1. Dean of Undergraduate Admissions and Enrollment Planning Roby Blust to leave Marquette

Roby Blust, currently dean of undergraduate admissions and enrollment planning, is leaving effective June 1, to become vice president for enrollment at Regis University in Denver.

"While we all wish Roby could stay at Marquette, I'm not surprised that Regis recognized Roby's talents and leadership," said Interim Provost and Dean of the College of Nursing Dr. Margaret Faut Callahan. Regis President John P. Fitzgibbons, S.J., previously served in Marquette's Office of the Provost.

"I know that the entire campus community will join me in thanking Roby for his exceptional work during his time at Marquette," Callahan said. "We all wish him well as he pursues this new opportunity, which will allow him to be closer to his daughter in Denver."

Blust oversees the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, which is responsible for recruitment, outreach, admissions and scholarship decisions, and on-campus programs for full-time undergraduates who enroll in Marquette's seven undergraduate colleges. Jean Burke, associate dean of undergraduate admissions, will serve as interim dean of undergraduate admissions and enrollment planning.

Blust came to Marquette in 1997 as director of admissions, and was promoted to dean of admissions in 2000. He previously served as director of admissions at Loyola University Chicago, director of admissions at Regis University in Denver, director of admissions at Edgewood College in Madison, Wis., and assistant dean of admissions at Saint Louis University.

He is well known in the college admissions field, has contributed to state, regional and national-level college admissions initiatives, and is a sought-after expert on enrollment trends.

"We plan to conduct a search to fill this position, and I'm confident that Marquette's reputation will attract many first-rate candidates for the role," Callahan said.

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2. Graduate engineering programs ranked by U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report recently released its 2015 Best Graduate Schools rankings. Two Marquette graduate engineering programs were ranked in the top 100. Biomedical engineering was ranked 53rd, down slightly from its previous ranking of 51st, and civil engineering was ranked 99th – it had not been previously ranked.

News Briefs reported earlier this week other Marquette graduate programs ranked this year, including the Law School, the Graduate School of Management and the College of Education's graduate program.

U.S. News only ranks certain programs annually; others, particularly in the health disciplines, are ranked every two to three years.

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3. Marquette named "Strategic Partner of the Year" by The Business Council for commitment to diversity in purchasing decisions

The Business Council, an affiliate of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, has named Marquette University its "Strategic Partner of the Year" for the university's commitment to diversity when making purchasing decisions. The economic inequities among various groups in Milwaukee and the university's potential to be a change agent have compelled the university, led by the Office of Finance, to make informed and conscientious purchasing choices that effectively steward its assets and help emerging Milwaukee businesses, particularly those that draw women and ethnic minorities into the economic life of the community.

The Office of Finance set specific goals that relate to direct and second-tier spending, which will assist in accomplishing sustained economic development in the community, including:

  • Increasing direct and tier-two spending (the process by which a contracted majority supplier subcontracts to a qualified diverse business for goods or services) by 5 percent on an annual basis

  • Tracking tier-two spending

  • Obtaining at least one diversity supplier bid for all contracts and services when a qualified supplier exists

  • Accumulating diversity supplier lists to reference in supplier searches and in the hopes of pre-qualifying suppliers

Marquette is a participant in The Business Council's Supplier Diversity Module, which was started in 2002 to accelerate the economic development of ethnically diverse businesses, and has generated $135 million in revenue for 20 participating ethnically diverse businesses in Milwaukee. Since joining The Business Council's Supplier Diversity Module, Marquette has increased its spending with The Business Council members by 826 percent.

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4. Law professor Secunda named vice chair of U.S. Department of Labor ERISA advisory council

Paul Secunda, professor of law, has been appointed vice chair of the U.S. Department of Labor's 2014 Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez named Secunda to a leadership position in the council, which is commonly referred to as the ERISA Advisory Council and provides advice on policies and regulations affecting employee benefit plans governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Secunda initially was named to the 15-member council in January 2013.

Secunda, a nationally recognized expert on employment law, is in his sixth year as a faculty member at Marquette. He has written several books and articles on employee benefits law, and is regularly sought out for his expertise by media outlets across the country.

