As we look back on 2025, it’s impossible to celebrate the year’s many bright moments without first acknowledging the profound losses our community endured. Marquette mourned the passing of student-athletes Noah Snyder and Scott Michaud, as well as College of Business student John Koser — individuals whose presence, passion and impact remain deeply felt. As we reflect on the year, we honor their memory and hold close all those who have carried the weight of their absence. We also remember the faculty and staff, current and past, who we lost in 2025.
January
Marquette opens new Wellness + Helfaer Recreation facility
Marquette opened its new Wellness + Helfaer Recreation facility, a 195,000-square-foot re-imagining of health, wellness and recreation services on campus, on Jan. 13, the first day of the 2025 spring semester. The facility is home to Campus Recreation, the Marquette University Medical Clinic, the Center for Student Wellness and Health Promotion, and the Counseling Center, for the first time bringing these areas from varied corners of campus into one place.
Mike Broeker promoted to vice president and director of athletics
Dr. Kimo Ah Yun announced the promotion of Mike Broeker as the institution’s next vice president and director of athletics on Jan. 21. Broeker spent the past 21 years in athletics leadership roles at Marquette, 18 as deputy director of athletics.
Stephen Blaha named director of Campus Ministry
Stephen Blaha, Arts ’96, was named the new director of Campus Ministry after previously serving in an interim role since fall 2023. Blaha has worked in Campus Ministry since 2007 and was most recently assistant director of Campus Ministry.
Three online graduate programs ranked in top 55 nationally by U.S. News
U.S. News & World Report included three Marquette programs among the top 55 nationally in its 2025 Best Online Programs rankings: Master’s in Computer and Information Science (21st), Master of Business Adm`inistration (55th) and the College of Nursing’s online program (53rd).
Dental School gets $1.37 million grant from Department of Ed
The Marquette University School of Dentistry received a $1.37 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to establish the Open Dental Education Consortium to help standardize dental education and decrease the cost of tuition.
Biomedical sciences professor receives $2.4 million NIH grant
Dr. Matthew Hearing, associate professor of biomedical sciences in the College of Health Sciences, was awarded an R01 grant worth $2.42 million from the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Mental Health to develop more effective approaches for treating a range of debilitating stress-related neuropsychiatric illnesses.
February
Campus celebrates Mission Week with ‘Act with Care’
The third installment in the “act with” series, Act with Care called the campus community to think about how everyone can prioritize love and let go of judgment. Mission Week ran from Feb. 2 through Feb. 7, featuring a variety of events that encouraged campus to discern how Act with Care fits into our everyday lives.
Marquette launches Michael R. Lovell Presidential Scholarship program in honor of its 24th president
The Lovell Scholars — the first-ever presidential scholarship program at Marquette — began this fall and benefits outstanding students from around the country who are grounded in humility and committed to the same values with which President Lovell lived his life. These values make up the pillars of Marquette’s mission: Excellence, Faith, Leadership and Service.
Andy Schneider named dean of admissions
Andy Schneider, acting dean of admissions, was promoted to the permanent role in February. Prior to being appointed acting dean in July 2024, Schneider served as director of enrollment and marketing strategy in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
School of Dentistry receives $1.37 million grant to establish Open Dental Education Consortium
The Marquette University School of Dentistry has received a $1.37 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to establish the Open Dental Education Consortium to help standardize dental education and decrease the cost of tuition.
Marquette receives $2.4 million Lilly Endowment grant to develop religion and cultural institutions initiative
Lilly Endowment Inc. awarded Marquette a $2.4 million grant to develop an exhibition and educational program that will provide fair, accurate and balanced portrayals of the role religion has played and continues to play in the U.S. and around the world.
Marquette receives $7.5 million gift to endow the Institute for Natural Family Planning in the College of Nursing
Marquette received a $7.5 million gift from the Richard L. Boland Love for Life Foundation Inc. (“the Betty and Dick Boland Foundation”) to endow the Institute for Natural Family Planning in the College of Nursing.
March
Marquette student becomes first Wade Scholar live on The TODAY Show with Jenna & Friends
Freshman Kennedi Luckett was surprised live on the TODAY Show with Jenna & Friends by Dwyane Wade — and became the first ever Wade Scholar, earning a full room-and-board scholarship.
Biological sciences professor receives $1.37 million NSF CAREER grant
Dr. Deanna Arble, assistant professor of biological sciences in the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, received a CAREER grant from the National Science Foundation with an expected value of $1.37 million to study how light affects breathing and the maintenance of blood oxygen levels.
Tom Mendoza named Marquette head volleyball coach
Tom Mendoza arrived at Marquette after nine seasons as head coach at the NCAA Division I level, including the last seven seasons at the University of South Carolina, which he led to four NCAA tournament appearances.
