F ebruary 2 011
Marquette Mission Week 2011 encourages exploration of religious imagination By April Beane
Creating music as part of a group drum circle. Experiencing the texts and illustrations of the Saint John’s Bible. Enjoying coffee, poetry and stories of faith. Learning from the life journey of a nationally recognized humanitarian. Listening to the music of Marquette’s finest instrumental and performing groups. The Marquette community has the opportunity to participate in all of these activities and more as part of the 2011 Mission Week, celebrating “IMAGINEGOD,” Sunday, Feb. 6, through Friday, Feb. 11. “This year’s Mission Week presents an opportunity for all of us to experience imagining as an indispensible dimension of intellectual life and a life of faith,” said Stephanie Russell, vice president of mission and ministry. “In addition to many scheduled events, watch for random acts of art and culture — acts of imagination — occurring around campus throughout the week.” Every year, the Marquette community pauses to reflect on the university’s Catholic, Jesuit mission. “This year’s theme, ‘IMAGINEGOD,’ is focused on extending ourselves toward God through our creativity,” according to Russell. “Learning is an act of imagination and we want to encourage the Marquette community to experience how music, art, poetry, scholarship and reflection contribute to the ways we imagine God and the world around us.” The week begins with Sunday Mass at Church of the Gesu, which will include the presentation of The Saint John’s Bible — the first handwritten and illuminated Bible commissioned by the Benedictines in more than 500 years. Presented in seven volumes, the monumental 13-year project blends ancient techniques and
Mission Week Schedule Sunday, February 6 Mission Week Mass 4 p.m. — Church of the Gesu Monday, February 7
ImagInEgod m a r q u e t t e u n i v e r s i t y m i s s i o n w e e k 2 011
Image: Messianic Predictions, Thomas Ingmire, Copyright 2005, The Saint John’s Bible, Order of Saint Benedict, Collegeville, Minnesota, USA.
materials — goose quills, hand-ground pigments, egg yolks, gold and silver leaf — with modern computer technology. Marquette has acquired four of the seven volumes of the Heritage Edition of the Bible, which are full-size fine art reproductions of the manuscript version. The events culminate with keynote speaker Dr. Paul Farmer, a medical anthropologist, physician, global humanitarian and pioneer of an internationally adopted community-based health care model. Farmer is also the subject of the book Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World, by Tracy Kidder. “Dr. Farmer’s quest is not only inspirational,” said Russell. “It provides the occasion for us as students, faculty, staff and university to reflect on our values and our relationship with the human family.”
Catholic Intellectual Tradition Lecture, Naming God: Event, Form, Fragment Rev. David Tracy, S.T.L., S.T.D., Roman Catholic theologian, the Andrew Thomas Greeley and Grace McNichols Greeley Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of Catholic Studies and professor at the University of Chicago Divinity School, and author 7 p.m. — AMU Monaghan Ballroom Tuesday, February 8 Finding Common Ground: Imagining Another Spiritual Path Margaret Coel, Jour ’60, New York Times best-selling author of the acclaimed Wind River Mystery series Noon — Johnston 104 Collage Concert of Marquette Musical Groups 4 p.m. — AMU Monaghan Ballroom Wednesday, February 9 President’s State of the University Address Rev. Robert A. Wild, S.J., president of Marquette 3 p.m. — AMU Monaghan Ballroom Thursday, February 10 Keynote Address: Imagine a More Just World: Partnering with the Poor Dr. Paul Farmer, founding director of the nonprofit organization Partners in Health 4 p.m. — Varsity Theatre (Doors open at 3:30 p.m.) Visit marquette.edu/missionweek for a complete schedule and keynote address ticket information.
Campu s H a p p e n i n gs Nationally known journalists to discuss whether entertainment is eclipsing news
Aquinas Lecture to address “Perception as a Capacity for Knowledge”
The Diederich College of Communication will host a student-produced Centennial Seminar for the Burleigh Lecture Series on Thursday, Feb. 24, at 1 p.m., streamed live to the Johnston Hall student lounge and available on Time Warner Cable’s Wisconsin on Demand afterward. A live roundtable discussion of nationally known journalists will discuss whether entertainment is eclipsing news. Panelists include Bill Burleigh, Jour ’57, chairman, retired president and chief executive officer of The E.W. Scripps Company; Dr. Sybril Bennett, professor of media studies at Belmont University and Emmy Award-winning television news journalist; Quiana Burns, Emmy Award-winning journalist with The Last Word on MSNBC; Dr. Pamela Hill Nettleton, assistant professor of journalism at Marquette; Kimberly Schwandt, Emmy Award-winning White House producer at Fox News; Ben Tracy, Comm ’98 and Grad ‘04, Emmy award-winning CBS News correspondent; Baratunde Rafiz Thurston, web editor at The Onion; and Gideon Yago, writer and former correspondent for MTV News and CBS News.
