lacrosse players, alumni, and our own faculty and staff members as we remember those who have died through prayer and Masses.
But this community of faith also brings us together in sometimes surprising and mysterious ways. In gratitude for our faith, our Catholic and Jesuit charism, our deep faith in God, we give thanks for the future of Marquette.
With our continued promotion of faith and justice, as we celebrate all in our gifted community, we will strive to be even better going forward. We can be grateful every time we hear our community say, speak or shout … WE ARE MARQUETTE!