"Public service in a variety of forms has long been a commitment at Marquette, both of the university as a whole and, specifically, the Law School," said Joseph D. Kearney, dean and professor of law at Marquette University Law School. "Professor Secunda's appointment to the U.S. Department of Labor ERISA advisory council is a significant example of such service, both in its own right and as an example for our students."

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5. Nominations for Excellence in University Service Awards due tomorrow

Nominations for this year's Excellence in University Service Awards will be accepted until Friday, March 21. This is an opportunity for Marquette employees to nominate colleagues who demonstrate and support the Ignatian ideal of care for others and carry out the mission of the university. Candidates should be nominated based on service that is above and beyond the duties normally assigned to their position, and must have a minimum of five consecutive years of service at Marquette.

Four employees will be chosen to receive Excellence in University Service Awards. Faculty members, deans and vice presidents are not eligible. Nominations from 2013 were kept on file for consideration this year, and nominations made this year will be kept on file for consideration in 2015.

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6. Père Marquette Lecture is March 23

The Department of Theology will host the Père Marquette Lecture on Sunday, March 23, at 2 p.m. in Eckstein Hall's Appellate Court Room. Robert Wilken, the William R. Kenan, Jr., Professor Emeritus at the University of Virginia, will speak on "The Christian Roots of Religious Liberty." Wilken is a well-known scholar of early Christianity.

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7. President of John Cabot University in Rome to speak about Italian politics

The Office of International Education will host Dr. Franco Pavoncello, president of John Cabot University in Rome, Italy, and leading Italian political analyst, to speak on "A Third Republic?: Italian Politics Between Promise and Populism," Wednesday, March 26, at 4 p.m. in Holthusen Hall, fourth floor. A reception sponsored by OIE will follow the lecture.

Pavoncello's work has appeared in the American Political Science Review and the British Journal of Political Science, among others. He is a well-known media commentator on Italian affairs, a contributor to major international newspapers, and appears regularly on radio and television networks.

For more information, contact Erin LeMoine, international communication and marketing coordinator, at (414) 288-5762.

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8. Franklin goes "On the Issues" to present new Marquette Law School poll

Charles Franklin, director of the Marquette Law School Poll, will be the featured guest for an upcoming "On the Issues with Mike Gousha," Wednesday, March 26, from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. in Eckstein Hall.

Franklin and Gousha will go inside the numbers of the second Marquette Law School Poll of the 2014 election year, which will look at public views on key issues as the countdown to the November election continues.

The race for governor is beginning to take center stage in Wisconsin, with advertising from both sides appearing in the past month. How are voters reacting to the early moves of the campaign? Meanwhile, the legislature is wrapping up a session that considered a variety of policy issues. How does the public in Wisconsin view these issues, and other matters important to the state, region and nation?

Seating is limited; registration is available online.

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9. College of Nursing to host forum on infant mortality with City of Milwaukee health commissioner

The College of Nursing, in partnership with Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, will host its fifth annual Health Care Forum, "Infant Mortality in the Milwaukee Community," Monday, April 7, from 7:15 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the AMU. The panel discussion on Milwaukee's infant mortality rate, which is higher than many third-world countries, will feature local health care and public policy experts, and will be moderated by Mike Gousha, distinguished fellow in law and public policy at Marquette University Law School and host of UpFront with Mike Gousha.

Critical insight and analysis of Milwaukee's high infant mortality rates will be provided by:

  • Kathlyn Albert, D.N.P., R.N., F.N.P.-B.C., C.N.M., A.P.N., service director, Marquette Neighborhood Health Center
  • Nicole Angresano, vice president – community impact, United Way of Greater Milwaukee
  • Bevan K. Baker, F.A.C.H.E., commissioner of health, City of Milwaukee
  • Mary C. Mazul, C.N.M., M.S.N., director of population health management, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare
  • Crocker Stephenson, projects reporter, "Empty Cradles," Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Register online. A complimentary continental breakfast will be provided.

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10. Register for mini-course on facilitating online courses

The Center for Teaching and Learning will host a three-week online mini-course from Monday, March 24, through Sunday, April 13. Participants will explore best practices for facilitating online or blended courses. All coursework is online, and a link to the course will be provided upon registration.

Registration is now open and space is limited. For additional information, contact Dr. Heidi Schweizer, eLearning director, at (414) 288-8811.

