As another year comes to an end, let’s look back on some of the people and stories that make Marquette special. Here are the top 10 most-viewed Marquette Today feature stories of 2025.
No. 10: Striving for excellence: Two brothers to graduate with seven Marquette Business majors between them
Brothers Cristian and Juan Pablo “JP” Vargas set the record for most combined majors between two siblings. The pair graduated from the College of Business Administration last spring with majors in AIM, accounting, finance and information systems. Read more about their journeys to Marquette and college experiences.
No. 9: ‘Pause for Paradise:’ Marketing students deliver brand campaign for Calypso Lemonade
Marquette Business students collaborated with Calypso Lemonade on an applied learning project led by alumna Ally Busswitz, developing marketing strategies and presenting campaigns to company leaders. The partnership bridges classroom learning with real-world experience, giving students hands-on insights into the world of business. Learn more about the students’ pitches in this popular story.
No. 8: How do student athletes balance nursing and sports? Work ethic and lots of support
Marquette student athletes with majors in nursing balance demanding clinical schedules with college sports, demonstrating discipline and resilience. Supported by faculty and coaches, they prove that pursuing both passions is possible with determination and strong support systems. Get more insight into how students balance their busy schedules in this feature.
No. 7: ‘I feel like I have no excuse to not succeed:’ Marquette senior focuses on gratitude before graduation
Before graduating, Darian Stephan reflected on his accomplishments and mentors, citing his father as his hero and inspiration. Learn more about Stephan’s collegiate career, including the piece of advice he was given last year by former President Barack Obama.
No. 6: From Marquette track star to NFL prospect: A Q&A with alumnus and athlete Mitch Van Vooren
Marquette graduate Division I track star Mitch Van Vooren generated buzz as an NFL prospect, eventually signing with Seattle Seahawks and the Cleveland Browns during the preseason. Van Vooren sat with his Marquette adviser and mentor to discuss his journey to the NFL draft. In this 2025 feature, hear about Van Vooren’s transition back to football and more.
No. 5: Blooming in place: Mueller Communications CEO thrives by staying put
This popular feature focused on Marquette alumna Lori Richards, who discussed her path from intern to CEO of Mueller Communications. The Marquette legacy continues at Mueller with interns Katie Darragh, Comm ’23, and Marquette senior Abby Lamkins, both supported by Richards in their career journey.
No. 4: A lesson in cultural humility and global citizenship
Marquette Occupational Therapy students spent a week in Belize providing care. Engaging and making connections, students gained powerful insights that will stay with them well into their professional lives. Learn more about the students’ creative problem-solving in this unique learning environment.
No. 3: Marquette student becomes first Wade Scholar live on The TODAY Show with Jenna & Friends
First-year student Kennedi Luckett’s unexpected trip to New York ended with a national TV surprise, as Dwyane Wade announced live on the TODAY Show that she would be the first-ever Wade Scholar. Check out the full story to see how the moment unfolded.
No. 2: Marquette student inspired to become a nurse through battle with rare disease
Kaila Mabus’ battle with the rare Castleman Disease took her from exhausting days on dialysis to full remission. Her experience inspired her to pursue nursing at Marquette. Learn more about how her resilience and the care she received inspired her decision.
No. 1: A Jesuit priest (no, really) reveals top five horror movies to watch this Halloween season
Rev. Ryan Duns, S.J., a lifelong horror fan and theology professor, shared why he loves scary movies and how he views them through Jesuit insights. In this feature, learn Father Duns’ top five horror films.
