From the October 2006 edition of MU Connections
Professor of Chemistry receives $1.1 million grant
The Department of Defense has awarded a $1.1 million contract to Marquette University.
Dr. Charles Wilkie, professor of chemistry, in partnership with a defense contractor, will direct research to develop fire and blast resistant materials for military force protection. Wilkie is developing a coating that would be both blast and fire resistant for application to walls, windows and ceilings to protect buildings and ships against ballistic impact.
Wilkie is the foremost academic researcher on fire retardant technology. His research is widely reported in Flame Retardant News, Modern Plastics and other journals and he has spoken at numerous polymer and fire research conferences in the United States and Europe.
Sen. Herb Kohl and the Wisconsin congressional delegation were instrumental in securing the funding.
Marquette will host Wisconsin Authors Night
As part of the annual Wisconsin Book Festival, Marquette will host Wisconsin Authors Night on Monday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. in the Weasler Auditorium, 1506 W. Wisconsin Ave. Four Marquette faculty members from the English Department will do short readings. They are: C.J. Hribal, author of The Company Car; Benjamin Percy, author of the short story collection The Language of Elk; poet Angela Sorby, author of Distance Learning and the critical study, Schoolroom Poets; and Larry Watson, author of six novels, including Montana 1948 and Orchard.
Keynote authors presenting that evening are Elizabeth Berg, who wrote Durable Goods, Joy School and Open House, and Michael Perry, author of Population 485.
The event is free and open to the public. A book signing and reception will follow the readings.
Law School hosts International Restorative Justice Conference
Features victims of political violence
The Marquette Law School’s Restorative Justice Program, led by Distinguished Professor of Law and former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Janine Geske, will host a major international conference at Marquette on Monday, Nov. 13. “International Restorative Justice: Healing After Political Violence” will focus on the healing journey of victims of political violence in some of the most significant international conflicts of our time: Middle East, South Africa and Northern Ireland.
The conference will feature a discussion with survivors and offenders from each region, who will share their personal experiences and their embrace of restorative justice practices as a way of healing. A panel discussion with leading scholars on human rights will take place in the afternoon.
Restorative justice is a theory used in criminal justice systems and national models to promote healing among conflicting groups. To register for the conference or to learn more about Marquette Law School’s renowned Restorative Justice Initiative, visit the Marquette Law Web site.
Former NCAA basketball tournament director to give Axthelm lecture
Bill Hancock, former coordinator of the NCAA men's basketball tournament and author of Riding with the Blue Moth, will speak at Marquette on Monday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. in room 001 of Cudahy Hall, 1313 W. Wisconsin Ave. The event is free and open to the public.
Hancock will talk about his new book, his life and his work and answer audience questions. Hancock’s son, Will, died in the 2001 airplane crash that took the lives of nine additional members of the Oklahoma State basketball team and support staff. Riding with the Blue Moth is the story of Bill Hancock’s 2,747 cross-country bicycle trip as he struggled with his grief and depression following the death of his son.
Hancock is now administrator for college football’s Bowl Championship Series.
Head of Kohler Company to speak at Business Leaders Forum
Herbert V. Kohler, Jr., chairman, chief executive officer and president of Kohler Co., as the keynote speaker for the Business Leaders Forum luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2006 at 11:45 a.m. Mr. Kohler’s presentation, entitled “Private vs. Public,” will discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of privately-owned and publicly-traded companies. The event is open to the public; to register call (414) 288-7431.
Established in 1999, the Business Leaders Forum is a speaker series sponsored by the Marquette University College of Business Administration. The forum provides a setting for nationally recognized business leaders to engage in discussions and interact with students, faculty and local business leaders. The program enables Marquette to build practical knowledge into its rigorous business curriculum, exploring current trends, issues and practices in business.
Previous speakers at the Business Leaders Forum have included: Jeffrey R. Immelt, chairman of the Board and CEO of GE; Don H. Davis, Jr., chairman and CEO Rockwell Automation; Wayne Sanders, CEO, Kimberly Clark Corporation; Richard Burke, chairman, Trek Bicycle Corp.; John Morgridge, chairman of the Board, Cisco Systems; Kathy Hudson, chairman, CNH Global; Alexander Cutler, chairman and CEO, Eaton Corp.
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