1. Mission Week kicks off with Sunday Mass

The Marquette community will celebrate Mission Week Feb. 19-24 beginning with Mission Week Mass at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, at Church of the Gesu. Rev. Doug Leonhardt, S.J., associate vice president of Mission and Ministry, will celebrate and Marquette President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., will deliver the homily. A reception to celebrate the start of Mission Week will follow mass, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Father Herian Hall, inside Church of the Gesu.

This year’s keynote address will be given by Dr. Bernard Amadei, founding president of Engineers Without Borders USA, on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 4 p.m. in the AMU, Monaghan Ballroom.

Monday’s Mission Week events include:

  • Faculty and staff invited to luncheon with Mission Week speaker
    Faculty and staff are invited to attend a lunchtime discussion with one of Mission Week’s featured speakers, Dr. Jennifer Beste, about the complex social reality of today’s hookup culture on college campuses on Monday, Feb. 20, at noon in AMU, Ballroom E.
  • “Who’s your neighbor?” coffee house
    The Repairers of the Breach choir will sing soulful music based on testimonials shared by members of the Repairers Community, Monday, Feb. 20, at 4 p.m., in the AMU, Lunda Room. Complimentary coffee and treats will be served.

Each February, the Marquette community pauses to reflect on our university's Catholic, Jesuit mission through Mission Week. This year’s theme is “Who is my neighbor?” Throughout the week, the Marquette community will be invited to reflect on who their neighbors are locally, nationally and internationally, and to examine how they can create international networks to address issues of faith, justice and ecology.

Watch for daily Mission Week News Briefs next week, Feb. 20-24, featuring Mission Week activities. The complete schedule for Mission Week is available online.

The Mission Week schedule in the February issue of Marquette Matters listed the wrong date for Dr. Phil Nyden’s lecture. He is presenting, “Do We Know it All? Combining University and Community Knowledge in Research,” on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. in AMU, Ballrooms A and B.

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2. Baseball legend Hank Aaron to be Commencement speaker

Former Major League Baseball star Hank Aaron will be the Commencement speaker at this year’s spring ceremony and will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from the university. Aaron played outfielder for the Milwaukee Braves, Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers from 1954-1976 and holds many of baseball’s most prestigious records.

Aaron was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982 and was also hired as the Atlanta Braves’ vice president and director of player development, making him one of the first minority executives in Major League Baseball. In 1999, Major League Baseball announced the introduction of the Hank Aaron Award, which honors the best overall offensive performer in the American and National Leagues. In addition to Aaron’s contributions to baseball, he has worked on behalf of racial equality and civil rights through his Chasing the Dream Foundation, which helps underprivileged children. 

Marquette will also award Sister Mary Miguel Conway, BVM, an honorary doctor of humane letters at the ceremony. Sister Miguel is co-director of the Working Boys’ Center in Quito, Ecuador, which serves more than 400 families of working children annually at three locations in Quito.

Marquette’s 131st Commencement ceremony will be held at the Bradley Center Sunday, May 20.

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3. 2012 Aquinas Lecture: "The Post-Racial Ideal"

The Department of Philosophy will host its 2012 Aquinas Lecture, “The Post-Racial Ideal,” a presentation by Dr. Howard McGary, Sunday, Feb. 26, at 3 p.m., in the Raynor Memorial Libraries Conference Center. McGary is a professor of philosophy at Rutgers University and is also the founder of the Rutgers Summer Institute for Diversity in Philosophy. A reception will immediately follow the lecture.

For more information, contact the Department of Philosophy at 8-6857.

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4. Symposium on Africana studies will be held tomorrow

The Office of the Provost and the College of Arts and Sciences will sponsor, “Race and Global Institutions: A Symposium in Africana Studies at Marquette,” Friday, Feb. 17, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Raynor Memorial Libraries, Beaumier Suites B and C. This event will highlight three recent books published by faculty across the disciplines. These works ask large questions about how racial formations influence global institutions such as education, religion and capitalism. Each presenter will speak for 15 minutes on the genesis and aim of their book, and the final hour will be dedicated to questions and group discussion.

Information on the authors and their works can be found online.

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5. "On the Issues with Mike Gousha" features February Law School Poll

The results of the latest Marquette Law School Poll will be the topic of “On the Issues with Mike Gousha” Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 12:15 p.m. in Eckstein Hall. Professor Charles Franklin, the director of the poll and nationally recognized expert in voter analysis, will discuss with Gousha the latest insights into voter attitudes on the possible gubernatorial recall, open U.S. Senate seat, presidential election and more. The complete results of the February poll will be released that day.
 
