It’s hard to believe that our first-year students moved into the residence halls and we gathered for Family Mass and Convocation 118 days ago to start the 2025-26 academic year. That warm summer day seems far off, especially with the snow and cold temperatures we’re experiencing.
Since then, we’ve had much to celebrate — student achievements, faculty research awards, staff recognitions, record philanthropic support. All of these things give Marquette its great momentum. There were also difficult moments, particularly the loss of students Scott Michaud and Noah Snyder in September. I am proud of how our community came together to support each other amid the tragedy.
One special aspect of life at Marquette is how we consistently show up for each other; I see it all the time on campus. Colleagues who help celebrate a professional or personal accomplishment or lend a shoulder or ear during a difficult time demonstrate cura personalis in action. I am grateful for the care we show one another, especially as we look toward celebrating the holidays with family and friends.
Alpha Sigma Nu inducts new members
Congratulations to the 72 students who were inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu, the national Jesuit honor society, on Nov. 23! Alpha Sigma Nu has an interesting history at Marquette. It launched in 1915 as the first honor society on campus that recognized overall excellence in Jesuit education and expanded to other Jesuit institutions in 1921. Today there are more than 100,000 members representing 33 other Jesuit colleges and universities across the world who are dedicated to scholarship, inspired by loyalty and focused on service.
Holiday Giving Tree reaches record number of gifts
This year, 207 Marquette employees and students from more than 50 offices and departments donated 410 gifts to the Holiday Giving Tree, topping last year’s record by 70 gifts! Your generosity means Christmas will be merrier for children and adults across southeastern Wisconsin who will receive clothing, games or toys, books, or household items.
Families and individuals served by Catholic Charities Milwaukee, Catholic Charities Waukesha, Mitchell Integrated Arts School in Milwaukee, Pearls for Teen Girls and the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center were beneficiaries of our community’s donations.
Thank you to all those who donated gifts. Special gratitude to the University Staff Senate Service Committee; Maria Cooper of the University Honors Program; Carol Trecek in the School of Dentistry; and Franklin Paruzynski and Tina Aiello of the Spirit Shop for coordinating the Holiday Giving Tree again this year.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony held in Westowne Square
For the first time in recent memory, we had snow for the annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony! The snow and cold didn’t stop students, faculty and staff from coming out to Westowne Square to enjoy hymns and carols from the Marquette Pep Band and All-Campus Choir and hot chocolate and cookies. This year’s Christmas video captures the memory of the annual tradition.
We also celebrated the new permanent home for the Christmas tree, which recognizes our commitment to sustainability and safety. I look forward to watching the tree grow over the coming years.
I appreciate everyone’s efforts who made the start of the holidays so special!
Sodexo’s ‘Ms. Cynthia’ receives national THX Award
Anyone who has visited The Commons is sure to know Cynthia Byrd, aka “Ms. Cynthia,” whose smile and affirmations brighten the day. Ms. Cynthia recently received a national Sodexo THX (Thanks for Making My Day) Award for the month of October. It’s no surprise she received 2,000 nominations, which the Sodexo CEO claims is one of the highest totals ever received for the award!
Congratulations on this very well-deserved recognition, Ms. Cynthia!
Newest episode of WTMJ’s The Upswing: Marilyn Jones from the Lemonis Center for Student Success
Marilyn Jones, Arts ’01, Grad ’03, director of the Lemonis Center for Student Success, joined me and Jeff Sherman, Bus Ad ’91, on this month’s Upswing on WTMJ Radio to discuss the university’s efforts to support first-generation students. As first-gen students ourselves, Marilyn and I understand the importance of comprehensive support and how personal relationships benefit so many aspects of students’ success.
You can listen to our discussion here.
Mark Your Calendar: The university will be closed for the Christmas Gift of Time from Wednesday, Dec. 24, through Thursday, Jan. 1. Please remember to thank our essential services workers who will be helping to ensure the campus operates smoothly and safely during this time. Their dedication and work during a time when others are resting is seen and valued.
I am grateful to work alongside so many dedicated and talented faculty and staff members and appreciate all you do for our students and the university. Please enjoy this special Christmas message.
I wish you and your families a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Dr. Kimo Ah Yun
President
