You can feel the energy on campus as we welcomed the Class of 2030 to the Marquette community on Wednesday. It’s hard to believe the start of the academic year is upon us, since it seems like we just celebrated Commencement.
The week has been busy with Orientation activities, Family Mass and Convocation, during which our first-year students pledged their commitment to living the Marquette mission. This is a significant time for our students and their families, who are both excited and uncertain about this new chapter and new journey. I did my best to assure them that everyone at Marquette, no matter our role, is here to support students and help them thrive in all aspects of their lives.
I want to thank everyone from the many areas of the university who contributed to the success of Wednesday’s events and those who are ensuring a meaningful student orientation experience over the next few days. We always put our best foot forward because of your hard work and dedication.
Mission Convocation a highlight for new faculty, staff: Much like we welcome our new students to the Marquette community during Convocation, the annual Mission Convocation introduces new faculty and staff members to the Marquette mission, which is the cornerstone of our work. I enjoyed meeting new colleagues and discussing my journey to Marquette during a conversation with Marilyn Jones, director of the Lemonis Center for Student Success. Sixty-eight new faculty members have joined the Marquette community over the last year and almost two-thirds participated in a comprehensive orientation last week.
Jeremy Barrett receives Rev. Arrupe Faculty Colleague Award: Congratulations to Jeremy Barrett, clinical professor in the department of physician assistant studies, who received the 2026 Rev. Pedro Arrupe, S.J., Faculty Colleague Award at the Academic Year Welcome Lunch earlier this week. The award recognizes a full-time faculty member whose generosity inspires the Marquette community.
Jeremy was praised for his dedication to both faculty and students and was identified as consistently stepping forward to offer help. One nominator shared, “Jeremy exemplifies what it means to be a ‘man for others’ through his daily, consistent, and deeply genuine care for his colleagues.”
Marquette is No. 1 for community service for third year in a row: What an honor to be recognized by The Princeton Review as the nation’s most engaged university in community service for the third consecutive year. It is incredibly rewarding to know that a mainstay of Jesuit education and our Marquette mission is acknowledged by such a respected source – especially since this ranking is voted on by students!
When I detail our impressive community service engagement results, I also share the story of a student who told me that often the highlight of her week is participating in Midnight Run, one of the largest and oldest service opportunities on campus.
You can read more about this year’s Princeton Review rankings in a recent Marquette Today article.
Check Marquette Today calendar for events/activities: The start of the academic year means campus will be busy with many activities. The Marquette Today calendar is a helpful resource to stay updated on what’s happening. If you are planning an event or activity that is open to the Marquette community, be sure to submit details here.
Join the fun while making a difference at Rally Round for Children’s Hospital on Sept. 19: Our partners at Children’s Wisconsin will host the second annual Rally Round family event on Saturday, Sept. 19, at The Milwaukee Mile at State Fair Park. Funds will support patients and their families, as well as medical providers. Marquette will have a strong showing of volunteers again this year, coordinated by the Arrupe Center. I encourage you to join other Marquette students, faculty and staff volunteers or attend the event with your school-age children or grandchildren. Learn more here.
All are welcome at Mass of the Holy Spirit and Community Picnic this Sunday: The entire Marquette community is invited to attend the Mass of the Holy Spirit this Sunday, Aug. 30, at 6 p.m. at the Church of the Gesu. This liturgical celebration – one of my favorites of the year – is customarily held in Jesuit educational institutions around the world at the beginning of the academic year and dates back to 1548. All are welcome to gather for a community picnic in Eckstein Common after Mass.
The Office for Mission and Ministry prepared this reflection on Let your light shine, the theme for Mission Week, Sept. 26-Oct. 2:
Light offers warmth without condition.
Direction without demand.
Clarity without judgment.
This is how we are called to be with one another at Marquette.
To welcome each person we meet.
To accompany one another along the path.
To value every individual as worthy of our full attention.
When we let our light shine, we create a campus
where no one disappears into the crowd.
Where doubt is met with faith.
Where we pursue excellence because we owe each other our best.We are Marquette.
When we bring our light,
we shine for the glory of God,
and the good of all.
I look forward to the many ways each of us will bring the mission theme to life throughout the year.
You will be in my prayers for a successful beginning to the new year. I look forward to seeing you on campus.
We Are Marquette!
President Kimo Ah Yun