Register for the event online. For more information on the Law School Poll, visit law.marquette.edu/poll.

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6. Biological Sciences Seminar Series continues tomorrow

The Biological Sciences Seminar Series will present, “How is smooth muscle contraction regulated?” Friday, Feb. 17, at 3:30 p.m., in Wehr Life Sciences, 111. The discussion will be led by Dr. Thomas Eddinger, professor of biological sciences. Refreshments will be served prior to the seminar at 3:15 p.m. in Wehr Life Sciences, 108.

For more information, contact the Department of Biological Sciences at 8-7355.

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7. Register for summer workshop to create a blended or online course

Marquette faculty and staff are invited to apply for a summer workshop on online/blended course design, which will be held on four successive Fridays, beginning May 18. Participants will work with an instructional designer to develop either a blended or online course that is driven by student learning outcomes and designed to engage students in active learning experiences. At the end of the workshop participants will have developed an online or blended course. A stipend of $2,000 will be awarded to all successful applicants.

More information and an application can be found online. Space is extremely limited. Interested candidates should submit an application to Heidi Schweizer, director of e-Learning in the Center for Teaching and Learning, in Raynor Memorial Libraries, 326, by March 1. Contact Heidi Schweizer at 8-8811 with additional questions.

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8. Phi Sigma Tau to present "Last Lecture"

Phi Sigma Tau, Marquette’s chapter of the International Philosophy Honors Society, is hosting a "Last Lecture" given by Dr. Javier Ibáñez-Noé on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 6 p.m., in the Haggerty Museum of Art. Ibáñez-Noé is an associate professor of philosophy at Marquette and was nominated by Phi Sigma Tau members to give a lecture addressing the question, “If this were your last lecture to Marquette students, what would you say?”

For more information, or to join Phi Sigma Tau, contact Phi Sigma Tau's president, Sarah Gresser.

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9. Grow with Marquette hosting "Managing Generations in the Workplace" program

Grow with Marquette is sponsoring a program titled, “Managing Generations in the Workplace,” presented by Nancy Buchanan of the Aurora Employee Assistance Program on Thursday, Feb. 23, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Raynor Memorial Libraries, Beaumier Suite A. The program will offer strategies for managing generational differences in the work environment. Email Grow with Marquette or call 8-1560 to reserve a spot.

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10. "Defying Gravity" opens tonight at Helfaer Theatre

“Defying Gravity,” a drama about the events surrounding the Challenger space shuttle crash, opens tonight at the Helfaer Theatre and continues through Sunday, Feb. 26. Inspired by the life of astronaut Christa McAuliffe, “Defying Gravity” explores human beings’ need to reach beyond ourselves. Performances will be held:
•    Thursday, Feb. 16, through Saturday, Feb. 18 – 7:30 p.m.
•    Sunday, Feb. 19 – 2:30 p.m. 
•    Wednesday, Feb. 22, Friday, Feb. 24 and Saturday, Feb. 25 – 7:30 p.m.
•    Thursday, Feb. 23 – 8 p.m.
•    Sunday, Feb. 26 – 2:30 p.m.

A special pre-show presentation, “Challenger: Life, Death and the Re-birth of a Masterpiece,” by Marquette College of Engineering OPUS Dean Robert H. Bishop will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23. One of Bishop’s colleagues was aboard the Challenger when it fractured during ascent to orbit on January 28, 1986, resulting in the death of all seven astronauts. 

Discounts on “Defying Gravity” tickets are offered to Marquette students and employees. Tickets can be purchased online or by contacting the theatre box office at 8-7505.

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11. Light of Wellness award nominations due tomorrow

The Employee Wellness Committee is seeking nominees to submit to the Wellness Council of Wisconsin for its inaugural Light of Wellness awards program. 

Healthy Behavior Award: Participants in the Employee Wellness Program may be honored for exemplifying healthy behaviors or lifestyle changes that have resulted in significant improvements.

Leadership Award: Wellness or organizational leadership may be honored for inspiring others to join in the wellness movement, serving as role models or wellness advocates, and ongoing participation and commitment to the worksite wellness program.

Rising Light Award: Participants in the Employee Wellness Program may be honored for taking initial steps in making lifestyle changes. This award honors the employee for the steps they have taken in their wellness journey and may provide them with the encouragement to continue.

Send nominations to Mandi Richter, wellness coordinator, at 8-4581 by Friday, Feb. 17. Finalists will be selected by the Wellness Implementation Committee.

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12. Newest issue of Compendium available

The winter issue of Compendium, the semiannual publication of faculty and staff accomplishments, has been distributed to faculty. The next issue will be distributed this summer and will cover accomplishments from December 2011 through June 2012.