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11. Several departments hosting colloquiums

The Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science will host a colloquium Friday, March 21, at 3 p.m. in Cudahy Hall, 401. Dr. Tamer Kahveci from the University of Florida will present "Biological Networks: Challenges, Solutions and Opportunities." Refreshments will be served prior to the colloquium at 2:30 p.m. in Cudahy, 342. For additional information, contact Dr. Rong Ge, assistant professor of mathematics, statistics and computer science, at (414) 288-6344.

The Integrative Neuroscience Research Center will host a seminar, "Neuronal Synchronization in Circadian Clock Circuits," Tuesday, March 25, at 3:30 p.m. in Schroeder Complex, 256. Dr. Jennifer Evans, assistant professor of biomedical sciences, will deliver the lecture. For more information, contact the Integrative Neuroscience Research Center at (414) 288-7329.

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12. College of Engineering's Connecting with the World Seminar to focus on advancing microbiological risk assessment

The Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering will host "Pathogens as Pollutants: Advancing Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment," Monday, March 31, from noon to 1 p.m. in Engineering Hall, 423.

Dr. Charles N. Haas, chair of the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering and the L. D. Betz Professor of Environmental Engineering at Drexel University, will discuss the development of a microbiological risk assessment, efforts his lab has done on dynamic models and the possible benefits this field might gain from collaborating with experts in the areas of epidemiology, molecular biology, fluid dynamics and immunology.

For more information, contact Dr. Daniel Zitomer, professor of civil, construction and environmental and director of the Water Quality Center, (414) 288-5733.

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13. ORSP hosting information session on Fulbright Scholar Program

Faculty interested in learning more about the Fulbright Scholar Program should attend an informational session Wednesday, April 9, from noon to 1 p.m. in Raynor Memorial Libraries' Beaumier Suite A. A panel of Marquette Fulbright recipients will share their experiences, including what the application process entails, the benefits of receiving an award, and the teaching and research projects they engaged in while abroad.

Beverages and dessert will be provided. RSVP to Jennie Schatzman, office coordinator in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, by Monday, April 7.

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14. New locations for Klingler College of Arts and Sciences main office and Advising Center, Honors Program

As part of ongoing renovations to Marquette's historic core – Johnston Hall, Marquette Hall and Sensenbrenner Hall – the main office of the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences is now located on the first floor of newly renovated Sensenbrenner Hall. The Klingler College of Arts and Sciences Advising Center is now located in ground-level suite 005 in Sensenbrenner Hall, and the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences Records Department is now located in ground-level suite 004 in Sensenbrenner Hall.

The Honors Program is now located in ground-level suite 002 in Sensenbrenner Hall.

Renovations will continue on the upper floors of Sensenbrenner Hall, with the Department of History expected to move to its permanent location in Sensenbrenner in May 2014.

Interior renovations will continue in Marquette Hall to prepare for the Departments of English and Theology to relocate permanently from Coughlin Hall to Marquette Hall in May 2014. The Department of Philosophy will relocate permanently from Coughlin Hall to Marquette Hall in 2015.

For a full recap of planned historic core construction and renovations, view this feature article from the September/October 2013 issue of Marquette Matters.

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15. Scholarships available for non-tenured faculty and graduate students presenting at the 2014 University Faculty for Life Conference

The Marquette Chapter of University Faculty for Life is providing scholarships for non-tenured faculty, graduate and undergraduate students who have a paper accepted for presentation at the 2014 University Faculty for Life Conference, June 6-7 at Fordham University in New York. The funds can be used for travel costs to attend the conference. The deadline for submitting papers to the UFL Conference for consideration is Tuesday, April 1.

For more information, contact Dr. Richard Fehring, professor emeritus, at (414)-288-3854.

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16. Interfaith dialogue dinner will explore examples of faith

Campus Ministry will host a free interfaith dinner dialogue Monday, March 24, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the AMU, 157. This event is open to all members of the Marquette community and will feature an Indian meal. The dialogue dinner will explore inspiring examples of faith witnessed by individual peacemakers.

For more information, contact Steve Blaha, assistant director of Campus Ministry, at (414) 288-6873.

