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From President Robert Wild, S.J.

In an election year as yard signs sprout up to champion this or that candidate for office, whether school board member or president of the United States, we are reminded again and again of the importance of leadership. When I see men and women throw their hats into the proverbial ring — whatever their politics might be — I am mindful that in pledging themselves to public service they also are agreeing to give up many things in their personal and family lives, not least a level of privacy that most of us enjoy. Public office, true, offers a number of heady incentives, particularly at the highest levels of leadership. But to my mind the sacrifices demanded are far more substantial.

And that is simply the trade-off of service in any capacity, isn’t it? Just think about the breadth of local government, church, school and philanthropic organizations that depend on men and women to commit precious time to the critically important initiatives that enrich our communities. These leaders, too, make real sacrifices. A Cub Scout or church council meeting can bump a much-desired night of relaxation. A position on a village board can place one in the eye of a storm if a tax or schools issue arises. In other words, leadership is often neither convenient nor comfortable. Leadership is, however, crucial.

Right now our home community of Milwaukee is going through significant transformation. Where it once was a major center for manufacturing and, with Miller, Schlitz and Pabst breweries all located almost within blocks of each other, was recognized as the nation’s beer capital, the city is now contemplating a future far different from its past. The ongoing challenge is, among others, to find capable leaders who can marshal this evolution, men and women who will create an environment that invites development and investment, nurtures the development of high-quality jobs and preserves the Midwestern quality of life that characterizes this region. Not infrequently when I hear the names of people who respond to this call, I also learn that they are Marquette graduates.

I could run down the list and impress anyone: Marquette grads providing leadership in this community and elsewhere in government, in high-level law enforcement and judicial posts, in social service and church organizations, in major corporations and entrepreneurial ventures, and in public and private schools and school systems.

For those of us here at Marquette these alumni, and others elsewhere like them, are an indicator that we actually are doing what we say we want to do. That is, they confirm that everything we do day in and day out to encourage students to express leadership in service to others is taking root. They prove that the values that are the pillars of a Marquette education — excellence, faith, leadership and service — are as valid today as ever. They offer solid evidence that the opportunities encompassed in the Marquette experience do teach students to extend their personal horizons, to get a fuller awareness of their better selves, and to "be the difference" even when doing so requires personal sacrifice.

A very substantial number of our alumni remain in the Milwaukee area after graduation and contribute significantly to the economic and social fabric of this community. Indeed, despite the many other ways that Marquette affects positively our Milwaukee community, our greatest impact is probably through the leadership gifts of the many alumni who live and work here. They are our legacy and Marquette’s most important contribution to the building of the Milwaukee of the future. While one story in this issue of Marquette Magazine focuses on several ways that the university’s influence is reflected here in Milwaukee, our alumni are equally active in cities and organizations around the world, providing in the same way the ethical, inspired leadership that builds strong communities.

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