Cara Consuegra named Big East Co-Coach of the Year
Marquette women’s basketball head coach Cara Consuegra was named Big East Conference Co-Coach of the Year after guiding Marquette to a 20-win regular season in her first year as head coach. The Golden Eagles finished with a 13-2 at the Al McGuire Center, tied for the best home record by a Marquette first-year head coach, and advanced to the second round of the WBIT.
Men’s basketball competes in fourth straight NCAA Tournament
Head coach Shaka Smart and the men’s basketball program secured a fourth-straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament, earning a No. 7 seed before falling to 10th-seeded New Mexico.
April
Marquette University inaugurates 25th president, Dr. Kimo Ah Yun
Dr. Kimo Ah Yun was inaugurated as the 25th president of Marquette University at a combined Mass and installation ceremony held Tuesday, April 29, at the Al McGuire Center. The Mass was presided over by the Most Rev. Jeffrey S. Grob, Archbishop of Milwaukee.
U.S. News releases 2025-26 Best Graduate Schools rankings
Nine Marquette programs/specialties were ranked in the top 25 in the country in the U.S. News and World Report 2025-26 Best Graduate Schools rankings.
May
Class of 2025 celebrated at 144th Commencement ceremonies
Marquette’s 144th Commencement was held Saturday, May 10, with 1,553 undergraduates, 813 master’s degree recipients, 383 professional studies graduates and 96 Ph.D. recipients celebrating at Fiserv Forum.
Marquette joins in celebration of new pope
The Marquette community joined the worldwide church in celebrating the election of His Holiness Leo XIV as the 267th successor of Saint Peter and first U.S.-born supreme pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.
Engineering professor receives $1 million HUD grant
Dr. Yong Bai, McShane Chair and Professor of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering in the Opus College of Engineering, received a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for research and curriculum development of infrastructure construction and engineering.
Marquette University Police Department celebrates 10 years
Over the past decade, the Marquette University Police Department has answered approximately 250,000 service calls with an average clearance rate well above the national average for serious crimes.
Athletics announces the addition of women’s swimming
As the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics continues to prioritize student-athlete success and academic excellence, the university will add women’s swimming as its 17th varsity sport, with the program scheduled to begin competition as early as the 2025-26 season.
June
Marquette ranked by Center for World University Rankings, Princeton Review
Marquette University earned two notable distinctions in June: it was ranked in the top 5.1% of more than 21,000 universities worldwide in the Center for World University Rankings’ 2025 Global 2000 list — its second straight year of improved standing — and it was again named one of The Princeton Review’s 209 Best Value Colleges for 2025, recognized for its strong return on investment and internship opportunities.
Marquette receives $1 million gift in honor of late alumnus, friend and trustee Harvey J. Anderson II
In June, Marquette received a $1 million gift from Denelle Dixon, wife of Harvey J. Anderson II, honoring Anderson’s legacy and leadership at Marquette. The gift establishes an endowed high-impact experiences fund in Anderson’s name, providing students with transformational opportunities that range from applied and experiential learning to undergraduate research, service learning, international studies and participation in the nationally recognized Marquette Mentors program.
July
Marquette receives $2 million gift from engineering alumni couple
Marquette received a $2 million gift from Jake and Stephanie Stefan, an engineering alumni couple, to establish an endowed fund to support the college’s Office of Industry Relations and its leader, ensuring that students continue to gain invaluable professional experiences that launch successful careers.
Education professor receives $2.4 million HRSA grant
Dr. Lee Za Ong, associate professor of counselor education and counseling psychology in the College of Education, received a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services worth $2.4 million to develop and expand experiential training opportunities to improve the distribution and supply of the behavioral health workforce.
August
Marquette welcomes Class of 2029
Marquette welcomed more than 1,930 members of its Class of 2029 on move-in day; first-year students represent 39 states, two U.S. territories and 19 countries.
Office of Mission and Ministry announces annual Ignatian theme
Building on the inspiring and faith-filled Ignatian themes of En Todo Amar y Servir and Imagine, the Office of Mission and Ministry unveiled the Ignatian theme for this academic year: “I have called you friends.”
Computer science professor receives $1 million National Science Foundation grant
Dr. Dennis Brylow, chair and professor of computer science in the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, received a grant from the National Science Foundation to support training and professional development of computer science teachers in Milwaukee Public Schools.
Troy Dennhof named vice president for human resources
Troy Dennhof, senior vice president of people and business partnerships at Advocate Health, was named Marquette’s next vice president for human resources. Dennhof, who began in his new role Sept. 15, brings over 30 years of progressive leadership experience in human resources and operations.
