Our campus will be full of energy this weekend as we welcome parents and family members for the annual Family Weekend festivities. It will be the first time many of our guests have had the chance for an extended visit to campus, and I’m sure they will be excited to see their students.
Mission Week 2026: “Let your light shine” — A new era in Marquette’s Mission Week begins this weekend and coincides with the 486th anniversary of the founding of the Society of Jesus on Sept. 27. The diverse lineup of activities offers the opportunity for all members of our community to connect with this year’s theme and our pillars of Faith, Excellence, Leadership and Service.
There will be additional events that bring the mission theme to life throughout the academic year. Be sure to watch for more information in Marquette Today.
Marquette ranks among nation’s top universities — U.S. News and World Report released its annual Best Colleges rankings earlier this week, and Marquette is ranked 48th in the new Top Private Colleges category. The university also is No. 90 among national institutions in the Best Colleges rankings. For the fifth consecutive year Marquette earned a top 25 ranking on the Best Undergraduate Teaching list, a peer-nominated list that signals that our faculty’s outstanding work has once again been recognized by others in higher education. Other significant general rankings include: 55th in Best Value Schools, 58th in Best College for Veterans and 65th in Most Innovative Schools. College- and program-specific rankings are available in this Marquette Today article.
This recognition of our colleagues’ expertise and campuswide commitment to our Catholic, Jesuit mission and the vocation of education by this well-respected resource is cause for celebration.
Deans share college updates — I recently wrapped up meetings with each dean for annual college updates. This was an opportunity for the deans to showcase the people and programs of their colleges: to share how our students’ lives are being transformed and highlight the faculty who are engaging in research that is advancing knowledge and making the world a better place. I am inspired by all the innovative work and the dedication of our students, faculty and staff.
Resident Assistants serve vital campus role — Our resident assistants are critical to the success of our students and the success of our university. Those in these leadership roles are literally on the front line of working with students 24/7. I enjoy visiting each residence hall with Mary Janz, senior director of housing and residence life, at the beginning of each academic year to thank our resident assistants and let them know how much the entire campus community appreciates their dedication to our students.
Resources for AI and emerging technologies — As a Catholic, Jesuit university, our approach to AI and other emerging technologies will be mission centered and will emphasize human dignity, discernment, ethical responsibility and student success. We also must assume the responsibility and opportunity to step forward and lead on this issue. One way we will do that is through the series “What Are We Building? A Yearlong Communal Discernment Exercise about AI.” Speakers, lectures, panel discussions and reading groups highlight the series.
AI at Marquette is a comprehensive website that centralizes resources, university guidelines and updates related to the appropriate and effective use of generative AI for teaching, learning, research and administrative operations. Marquette’s AI Task Force encourages all in our community to remember to “Take CARE with Responsible AI.” The CARE acronym stands for:
Check the data – Assess the results – Remain accountable – Engage when unsure
Commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11 — Marquette was honored to serve as the Milwaukee site for the national 9/11 Day of Service meal-packing event. We welcomed 400 community members who packed more than 125,000 meals that were distributed locally by Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. The somber anniversary gave volunteers the opportunity to reflect on how we are stronger when we are united and working toward a common goal. Special thanks to the staff members who coordinated the event logistics and the students and staff who participated in the meal-packing effort.
Raynor Library staff recognized for exemplary achievement — Congratulations to the Raynor Library archives and institutional repository team members who were honored by the Wisconsin Historical Society with the prestigious 2026 Governor’s Award for Archival Achievement! The team digitized and made historical correspondence from the Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions accessible online to stakeholders, including Indigenous family members, historians, educators, members of tribal communities and religious orders. In addition to the professional expertise team members demonstrated on the project, they were also recognized for their diligence and care.
Connecting with alumni, parents and friends across the country — I visited with Detroit-area alumni and friends last week to kick off the 2026-27 Leadership Series. They were eager to hear how the transformational and innovative work happening on campus creates a position of strength as the university faces challenges within higher education and propels us forward to greater successes. These events have been strategically planned in key geographic areas where we have strong alumni representation and are recruiting prospective students; these alumni and prospects are invited to attend the gatherings. I will continue to share highlights from these events, particularly how our alumni’s Marquette experience prepared them for personal and professional success.
We Are Marquette!
President Kimo Ah Yun