John McDowell, distinguished university professor of philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh, will present the 2011 Aquinas Lecture, “Perception as a Capacity for Knowledge,” Sunday, Feb. 27, at 3 p.m. in the Raynor Library Beaumier Suites. Defending the ancient idea that humans are rational animals, McDowell will discuss the role that perception plays in rationality and defend the view that perception as an operation of human rationality is distinctive to something that is generically animal.
Nominate a co-worker for an employee service award Nominations for Excellence in University Service Awards will be accepted until Friday, Feb. 11. This is an opportunity for Marquette employees to recommend co-workers who demonstrate the Ignatian ideal of care for others, as well as carry out the mission of the university. Candidates should be nominated based on meritorious service that is above and beyond their normal duties. Four employees will be selected. Visit marquette.edu/excellence for more information.
The Laramie Project on stage at Helfaer Theatre beginning Feb. 24 The Department of Performing Arts will perform The Laramie Project from Feb. 24 to March 6 at Helfaer Theatre. In October 1998 Matthew Shepard was kidnapped, severely beaten and left to die, tied to a fence on the outskirts of Laramie, Wy. The Laramie Project, which chronicles the incident and the sentiment it invokes, is a theatrical collage that explores the depths to which humanity can sink, and the heights of compassion of which we are also capable, according to Debra Krajec, director. Talkbacks about the show are planned after the performances. Tickets cost $20 and are available by calling the theatre box office at 8-7504 and online at theatretickets.marquette.edu. Discounts are available to senior citizens and Marquette students, employees and alumni.
Marquette Matters
Marquette and Father Pilarz get to know one another By Mary Pat Pfeil
Photo by Dan Johnson
Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership
Rev. Scott Pilarz, S.J., (right) spoke with members of the Marquette community after his appointment in August as the 23rd president of Marquette University and has continued those discussions, including with Marquette President Robert A. Wild, S.J. (left).
It has been five months since Rev. Scott Pilarz, S.J., was introduced as the 23rd president of Marquette University, and, while he will not take office until Aug. 1, Father Pilarz is becoming acquainted with Marquette’s practices, people and ideas. During the first semester, Father Pilarz met with more than 80 faculty, staff, a dministrators and students in sessions organized by Law School Dean Joseph D. Kearney, who was asked by Marquette President Robert A. Wild, S.J., to lead the transition. Kearney said the sessions served a twofold purpose. “We want folks on campus to come to know Father Pilarz,” he said. “And it is important to give Father Pilarz a sense of the university’s breadth and depth.” The “Practices, People and Ideas” sessions thus far have covered such topics as student living on campus, global engagement, doctoral
programs, service/community learning, safety and crime, health professions and sciences, campus infrastructure, money and the arts. Kearney said second semester topics are currently under consideration. “Our conversation with Father Pilarz covered the importance of doctoral education at Marquette, examples of opportunities for development of new programs, and the challenges we face in providing the necessary support for our doctoral programs,” said Jeanne Hossenlopp, dean of the Graduate School and vice provost for research. “Being able to draw upon student, faculty and administrator perspectives in this session led to a lively, wideranging discussion of the key issues in graduate education at Marquette.” Lori Bergen, dean of the J. William and Mary Diederich College of Communication, facilitated the arts session. She asked the group’s
A number of events throughout the coming months will celebrate Father Wild’s remarkable accomplishments during his tenure as president. Watch for more details on these and other events: February 9 Father Wild’s final State of the University address to campus in the AMU Monaghan Ballroom at 3 p.m., with a reception following. February 19 Tribute to Father Wild during the men’s basketball game vs. Seton Hall, 8 p.m. at the Bradley Center. All fans will receive a commemorative Father Wild bobblehead. Final exam week Father Wild to visit students during the After Dark Breakfast. May 17 Campus Community Farewell Reception for Father Wild in the AMU Monaghan Ballroom from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; program at 3:30 p.m. June 16 Legacy of Leadership: A Tribute to Father Wild, community dinner at the Bradley Center.