Marquette achieves record fundraising results
The Marquette University Advancement team raised $159.3 million in new gifts and confirmed pledges — the largest annual fundraising total in Marquette’s 144-year history. The results come just one year removed from the successful Time to Rise campaign.
September
Marquette ranked by Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report
Marquette earned notable national recognitions this year, again appearing on the Princeton Review’s “Best 391 Colleges” list and ranking No. 1 in the country for community service engagement for the second straight year. The university also placed No. 88 nationally in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings — in the top 20% of national universities — and was once more honored for Best Undergraduate Teaching at No. 17, alongside a No. 24 ranking in the publication’s new service-learning category.
PT professor receives $2.7 million grant from NIH
Dr. Kristi Streeter, assistant professor of physical therapy in the College of Health Sciences, received an R01 grant with an expected value of $2.7 million over five years from the National Institutes of Health’s National Heart Lung and Blood Institute to explore a novel treatment strategy to restore diaphragm function following cervical spinal cord injury.
Engineering professor receives $3.2 million R01 grant from NIH
Dr. Karen Kruger, research associate professor in the Marquette University and Medical College of Wisconsin Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, received an R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health with an anticipated value of $3.2 million to complete a comprehensive study of the 3D structure and function of pediatric flat feet throughout growth and development.
Joel Rollings named Marquette’s first head swimming coach
Joel Rollings arrived at Marquette after serving for the past two seasons as head swimming and diving coach at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, where he oversaw the establishment of both the men’s and women’s programs for the Raiders. The program was recognized as one of the most improved in NCAA Division III in 2024-25 and Rollings was named the Liberal Arts Conference Men’s Coach of the Year.
October
Marquette top-ranked school in Wisconsin in 2026 Wall Street Journal/College Pulse rankings
Marquette was again listed among the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse Best Colleges in the U.S., remaining the top-ranked university in Wisconsin at 82nd in the 2026 rankings. The WSJ/College Pulse Best Colleges in the U.S. list ranks the top 584 undergraduate institutions by the value they provide to their students.
Computer science professor receives $2 million NSF grant
Dr. Md. Tahmidul Islam Molla, assistant professor of practice in computer science, was awarded a nearly $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop an online rapid entry bridge course for people seeking a career change to pursue a Master of Science in computer and information science.
Health sciences professor receives $3.8 million R01 grant from NIH
Dr. Jenya Iuzzini-Seigel, associate professor of speech pathology and audiology, and Dr. Kristen Allison, assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders at Northeastern University, were awarded a $3.8 million R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health to further develop a clinical tool for the early and accurate differential diagnosis of motor speech disorders — apraxia of speech and dysarthria — in children.
Marquette social media recognized among best in nation
Marquette was ranked No. 5 nationally out of 364 NCAA Division I schools in social media engagement, according to Rival IQ’s 2025 Higher Education Social Media Engagement Report.
November
President Kimo Ah Yun delivers first Presidential Address
President Kimo Ah Yun addressed nearly 500 members of the campus community in the AMU Monaghan Ballrooms in his first Presidential Address. The event was underpinned by an Open Your Heart Food Drive to benefit the Backpack Program, Marquette’s on-campus food pantry that provides groceries and necessary toiletries to any student who is having difficulty accessing affordable, nutritious food and other essential household items. Marquette community members donated 912 pounds of food items.
Marquette ranked among TIME’s 2026 Best Colleges for Future Leaders
Marquette was listed among TIME Magazine and Statista’s 2026 Best Colleges for Future Leaders for the second consecutive year, ranked 101st on the latest list.
Burke Foundation commits $4.8 million to Marquette to extend two service-driven scholarship programs
The Burke Foundation, a Marquette partner for more than three decades, committed to a $4.8 million gift to grow its Burke Scholars program for undergraduates and the Trinity Fellows program for graduate students.
December
Jesuit higher education leader Dr. Debbie Tahmassebi named next provost
Dr. Debbie Tahmassebi, provost at Westminster University, was named the next provost at Marquette earlier this month. An organic chemist, Tahmassebi has spent much of her 30-year career in Catholic and Jesuit higher education.
Marquette community gathers for annual Christmas tree lighting
This year’s celebration returned to its longtime home on Westowne Square to mark the planting of a permanent tree on the west side of the Alumni Memorial Union — an initiative inspired by Marquette’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Volleyball returns to the NCAA Tournament
Volleyball secured an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, the program’s 14th appearance in the big dance in the last 15 seasons. The Golden Eagles bested Western Kentucky in the first round for Coach Tom Mendoza’s first tourney victory at Marquette before falling to regional host Louisville in the second round.
