In 1909, Marquette University became the first Catholic university in the world to offer coeducation as part of its regular undergraduate program. Since that time, the role of women at Marquette has changed and expanded dramatically. Today, women make up more than 50 percent of the student body.
This page is one of a series, profiling female staffers at Marquette.
Mary Simmons
Radke
Office Assistant
College of Business Administration
I have worked at Marquette University for 10 years.
I was a student at MU from 1976-1977, but transferred to another Jesuit University (Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles) to get a degree in Studio Art (BFA 1980), but then returned to MU for the Teacher Certification Program (’82).
Of course my favorite memory as a student at MU was when the basketball team won the NCAA Championship in 1977 - their homecoming at the airport, and the parade down Wisconsin Ave. My favorite memories as an employee at MU are the close friendships I have made, being able to meet-up some of my siblings for lunch on a regular basis (as there are many relatives working on campus as well); basically the wonderful community feeling here at MU.
The best advice I can give anyone who works at MU now or in the future is to LIKE WHAT YOU DO, LIKE WHO YOU ARE WHILE DOING THE JOB, and to DO WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Salaries & Titles won’t make a person truly happy. I feel extremely lucky because I have had many careers, I taught elementary school prior to having my own children, I worked for the YMCA doing art and publications, I have done Event Planning, and now I do support work in an academic department… each one of these jobs had its perks, but each one served the purpose of taking care of what I needed at the time and how it fit in with my family commitment.
COS MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Committee on Staff is to strengthen Marquette's mission by encouraging excellence, faith, leadership, and service in university offices and workplaces. Committee on Staff is dedicated to serving as a liaison between Marquette's support staff and the University administration. The committee advocates on behalf of support staff and encourages university improvements at the policy level.
