1. Marquette University Board of Trustees elects four new members

Four new members were elected to the Marquette University Board of Trustees this week:

Alfred C. McGuire, a 1973 graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences, is a retired senior vice president of Fidelity Investments, where he worked in a variety of leadership roles focusing on sales from 1989 to 2004 in Boston. He previously served as senior vice president at Smith Barney and began his professional career with Marine National Exchange Bank in Milwaukee in 1975. McGuire provided color commentary for Marquette men’s basketball games on radio and television between 1975 and 1983. He served as chair of the search committee that hired Marquette's vice president and director of athletics in 2011, and has been involved in a variety of civic and charitable activities focusing on youth, athletics and coaching.

Dr. Janis M. Orlowski graduated from Marquette’s College of Engineering with a bachelor of science degree in biomedical engineering in 1978. She received her medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 1982. Her residency, a term as chief resident and a fellowship in nephrology, were completed at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago. Orlowski is currently senior vice president and chief medical officer of MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C. The MedStar Health system includes nine hospitals and more than 100 clinics in the Baltimore-Washington region, making it one of the 20 largest hospitals in the United States.

James M. Weiss, a 1968 graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences, is the president of Weiss Capital Management Inc., which provides investment management services to individuals, trusts, estates and corporations. He received his MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania in 1972 before joining the investment counseling firm of Stein Roe & Farnham in Chicago where he worked until 1992. He then became president of IDS Equity Advisors, Minneapolis. In 1995 he moved to State Street Research and Management, Boston, where he became chief investment officer–equities until late 2002 when he left to establish Weiss Capital Management. He presently serves on the College of Business Administration Dean’s Council of Excellence.

Thomas H. Werner, a 1986 graduate of the College of Engineering, has served as SunPower Corporation’s chief executive officer and as a member of the SunPower board of directors since June 2003. SunPower is a publicly traded corporation that delivers the highest-efficiency solar cells and solar panels, and the most advanced solar energy systems. Prior to joining SunPower, he held the position of chief executive officer of Silicon Light Machines Inc., an optical solutions subsidiary of Cypress Semiconductor Corporation. Previously, Werner was vice president and general manager of the Business Connectivity Group of 3Com Corp., a network solutions company. He has also held a number of executive management positions at Oak Industries Inc., and General Electric Co.

"These four individuals represent a diverse group of Marquette alumni," said Marquette University President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. “With their unique backgrounds, talents and experiences, they will bring valuable perspectives to Marquette's board of trustees. I look forward to their leadership as we plan for the future of Marquette."

Back to Top

2. Presentation on engineering, architecture and art today

Chi Epsilon, the civil engineering honor society, along with the American Society of Civil Engineers Wisconsin Section, the Builders Coalition and the Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, will present, “The Structure of Things: Engineering, Architecture and Art,” a lecture given by Daniel Sesil, P.E., S.E., today, March 1, at 5:30 p.m. in Olin Engineering, 202.

Sesil, a Marquette alumnus and recipient of the World Trade Center Medal for Individual Acts of Valor, will be presenting on the projects he has worked on in the U.S., Japan, Singapore and other countries, as well as the structural engineering components of art installations he has been responsible for. Sesil is a partner at Leslie Robertson and Associates, one of the world’s largest structural engineering firms, and is an adjunct faculty member at Columbia University.

For additional information, contact Aaron Schneider, Chi Epsilon president.

Back to Top

3. History Honors Society to host political strategist John Feehery

John Feehery, a Marquette alumnus who has offered political commentary on CNN, MSNBC and FOX News, will present his perspective on how he used his history degree to become a political strategist on Friday, March 2, at 3 p.m. in the AMU, 245. Feehery formerly served as a speechwriter for House of Representatives Republican leader Bob Michael and as communications director for Majority Whip Tom DeLay. He is currently president and director of government affairs at Quinn Gillespie Communications.