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Metcalfe Chairs to return to campus in 2011–12
Photo courtesy of Marquette University Special Collections and Archives
by Tim Olsen
After a brief hiatus, the Office of the Provost is reinstating the Ralph H. Metcalfe Chair for the 2011-12 academic year, and nominations for the chair will be accepted through March 1. Instituted in 1982 and last offered in 2006, the Metcalfe Chair is a non-residential chair that brings an African American, Latina/o or Native American scholar from any academic discipline taught at Marquette to campus for a three- to four-day visit. Chairs give public lectures and meet with students and faculty, providing the campus community with the opportunity to interact with distinguished scholars who are contributing to world dialogue.
Ralph Metcalfe, Arts ‘36, won a total of four Olympic medals in 1932 and 1936. During his sophomore year at Marquette, Metcalfe equaled the world record of 10.3 seconds in the 100-meter dash. After retiring from professional sports, he went on to a career in Illinois politics, which included serving in the United States Congress from 1971-78 and introducing the Congressional resolution that officially established Black History Month.
“Since I’ve been here, many people have talked to me about the Metcalfe Chair with a sense of pride in its accomplishments,” said Dr. William Welburn, senior adviser to the provost for diversity, who joined Marquette in 2009. “Judging from these conversations, there is no question in my mind that the need to reinstate the chair will be valuable to the intellectual life of our university. This is especially an opportunity for our students to meet people whose work they may have read, or gain exposure to even more new ideas.” Named for Marquette alumnus Ralph H. Metcalfe, chairs have included writers Chinua Achebe, Thulani Davis and Cornel West; legal scholar Derrick Bell; philosopher Laurence Thomas; historian Deborah Gray White; and sociologist William Julius Wilson. Proposals for the Metcalfe Chair are due to Zilber 454. See http://bit.ly/MUmetcalfe11-12 for more information.
Economic condition improving, but challenges remain With the start of the new year and budgeting for fiscal year 2012 underway, Marquette Matters asked Chuck Lamb, vice president of finance, to discuss the university’s fiscal status. How did the university weather the economic downturn of the past few years? With luck and reliance on strong fiscal management principles. We were certainly affected — with less revenue from investments, fundraising challenges and the need for more financial aid dollars to help our students whose families were struggling with job losses and other economic challenges. Working in our favor were our conservative budgeting practices, our cash reserve and the fact that we rely less on our endowment for operating expenditures than many of our peer institutions. As a result, we were able to offer our employees at least modest compensation increases and avoided the layoffs, furloughs and program cuts that others endured. One significant thing we’ve done is to establish a risk assessment group that includes both administrative and academic representatives. The group proactively monitors environmental, financial and legal risks. As an example, we did considerable work university-wide preceding an audit by the Environmental Protection Agency. That preparation earned Marquette accolades from EPA and avoided some of the stiff fines paid by other institutions. So, where do we stand today? I’d say we’re in a recovery mode, doing well but aware of the challenges still ahead. Thanks to the generosity of many individuals, including faculty and staff, I expect our endowment to exceed $370 million this month — the highest total in university history. The net endowment
return of 13.5 percent outperformed the benchmark Broad Policy Index for the fifth consecutive year. In fiscal year 2010, we had more individual donors than at any time in our history. Moody’s has affirmed Marquette’s A2 credit rating. We’ve refinanced debt to take advantage of historically low long-term interest rates. We completed construction of Zilber Hall and Eckstein Hall, and the Discovery Learning Complex is on schedule to open in August. For the 13th consecutive year, we ended fiscal year 2010 with a slight profit.
T
he net endowment return of 13.5 percent
outperformed the benchmark Broad Policy Index for the fifth consecutive year. In fiscal year 2010, we had more individual donors than at any time in our history.
– Chuck Lamb
What are the challenges you see ahead? One of the most serious challenges, both for Marquette as an institution and for our students and their families, is concern over cuts to student financial aid in federal and state budgets. Our Office of Public Affairs is monitoring legislative activity carefully.
