“Marquette takes itself seriously, both as a university and as Catholic, and I think we give the lie to George Bernard Shaw’s statement that Catholic and university is a contradiction in terms.” ~ Ed Simmons
The Office of Mission and Ministry administers some limited grant funds for projects and course development that extend the mission of the university in significant ways. While each of the grants has a particular focus, all of them contribute toward a more authentic expression of Marquette's mission and identity. Over the years, these grants have been the basis for many important and long-lasting efforts.
If you are a full-time employee, we encourage you to consider applying for those funds that are consistent with the intent of your proposed project or course. The links on this page include guidelines and other helpful information for applicants. WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING GRANTS FOR FY13. Please submit your grant for FY13 by February 15, 2012.
Congratulations to the FY12 Grant Recipients
1. “An Investigation on Environments that Promote Student Spirituality"
Submitted by: Jon Dooley, Student Dev.; Jody Jessup-Anger and Andy Thon, S.J., Education.
Purpose: A Study that will focus on learning about the spiritual development of Marquette Undergraduate students in comparison to other Catholic universities.
2. “Campus Ministry Border Experience”
Submitted by: Gerry Fischer, Campus Ministry
Purpose: A pilot trip to the U.S. -Mexican border to expose students with the transformative real-life experience of migrants and those who work with them.
3. “Conversation Club”
Submitted by: Karen Desotelle, Student Educational Services
Purpose: Working collaboratively with Student Educational Services, Office of International Education and English Honor Society, interested International and ESL students will be organized into weekly conversation groups to help improve English language and communication skills, especially on reflective topics focusing on social justice, spirituality and Marquette’s mission.
4. “Healing Visions 2011”
Submitted by: Bill Thorn, Journalism
Purpose: Sponsorship for a speaker for the summer Healing Visions conference held at Marquette this summer.
5. “Improving Religious and Spiritual Consciousness: Understanding How Spirituality and Science Apply to Mental Health”
Submitted by: Nakia Gordon, Astrida Kaugars, Stephen Saunders and Lucas Torres, Psychology
Purpose: Improve the provision of spiritually conscious care provided in the CPS and promote interdisciplinary, University-wide dialogue regarding the intersection of spirituality and science and how they relate to mental health concerns.
6. “Marquette Contemplative Community”
Submitted by: Anthony Peressini, University Honors Program
Purpose: Speaker series for students that will run in addition to weekly contemplative sessions.
History of the Simmons Fund
Dr. Edward D. Simmons came to Marquette University in 1952. From then until his untimely death in November of 1987, he served in many capacities such as Philosophy instructor, Professor and Chairman of the Philosophy Department, Acting Dean of the Graduate School, and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.
As Academic Vice President, Ed Simmons had the pleasure of administering the Religious Commitment Fund. That fund was established to demonstrate the spiritual nature of the university and to foster the fellowship of faith that unites the Marquette community. The university has encouraged its various departments to sponsor academic projects that would serve to reflect and promote this religious dimension. Support has been given on a competitive basis to a number of departments for a variety of genuinely academic, authentically creative programs that underscore and celebrate our Catholic heritage and assist the university in making good it promise as a Jesuit, Catholic university.
Ed was extremely proud that such a fund was available at Marquette and openly expressed concern that such projects would extend into the future.
The Marquette community continues to bring to fruition Ed Simmons’ goal to strengthen the Religious Commitment Fund through the renamed Dr. Edward D. Simmons Religous Commitment Fund Grant.
The university’s clear religious roots, so well understood by Ed, are evidenced in its philosophy of education which affirms the spiritual dimension of human existence and places religious awareness at the heart of our academic enterprise.
Contact the Office of Mission and Ministry
Location:
Office of Mission and Ministry
Zilber Hall, 423
1250 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53233
Phone: (414) 288-1881
Fax: (414) 288-3161