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17. Taizé Prayer Service will be held Monday

Campus Ministry will hold a Taizé prayer service with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Monday, March 24, from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the AMU, Chapel of the Holy Family. The service will include simple music, readings and silent prayer.

For more information, contact Timothy Johnston, assistant director in Campus Ministry, at (414) 288-0522.

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18. Theatrical rock show, Unplugged, to help combat rape and despair

Award-winning Milwaukee-born author and performer Paul McComas and talented Chicago singer-songwriter Maya Kuper will present Unplugged, a one-hour program of scenes and songs adapted from McComas' critically acclaimed novel. Both the novel and the show tell the story of troubled young alternative-rocker and rape survivor Dayna Clay, including her solitary journey into the wilderness of the South Dakota Badlands and her subsequent struggle to recover from depression, come to terms with her traumatic childhood and find inner peace.

The performance will take place Tuesday, March 25, at 7 p.m. in the AMU, Henke Lounge. Sponsored by the Center for Peacemaking, the Counseling Center and Active Minds, this event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Patrick Kennelly, director of the Center for Peacemaking, at (414) 288-8445.

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19. Latin American Student Organization to host annual Colores show

The Latin American Student Organization will host its annual Colores cultural showcase, "Colores: Friday Night Fever," Friday, March 21, at 6 p.m. in the Weasler Auditorium. The show consists of various cultural dances and performances. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and admission is free.

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20. Students for Justice in Palestine to host Israeli Apartheid Week

Students for Justice in Palestine will host its first Israeli Apartheid week, Monday, March 24, through Thursday, March 27. The week of events include informative talks from political and religious speakers, as well as film screenings.

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the Israeli Apartheid Week Facebook page.

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21. Indoor mini-triathlon registration now open

The Fitness Assessment Center in the Department of Recreational Sports will host an indoor mini triathlon Saturday, April 5. It will consist of a 3-mile run, a 13-kilometer bike ride and a 300-yard swim. Individuals may register as a team of three for $25, or individually for $10.

Registration is now open at the Rec Center. For more information, contact the Fitness Assessment Center, at (414) 288-5624.

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22. Hunger Clean-up t-shirts available

Hunger Clean-up is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The organization's leaders will sell $10 t-shirts at the following locations to raise funds for the event:

  • Thursday, March 20, and Friday, March 21, in the AMU, second floor lobby
  • Monday, March 24, in the AMU, Brooks Lounge

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23. Videos of Mission Week 2014 keynote addresses available online

Videos of the four Mission Week 2014 addresses are now available on the Office of Mission and Ministry's website. The videos show the full lectures from Rev. James Voiss, S.J., Immaculée Ilibagiza, Rabbi Abie Ingber and Rev. Bryan Massingale.

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1. Dean of Undergraduate Admissions and Enrollment Planning Roby Blust to leave Marquette

2. Graduate engineering programs ranked by U.S. News & World Report

3. Marquette named "Strategic Partner of the Year" by The Business Council for commitment to diversity in purchasing decisions

4. Law professor Secunda named vice chair of U.S. Department of Labor ERISA advisory council

5. Nominations for Excellence in University Service Awards due tomorrow

6. Père Marquette Lecture is March 23

7. President of John Cabot University in Rome to speak about Italian politics

8. Franklin goes "On the Issues" to present new Marquette Law School poll

9. College of Nursing to host forum on infant mortality with City of Milwaukee health commissioner

10. Register for mini-course on facilitating online courses

11. Several departments hosting colloquiums

12. College of Engineering's Connecting with the World Seminar to focus on advancing microbiological risk assessment

13. ORSP hosting information session on Fulbright Scholar Program

14. New locations for Klingler College of Arts and Sciences main office and Advising Center, Honors Program

15. Scholarships available for non-tenured faculty and graduate students presenting at the 2014 University Faculty for Life Conference

16. Interfaith dialogue dinner will explore examples of faith

17. Taize Prayer Service will be held Monday

18. Theatrical rock show, Unplugged, to help combat rape and despair

19. Latin American Student Organization to host annual Colores show

20. Students for Justice in Palestine to host Israeli Apartheid Week

21. Indoor mini-triathlon registration now open

22. Hunger Clean-up t-shirts available

23. Videos of Mission Week 2014 keynote addresses available online