Because Marquette’s budget is tuition dependent, with revenues for tuition, fees and room and board accounting for 66 percent of total operating revenues, attracting and retaining students is critical. Undergraduate applications for fall 2011 are again up — a good sign. With more than 60 buildings on more than 90 acres, there are always maintenance and upgrade needs. While we finished the year with a slight profit — $1.1 million, on a budget in excess of $330 million, that covers operational costs for a single day. I would like us to strive to have a 3to 5-percent profit annually; that would give us greater flexibility and stability. What is the budget outlook for 2011-2012? The budget, which will go to the Board of Trustees in March, will include tuition and modest compensation increases. We will again increase the amount of funding for student financial aid. The proposed budget also includes additional contingency funding for the Office of the Provost. How can employees learn more? The Budget Committee includes student, faculty, administrator and dean representatives and meets three times annually. A new task force, composed of three deans and three vice presidents, is reviewing budgeting and finance practices and procedures to make recommendations for revision. In addition, the Office of Finance is working with the Office of Marketing and Communication to create a more robust website, providing access to financial reports, committee minutes and other information. Of course, anyone can always call me or a member of the finance staff directly. My extension is listed in the Campus Directory — 8-1671.
Take
On the Side
Sean Samis – Bicycle commuter
5 Hank Raymonds
The five most popular Marquette Magazine pieces by number of online page views, from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2010, according to the Office of Marketing and Communication, were:
By Tim Olsen
After thousands of miles, more than a few snowstorms and the loss of 40 pounds, Sean Samis is on his way to completing his fifth year of commuting to Marquette via bicycle. Samis, information technology services project manager, began riding his bike from his home in Wauwatosa to and from campus each day in spring 2006 when his oldest son got his driver’s license and no longer needed Samis to drive him to school. In 2010 Samis biked the 16.8 miles round-trip 214 out of 234 workdays — nearly 3,600 miles logged in all kinds of Wisconsin weather, including snow. “For me, winter or summer, it’s about the same,” said Samis. “It’s a little slower in winter, but that’s about it. It’s like going to a fancy party — all you have to do is dress for the occasion and you’ll do just fine. I wear lots of layers and bright colors. And a helmet!” Samis credits his bicycle commute for helping him shed 40 pounds, improving his health and saving money on gas and parking. “It’s actually quite peaceful — dodging deer and squirrels on the parkway — until I get to Wisconsin Avenue,” he said. “Then I play leapfrog with the buses.” “On the Side” offers a glimpse of faculty and staff interests outside of Marquette. E-mail your story suggestions to
[email protected].
1) Class Notes — 15,148 2) 10 things you don’t know about Danny Pudi — 8,288 3) 100 things to do before graduating from Marquette — 6,834 4) Breakout star Danny Pudi was a hit at Marquette first — 5,698 5) Hank — 4,978
Marquette Magazine content is posted weekly and is available at marquette.edu/ magazine. “Take Five” is a brief list concerning an interesting aspect of Marquette life. E-mail your list suggestions to
[email protected]. Marquette Matters is published monthly, except June, July and August and a combined issue for December/January, for Marquette University’s faculty and staff. Submit information to: Marquette Matters – Zilber Hall, 235; Phone: 8-7448; Fax: 8-7197 E-mail:
[email protected] Editor: Tim Olsen Graphic design: Nick Schroeder Copyright © 2011 Marquette University
Photo courtesy of Marquette University Special Collections and Archives
Photo by Dan Johnson
Sean Samis has gone through one bike and many tire changes since he started riding his bicycle to work at Marquette nearly five years ago.
Marquette Matters
Found in translation: Foreign language students help Law School research Even lawyers will admit that the dense, legal jargon of laws, contracts and judicial decisions is a different language. For upperclassmen in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures first semester, it was actually two languages. Throughout fall 2010, 12 students majoring in German translated two key German court decisions regarding personal property rights into English. Never translated before, the decisions will be used for research by second-year law student Eric Jansson and his faculty adviser, Julian Kossow, visiting professor of law. The decisions deal with eminent domain, otherwise known as “takings law.” According to Jansson, these German decisions are crucial for any current comparison in this area of property rights in Germany and the United States. “When we weren’t able to find translations of these laws, Eric took the initiative and sought the assistance of the foreign language department,” said Kossow. Jansson reached out to Dr. John Pustejovsky, associate professor of German and chair of the department. He and Dr. Alan Lacy, associate
professor of German, co-teach a German-English translation course and agreed to take on the project — translating the Boxberg and Durkheimer Gondelbahn decisions. “Typically we use short stories or short nonfiction works,” said Lacy, a certified translator. “But we felt the project had a lot of merit and would be a good challenge for the students.” Students reviewed their translations of German legal decisions with Dr. John Pustejovsky (above), who co-taught With each document the Workshop in German/English Translation course with Dr. Alan Lacy. more than 20 pages long, six pairs of students each tackled 60 lines of a a real sense of accomplishment. As they should,” decision every week to finish both documents. said Pustejovsky. With Lacy holding the students to the standards With the final English translation expected of the American Translators Association and the in February, Kossow and Jansson hope to gain challenge of legal documents, the professors a better understanding about how personal were amazed, but not surprised, by the quality of property rights and protections are interpreted their work. “The students finished the class with differently between the two legal systems.
