A university chair endowed by alumni or various foundations is established to attract and retain top-level faculty. The interest dollars from these endowments may provide salary, reduction in teaching loads, monies for research and travel, or all three.
Two senior faculty are currently honored with these prestigious awards:
Dr. Stephen DownsWehr Distinguished Professor of Biology (2008- )
The Wehr Chair is funded by the Wehr Foundation, which also provided funding for the construction of the Wehr Life Sciences, Chemistry, and Physics buildings. A most generous gift to the university.
Past Recipients of the Wehr Distinguished Professorship:
Dr. James Buchanan (2003-2008)
Dr. Robert Fitts (1997-2003)

Clare Boothe Luce Professor of Biology (1989-1994)
This chair, established by the Boothe Foundation is awarded for the lifetime of the holder and provides for research funds for five years. A well-deserved recognition. (Incidentally, Dr. Karrer graduated from Marquette with a Major in Biology.)