Faculty and staff with scholarly accomplishments that have occurred since November 2011, such as publications, presentations and awards that are not in the winter issue, should make sure they are submitted via the university’s Compendium online submission form. Those accomplishments are also posted on Marquette’s research Web page.

Compiling these faculty accomplishments is an excellent way to let the campus community know about the research taking place at Marquette and to allow fellow faculty to see opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration.

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13. Manresa Scholars Program applications due Feb. 20

Faculty and staff are asked to encourage interested students to apply for the Manresa Scholars Program, which is now accepting applications for the 2012-2013 academic year. This program invites junior and senior students to explore and discern their vocation through weekly service and regular reflection. Manresa Scholars receive an $8,000 tuition scholarship and engage in weekly meetings and an annual retreat.

Interested students should apply online by Monday, Feb. 20, 2012 at 4:30 p.m. For more information, contact Annie Devine, assistant director of campus ministry at 8-3689.

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14. Mission Week service project donation drive

A service project donation drive will take place throughout Mission Week. The communities and groups below are in need of the following donations:

  • Belize – School supplies and monetary donations for St. Peter Claver Parish students at 30 primary schools. Make checks payable to: St. Peter Claver Parish.
  • Haiti Clinic – Pain medications, gauze, Band-Aids and antibiotic ointment for a clinic sponsored by Church of the Gesu. Make checks payable to: Gesu Haiti Projects.
  • Global Medical Brigades – Cough, cold and pain medications, antacids and dental hygiene products. To help subsidize travel costs for student service trips, make checks payable to: Marquette – GMB.
  • Project Night Night – Blankets, children’s books and stuffed animals. Make checks payable to: Marquette University.
  • Project Stand Down – Men’s t-shirts, underwear, washcloths and toiletries (razors, shampoo, toothbrushes, deodorant, toothpaste)

Help support local and global neighbors in need by dropping off donation items in Campus Ministry, AMU 236, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., throughout Mission Week. Contact Campus Ministry at 8-6873 with questions.

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15. Ash Wednesday services will be held Feb. 22

Ash Wednesday Mass and distribution of ashes will be held at the following times and locations on Wednesday, Feb. 22:

  • 6:15 a.m. and 7 a.m. – Church of the Gesu (lower)
  • 11 a.m., 12:05 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. – Church of the Gesu (upper)
  • Noon – Chapel of the Holy Family
  • 6 p.m. – Ecumenical service and distribution of ashes – Chapel of the Holy Family

For additional information, contact Timothy Johnston, assistant director of liturgical programs, at 8-0522.

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16. Eastern Orthodox Vespers service to be held next week

The Marquette chapter of Orthodox Christian Fellowship will host an Eastern Orthodox Vespers service Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 6:30 p.m., in the St. Joan of Arc Chapel. Vespers is an evening prayer service that is spiritual and peaceful, filled with God’s love in Christ through the Holy Spirit. The service is open to the entire Marquette community.

This event is co-sponsored by Campus Ministry and the Marquette Chapter of Orthodox Christian Fellowship. For more information, contact Rev. John D. Jones at 8-5938.

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17. Marquette University Symphony Orchestra performing at Varsity Theatre

The Marquette University Symphony Orchestra will be performing Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, as well as works by American composers Aaron Copland and John Corigliano, at the Varsity Theatre on Sunday, Feb. 19, at 2 p.m. This is a free concert.

Contact Jason Ladd, assistant director of instrumental music, at 8-7476 with questions.

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18. Yoga and muscle conditioning classes available

The Employee Wellness Program is offering the following group fitness classes:

  • Muscle Conditioning: Tuesdays and Thursdays from Feb. 21 to March 27, from 4:50 to 5:35 p.m., in Cramer Hall, 050. The cost is $45 for the six-week session.
  • Yoga: Thursdays from Feb. 23 to March 29 (no class on March 15), from 12:05 to 12:50 p.m., in Cramer Hall, 050. The cost is $25 for the five-week session.

Register online for these limited-space classes. For more information, contact Mandi Richter, employee wellness coordinator, at 8-4581.

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19. Free group fitness classes on Friday

The Department of Recreational Sports is offering free group fitness classes tomorrow, Feb. 17, for members. The cost is $2 for faculty and staff who are non-members.

• Zumba at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the Rec Center 
• Spinning at 4 p.m. at the Rec Center
• Kickboxing at 1 p.m. at the Rec Plex 
• Zumba at 4 p.m. at the Rec Plex

For more information, call the group fitness office at 8-6979 or contact Shannon Bustillos, assistant director of recreational sports, at 8-7778.

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