We received some exciting news as we head into a new academic year: Marquette has once again been included on “Best 391 Colleges” list based entirely on student surveys of a variety of topics and campus experiences. (You can read more about the methodology here.)
For the second straight year, we earned the No. 1 ranking among the nation’s colleges and universities for engagement in community service. Being recognized as a top institution is no small feat, and to earn that accolade two years in a row is especially impressive. I am particularly proud that our students recognize our mission-aligned commitment to community service.
As I shared last week with our new faculty, we don’t chase these rankings, but we are gratified when the work to which we are all committed — and which is rooted in our Catholic, Jesuit mission — is broadly recognized by such a respected resource.
New Student Orientation is underway
Thanks to all the faculty, staff and students who welcomed our new students and their families during move-in, Family Mass and Convocation on Wednesday. I heard many comment on how they appreciated everyone going the extra mile. Orientation activities for first-year and transfer students continue throughout the weekend as we prepare for the first day of undergraduate, graduate and professional classes on Monday. I appreciate the staff members who have planned these activities and are overseeing the team of student orientation leaders.
Mass of the Holy Spirit to be celebrated Sept. 3
We will gather as a community next Wednesday, Sept. 3, at 4:30 p.m. for the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit, a tradition at Jesuit academic institutions. Mass will be celebrated in the AMU Monaghan Ballrooms while the construction project at the Church of the Gesu continues. A picnic, hosted by our friends at Sodexo, will begin on Eckstein Common immediately following Mass. A reminder that undergraduate lecture, discussion, special topics, seminar and capstone topics that meet between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. are excused.
Prioritizing community engagement
One of my fall priorities is meeting with community leaders to learn how Marquette can partner with them on local and regional economic development, as well as identify opportunities for collaboration and ensure our students are ready for the workforce upon graduation. These meetings are aligned with our Marquette 2031 strategic plan and will help establish the groundwork to help us achieve several goals identified in the “Care for the World” theme.
I am grateful to Marquette trustees Vincent Lyles and Nancy Hernandez, who are facilitating these important conversations.
Kelsey Otero, senior director of community engagement, joined me to discuss Marquette’s commitment to collaborating with our neighbors and the greater Milwaukee community during a recent episode of “The Upswing,” hosted by Marquette alumnus Jeff Sherman on 620 WTMJ Radio. We talked about the importance of cultivating and maintaining these relationships and how they create opportunities for our students and growth potential for businesses and organizations. You can listen to the episode here.
Resources available to all employees
As we begin the academic year, it’s a good time to share a reminder about the resources offered by the Faber Center for Ignatian Spirituality and the HR Total Rewards Program. Taking the time to care for ourselves helps create a life-work balance that benefits our mental, physical and spiritual well-being.
We are Marquette!
Dr. Kimo Ah Yun
President
