Dr. Benjamin “Benny” Rieth, an Indigenous educator, speaker, higher education leader and founder of Belonging University, will deliver the keynote address at Marquette’s Symposium on Belonging on Thursday, Oct. 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the AMU Monaghan Ballrooms. Breakout sessions, lunch and a final reflection will follow.
Hosted by the Division of Belonging and Student Affairs, this year’s symposium, “Indigenous Ways of Belonging: Honoring History, Shaping Our Future,” will explore how Indigenous perspectives on belonging connect with and inform Marquette’s history, mission and current initiatives.
An enrolled member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and a descendant of the Menominee Nation, Rieth grounds his work in Indigenous ways of being. His 5R Framework for Belonging — Relationships, Responsibility, Respect, Relevance and Reciprocity — guides his approach to leadership, strategic planning and creating communities where people feel seen, valued and connected.
With nearly a decade of experience in higher education, Rieth has led initiatives in student affairs, enrollment, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, first-year experience and student engagement. He brings storytelling, joy and authenticity to helping organizations strengthen their cultures and build meaningful relationships.
All faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other campus stakeholders are invited to take part in the conversation. RSVP online by Oct. 12.
Limited parking is available for $10 in the 16th Street parking at 749 N.16th St. and the Wells Street structure located at 1240 W. Wells St.
For questions or special needs, contact University Special Events at universityspecialevents@marquette.edu or (414) 288-7431.
