1. Father Wild will retire in June 2011

Marquette President Robert A. Wild, S.J., during his annual President's Address Thursday afternoon will announce his intent to retire on June 30, 2011, or whenever a successor is appointed, whichever comes later.

Father Wild, noting that he will turn 70 later this month, informed the Board of Trustees of his intent at yesterday's meeting.

"I would not even contemplate my own retirement even after 15 years if Marquette wasn't in such a good place, and if we didn't have talented teams at every level of the university to support my successor," he said. Father Wild said the board will seek a Jesuit for the presidency, in accordance with university bylaws.

Board Chair Darren Jackson, Bus Ad '86, said the Board of Trustees has elected a search committee, which will be led by Mary Ellen Stanek, Arts ‘78, the immediate past chair of the trustees and managing director and director of asset management for Robert W. Baird & Co. in Milwaukee. Other members of the trustee committee include: Natalie A. Black, Law '78; James P. Flaherty, S.J., Arts '78; Richard J. Fotsch, Eng ‘77, Grad '84; John J. Stollenwerk, Sp ‘62, Grad '66; Charles M. Swoboda, Eng '89; and Cherryl T. Thomas, Arts '68. Jackson said he would be communicating with the campus community about the search process early next week.

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2. A Message to Marquette Students from Father Wild

Dear Students:

Many of you may already have heard news of my impending retirement. I know word travels fast in these days of Twitter, Facebook and the like, but I wanted to personally reach out to you.

I wish I could gather all of you together. Not being able to do that, this note will have to suffice for now. I hope to see many of you at the semi-annual MUSG Student Forum March 23. That will give you a chance to ask me any questions you may have and for me to share my observations with you more personally.

Those forums have been among some of my more unforgettable moments at Marquette, especially the Harley-Davidson and "Where's Wild-o." promotions. You've asked some good questions, caused us to further investigate some things and helped to bring about some valuable changes. I never cease to be proud of our students — your intellectual accomplishments, your creativity, your sense of pride in this special place and your embracing of and strong belief in the need to be leaders in the service of others.

In the days ahead, you'll be hearing more from our Board of Trustees about the search for a new president and how you can be involved. We value your input and want you to be as forthright as students have been at my monthly luncheons and the MUSG Forums in telling us what YOU think.

Remember, I'm here for another 15 months, and I intend to be very active, both on campus and off campus in meeting with alumni and friends who can help us increase funding for student scholarships and finish the law and engineering campaigns. I will look forward to seeing you, and talking with you, at various events between now and the June 2011 Commencement, preview and orientation, convocation, college awards ceremonies and a host of others.

In the meantime, please join me in prayer as the search committee begins its important work.

I wish God's continued blessings on you and those close to you and on all members of our Marquette family.

Bob Wild, S.J.
President, Marquette University

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1. Father Wild will retire in June 2011

2. A Message to Marquette Students from Father Wild