It seems that every summer seems to go faster, and this one has been no different. I always have high hopes to squeeze in as many activities as possible, but Milwaukee and Wisconsin have so much to offer, it’s tough to choose what to check off my list.
The highlight of the summer has been the pilgrimage Catherine and I took to Rome and Assisi with other presidents and leaders from the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, during which we had the opportunity to hear from and meet Pope Leo XIV. Our meetings with Rev. Arturo Sosa, S.J., superior general of the Society of Jesus, as well as with other Jesuit and Vatican leaders, affirmed the transformational work happening on our campuses and I’m always inspired by my fellow AJCU leaders.
Pope Leo’s address to the AJCU presidents was centered around how the Jesuits’ Universal Apostolic Preferences provide a blueprint for the issues we face in society and on our campuses. While Catherine and I were greeting Pope Leo, I was thinking of my mother and how excited she would be when we told her about our meeting with the pope. Because I wanted to do something special for her, I held a rosary in my hand that Pope Leo blessed and touched when I shook his hand. I am excited to give her the gift when I see her on my next visit.
After the pilgrimage, Catherine and I enjoyed a visit to France, including a trip to Chasse-sur-Rhône, the original home of St. Joan of Arc Chapel. Marquette’s growing relationship with leaders and residents of this small town south of Lyon has exciting potential for many members of the university community. I am grateful to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for covering this transformational experience earlier this month.
Meeting with City of Milwaukee leaders: Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Chief of Police Jeffrey Norman hosted MUPD Chief Edith Hudson and me for a discussion in June about several issues that affect our campus and the city. Maintaining strong relationships with civic leaders helps make sure Marquette has a seat at the table for decisions that can impact the university. I was able to reiterate the importance of working together to ensure a safe, vibrant Near West Side neighborhood where all can live, learn, work and thrive.
“Marquette on the Move” segment on WTMJ Radio’s The Upswing: Sarah Pancheri, president and chief executive officer of Milwaukee World Festival Inc., and Rose Howard, director of enrollment communication and marketing strategy, joined me on The Upswing on WTMJ Radio last month. We talked about how Marquette’s partnerships with local organizations like Summerfest benefit the university, the community, and most importantly, our students. These partnerships create opportunities for students to explore and engage with businesses and organizations in the greater Milwaukee community. You can listen to our conversation here.
Marquette spirit on display at Summerfest: Speaking of Summerfest, the opening day of Summerfest featured a special Show Your College Pride promotion for guests, and Marquette was well represented! It was terrific to say hello to so many students, parents, alumni and friends and hear about their Marquette experiences and memories. Thanks to the Marketing and Communication, Athletics and Undergraduate Admissions team members who staffed the very popular Marquette booth and coordinated games and giveaways.
Visiting with the Wisconsin Dental Association: Dr. Elsbeth Kalenderian, dean of the School of Dentistry, and I were invited to address members of the Wisconsin Dental Association Board of Trustees at their June meeting. We thanked the WDA and its members for their partnership, which includes serving as faculty in the School of Dentistry, mentoring our students, and providing philanthropic support and legislative advocacy.
Celebrating the life and legacy of St. Ignatius of Loyola: Friday, July 31, is the feast day of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus. Mass will be celebrated at 7 a.m., 12:05 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the Church of the Gesu. On Monday, August 3, Mass will be celebrated in the Chapel of the Holy Family in the Alumni Memorial Union at noon and will be followed by lunch in the AMU Rotunda and outdoors by the St. Ignatius statue.
Marquette Jesuit Community leadership update: I would like to thank Rev. Gregory J. O’Meara, S.J., for his service as rector of the Marquette Jesuit Community since May 2020. Father O’Meara will spend the next year on a well-deserved sabbatical at Loyola Marymount.
Rev. Jim Pribek, S.J., will begin his appointment as superior of the Marquette Jesuit Community on July 31. He will continue to serve as acting vice president for mission and ministry while that search continues. Father Pribek joined Marquette in July 2021 and is an associate professor of English.
Wade & Diener Home Court Weekend raises funds and awareness: It was great to welcome Marquette Hall of Famers Dwyane Wade and Travis Diener back to campus for a series of special events that raised funds for the Tragil Wade-Johnson Summer Reading Program, Marquette Basketball facilities and the Visit Milwaukee Foundation. It was wonderful to observe the interactions between Dwyane and Tragil and the reading program’s students and teachers. I want to thank the many faculty and staff, especially Dr. Jill Birren, Dr. Dennis Brylow, Dr. Kathleen Clark, director of the Hartman Literacy and Learning Center, Ally Fregoso, Stephanie Hakes, Dr. Jody Jessup-Anger, Mary Krawczyk, Tragil Wade-Johnson Summer Reading Program coordinator, Janet Shearer, Ashley Valentine, and Dr. Leigh van den Kieboom, associate dean of the School of Education, who work tirelessly to ensure the success of the Summer Reading program on our campus.
Sharing insight about leadership at Milwaukee event: In mid-June, I was honored to join Milwaukee business leader and philanthropist Ted Kellner for an in-depth discussion about leadership hosted by the Wisconsin Sports Hall of Fame. We discussed the incredible momentum we are experiencing on campus with the attendees, which included many Marquette alumni and friends.
I appreciate everyone’s hard work in preparation for the start of the new academic year. Our students will be here before we know it, and your dedication will certainly help make campus feel like home for them.
We Are Marquette!
Dr. Kimo Ah Yun
President