Marquette and Father Pilarz articipants to discuss strengths, challenges p and opportunities for the arts at Marquette. Bergen said Father Pilarz was “very engaged” and, at the end of the session, gave a summary of what he had heard that was both responsive and insightful. The sessions typically include eight to 10 Marquette faculty, staff or students, Kearney said, and are deliberately structured to be eclectic and not hierarchical. “We want Father Pilarz to meet and hear from individuals at all levels of the university,” he said. He recognizes that “everyone wants time with the new president,” something that is just not possible in the time Father Pilarz is available for the on-campus sessions (a day or so a month so far). Father Pilarz said the sessions have helped give him a “very human” overview of university functions. “I have been struck by individ-
c o n t i n u e d f r o m pa g e t w o
uals’ strong commitment to Marquette and its Catholic, Jesuit mission,” he said. “Faculty and staff at all levels truly believe a Marquette education makes a transformative difference in the lives of students, and they work hard to ensure that occurs.” Corey Young, assistant director of the Service Learning Program, appreciated being included in the session on service/community learning. He said Father Pilarz listened keenly and asked probing questions. “I think he was impressed by the scope of our community involvement, from the number of local agencies we partner with, to the outreach that is conducted statewide, for example by the rural dental clinics,” he said. “He was also very interested in learning more about our recent efforts for increased collaboration in regard to the university’s community engagement efforts as a whole.”
While the “Practices, People and Ideas” sessions last 60 to 75 minutes, other topics need to be explored in greater depth. Thus, working with Darren Jackson, chair of the Board of Trustees, Kearney planned “graduate-level seminars” for Father Pilarz that are scheduled as part of the quarterly trustee meetings. At the December meeting, Father Pilarz and other trustees discussed the extracurricular student experience and the leadership structure of the university. The March agenda will include discussion of the financial planning process and an analysis of the intercollegiate athletics programs. Other aspects of the transition have included individual meetings between Father Pilarz and Father Wild, Provost John Pauly and Greg Kliebhan, senior vice president. Kearney hopes to both broaden and deepen the transition conversations in the months ahead.
M A R Q U ET T E Hap p ening s Father Wild honored by Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin honored Rev. Robert A. Wild, S.J., president of Marquette, in January with its 2010 BRAVO! Award. Just the fifth recipient of the award in the past 21 years, Father Wild was recognized for his visionary leadership, efforts to increase Hispanic enrollment, passion for excellence and commitment to success. Father Wild was selected as “an exceptional individual who through ethical humanity, inspired innovation and compassionate leadership has left an indelible mark on Milwaukee’s progress in a profound, permanent way,” according to Maria Monreal-Cameron, president and CEO of the HCCW.
Top Milwaukee FBI agent to speak at Law School FBI Special Agent in Charge Nancy McNamara, the first woman to head the Milwaukee Division of the FBI, will speak at an “On the Issues With Mike Gousha” session at the Law School at 12:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10. McNamara will discuss the FBI’s mission, national security, public corruption and her professional journey. Register at bit.ly/ontheissuesmcnamara. Seating is limited.
Freshman applications for fall top 21,000 Freshman applications for the fall 2011 class have topped 21,000 as of early January. This is a record number of freshman applications for Marquette, and an 11 percent increase compared with a year ago. Applications totaled 19,180 and 17,147 at this time for the fall 2010 and 2009 classes, respectively.
Former Gonzaga president to present Ciszek Lecture Rev. Robert Spitzer, S.J., president of the Magis Center of Reason and Faith and the Spitzer Center for Ethical Leadership and former president of Gonzaga University, will present “What is Contemporary Physics Saying about Creation and God?” for the 2011 Ciszek Lecture. His presentation, Monday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Weasler Auditorium, will be based on his recent book, New Proofs for the Existence of God: Contributions of Contemporary Physics and Philosophy. Ciszek Lecture speakers are selected from the many authors represented in the Ciszek Catholic Spirituality Collection in the Raynor Memorial Libraries, a collection of books and DVDs on Catholic devotional literature, meditations, catechisms, apologetics, conversion stories and works on lay and religious vocation. The lecture, free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus at Marquette, Raynor Memorial Libraries and the Department of Theology.
Photo by Dan Johnson
By Andy Brodzeller
