May 26, 2009

IN THIS ISSUE

1. California couple endows chair in energy systems

The chief executive of SunPower Corporation and his wife have pledged $5 million to the Marquette University College of Engineering to establish an endowed chair in secure and renewable energy systems.

Tom and Suzanne Werner were present at an alumni event in California last week when their gift was announced. Opus Dean of Engineering Stan Jaskolski said, “Sustainable energy is fundamental to our quality of life. We must, from both an industrial and educational perspective, address the issues of energy consumption and find ways to facilitate energy production from renewable energy sources. The Thomas H. and Suzanne M. Werner Chair in Secure and Renewable Energy Systems will position Marquette as a leader in this area for southeastern Wisconsin.”

The Werner Chair is the third faculty chair endowed for the College of Engineering in the past three years. In January 2007 Jim and Kelly McShane of Chicago, 1968 Marquette alumni, donated $5 million for the McShane Chair in Construction Engineering Management, held by Dr. Mark Federle. McShane leads the McShane Companies, a diversified organization comprised of various real estate development and construction companies. Robert C. Greenheck, chairman of the board of the Greenheck Fan Corp. in Schofield, Wis., in May 2006 endowed the Greenheck Chair in Engineering Design, held by Dr. Kevin Craig. In addition, in 2003 the Opus Corporation made a gift of $5 million to endow the deanship of the College of Engineering, a position currently held by Jaskolski.

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2. President Robert A. Wild, S.J., to receive Dei Gloriam Award

Rev. Robert A. Wild, S.J., president of Marquette University, will be honored with the 2009 Dei Gloriam Award at Saint Ignatius College Prep’s graduation ceremony Sunday, May 31, in Chicago. Father Wild is a graduate of Saint Ignatius.

The award, which is the highest honor bestowed by Saint Ignatius College Prep, will be given in recognition of Father Wild’s commitment to the Church, Jesuit education, promotion of social justice and leadership of Marquette University.

“I began my Jesuit journey more than 50 years ago at St. Ignatius, and the principles and values I learned there have served me well ever since,” said Father Wild.

Saint Ignatius College Prep has previously honored the likes of Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley; Ed Brabec for his work in Chicago labor unions; Jim O’Connor for his work with Big Shoulders; Sister Catherine Norris from St. Vincent de Paul; and Rev. Jim Close from Mercy Home.

In addition to Father Wild, other Ignatius alumni serve Marquette in leadership positions, including Dr. John Pauly, ’67, provost; Tricia Geraghty ’88, vice president for marketing and communication; Joseph Kearney, ’82, dean and professor of law; and Rev. Michael Class, S.J., ’70, adjunct assistant professor of professional studies and former Ignatius trustee. Another former Saint Ignatius trustee, Cherryl Thomas, is a Marquette alumna, Arts ’68, and trustee. There are also more than 70 St. Ignatius alumni who currently attend Marquette.

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3. Streets and sidewalks to close due to construction

The sidewalk and parking lane along the south side of Wisconsin Avenue from Marquette Hall to Gesu Church will be closed for utility work beginning today, May 26, until Aug. 14. Access to Marquette Hall and Gesu will be maintained during construction.

Other utility work, particularly near the Zilber, Eckstein and McCabe hall construction sites, will cause other street and sidewalk closings from the first week of June through mid-August. Signs will be posted to direct traffic around the closed areas.

A complete schedule of closings and current project information is available on the Office of the University Architect Web site.

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4. Gas grill to be given away at Patio Grille grand opening

The grand opening for the Marquette Place Patio Grille, Friday, May 29, will include live music, food sampling and a gas grill giveaway. The Patio Grille begins operations today, May 26, on the west patio, first floor of the AMU, with summer hours of 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays.

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5. Take shelter during severe weather

Members of the Marquette community are reminded to take shelter immediately when the local emergency sirens sound for severe weather. A tornado warning means that a tornado is in the area and everyone should take immediate shelter, preferably in a basement or below-ground location.

A tornado watch means that conditions are right for a tornado. Continue normal activities but monitor the situation.

For more information, see the Emergency Procedures Guide.

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