Our Catholic, Jesuit identity is at the heart of all we do at Marquette, and our core values have also been the focus of several recent meetings I have attended.
The annual fall meeting of Association of Jesuit College and Universities presidents provided an opportunity to continue dialogue around common issues we experience on our campuses. This group developed a close bond during our summer pilgrimage to Rome, and it’s always good to spend time together. I appreciate how candid the conversations are and how much I learn, even with the differences that exist among our institutions and in our personal and professional backgrounds.
Last week in Chicago, the Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus hosted the Higher Education Colloquium, an important gathering of leaders that offers the opportunity for discussion and reflection about our shared Catholic, Jesuit identity. Our work centered around the insight and perspective Pope Leo XIV and Jesuit Superior General Rev. Arturo Sosa, S.J. shared during last summer’s meetings with AJCU presidents. Our Board of Trustees Chair Ray Manista; Superior of the Marquette Jesuit Community Rev. Jim Pribek, S.J.; Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Debbie Tahmassebi, and incoming Vice President for Mission and Ministry Dr. Conor Kelly joined me for these meaningful discussions.
The colloquium provided helpful direction for our Mission Priority Examen, which begins in earnest this semester and seeks to reaffirm our Catholic, Jesuit mission. I am grateful to MPE co-chairs Dr. Stephanie Quade and Dr. Bill Fliss and members of the steering committee, who will lead the process that is so integral to Jesuit higher education institutions. Please watch for information about MPE dialogue sessions that will be held this fall that will give the Marquette community an opportunity to provide input.
Communal discernment series on artificial intelligence continues: One topic that is constant on the AJCU presidents’ agenda for discussion is AI. I appreciate that Marquette is hosting “What Are We Building? A Year-long Communal Discernment Exercise about AI at Marquette” and encourage you to participate. There are several events coming up in November, and more events are being planned to engage the Marquette community.
Law School recognized by American Bar Association: Marquette Law School received the American Bar Association’s Pro Bono Publico Award to recognize the volunteer legal services it provides for low-income and disadvantaged persons. This is just the fourth time in 40 years that a law school has received this prestigious award. In 2025, volunteer attorneys and law students recorded more than 6,000 client visits. Congratulations to the Law School’s faculty, staff, students and alumni!
Near West Side Partners marks 11th year: I met with leaders from the other Near West Side Partners anchor institutions (Advocate Aurora Health, Harely-Davidson, Molson Coors, Potawatomi Ventures) at our annual fall meeting to reflect on accomplishments over the past 11 years and look ahead to exciting initiatives. A hallmark of NWSP is its foundation of trust and collaboration, which has resulted in a thriving Near West Side where people can live, work and play.
I am especially excited about the prospect of North 27th Street emerging into a “health and wellness corridor.” Advocate Aurora will open The Beacon on 27th Street and Wisconsin Avenue, a physical, mental and social wellness hub in 2027. Our Marquette Dental School students will provide care to children with special needs through an externship program in partnership with Community Smiles Dental that will be located in the Beacon facility.
Congratulations to the Haggerty Museum of Art! The Haggerty Museum of Art on Oct. 2 received the inaugural 25 Year Award from the American Institute of Architects in recognition of its architectural legacy and continued influence on Wisconsin’s built environment.
In a timely coincidence, Pope Leo met earlier this month with museum directors from across the world at the Vatican and commented that “… every museum is a place of memory, beauty and history, fostering encounters between generations and promoting culture and human creativity.” That certainly is true about the Haggerty, which is a treasure for Marquette and Milwaukee.
Child Care Center holds annual campus trick or treat: Each year I look forward to welcoming the Child Care Center students to Westowne Square! It also was an opportunity to thank MUCCC Director Amy Kaboskey, who will retire in December after serving at the Child Care Center since it opened in 1989.
Celebrating the Brewers’ World Series victory: The euphoria that has swept Milwaukee over the Brewers’ first World Series title has been exhilarating. The increased national and international media attention also helped shine a light on what a special place Milwaukee is.
Finally, I hope you will join me for the Presidential Address on Monday, Nov. 9. Our Liturgical Choir will begin the event with a special performance at 12:55 p.m. in the Alumni Memorial Union Monaghan Ballrooms. I am looking forward to reflecting on successes from the past year, providing updates on key initiatives and sharing gratitude for the many Marquette community members who help create a hope-filled future.
We Are Marquette!
President Kimo