For more information, contact Kathleen Ford, president of Phi Alpha Theta.

Back to Top

4. Department of Social and Cultural Sciences sponsoring "Vagina Monologues"

The Department of Social and Cultural Sciences will sponsor a performance of the “Vagina Monologues” Friday, March 2, at 8 p.m. in the AMU Ballrooms. Presented by the student group Empowerment, the “Vagina Monologues” is an episodic play written by Eve Ensler that has been performed all over the world. The event is free, although donations are suggested. All donations will benefit The Healing Center, a local organization that offers support services to survivors of sexual abuse and assault. A talkback with Dr. Kathy Coffey-Guenther, director of Ignatian programs and associate director of the Faber Center for Ignatian Spirituality, and Sue Cooper, coordinator of sexual violence and advocacy services in Student Health Service, will follow the performance.

For more information, contact Dr. Roberta Coles, chair and professor of social and cultural sciences.

Back to Top

5. Biological Sciences Seminar Series continues tomorrow

The Biological Sciences Seminar Series will host, "Mitochondrial Potassium Channels in C. elegans and Mice," Friday, March 2, at 3:30 p.m. in Wehr Life Sciences, 111. Dr. Keith Nehrke, associate professor at the University of Rochester's School of Medicine and Dentistry, will lead the seminar. The event is hosted by Dr. Allison Abbott, assistant professor of biological sciences.

Refreshments will be served prior to the seminar, beginning at 3:15 p.m. in Wehr Life Sciences, 108. For more information, contact the Department of Biological Sciences at 8-7355.

Back to Top

6. GoGeddit.com founder to discuss entrepreneurship

Marquette alumnus Richie Burke, founder and president of GoGeddit.com, will discuss his startup story and the company’s next steps Tuesday, March 6, at 6 p.m. in David Straz, 288. GoGeddit.com offers deals that promote local venues. Free pizza will be provided.

This event is presented by the Collegiate Entrepreneurs of Marquette. For additional information, contact Max Schultz, president of the organization.

Back to Top

7. NAACP Milwaukee leader to go "On the Issues"

James Hall, prominent civil rights attorney and president of the Milwaukee branch of the NAACP, will be the next guest for the Law School’s “On the Issues with Mike Gousha” series, Thursday, March 8, from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. in Eckstein Hall.

Now in his second year at the helm of the NAACP, Hall will discuss the organization’s new initiative, One MKE, which seeks to make the city of Milwaukee less segregated, better educated and more prosperous. Hall will also discuss the serious challenges facing Milwaukee and opportunities to create positive change in the community.

Reserve a spot online.

Back to Top

8. Research fellowships available in gender and sexuality studies

The Office of the Provost will award up to six research fellowships to Marquette faculty currently engaged in scholarly or creative work related to gender or sexuality studies. Faculty with work in progress and those needing support for exploratory research are encouraged to apply. The fellowships will be incorporated into the Gender Resource Center, which is preparing to recruit a director who is expected to begin next fall.

Each award will provide a stipend of $5,000 for the month of June 2012. Eligible awardees must hold permanent tenure track appointments, have terminal degrees and be returning to the university for the 2012-13 academic year. A report on the results of each awardee’s project will be due by September 15, 2012.

Full proposal submission requirements can be found online. All proposals are due by Friday, March 9, and awardees will be notified by April 1. Contact Dr. William Welburn, associate provost for diversity and inclusion, at 8-8028 with questions.

Back to Top

9. Submissions due March 9 for Raynor Memorial Libraries' research competition

The Maria Dittman Library Research Competition is accepting submissions through Friday, March 9. The competition recognizes the importance of library research in academia and offers a $200 prize in three categories: freshman and sophomore, junior and senior, and graduate and professional. Submissions must be A-grade papers written during the fall 2011 semester at Marquette. Full submission details and an entry form are available online.

Back to Top

10. Easy Pass enrollment deadline is March 22

The deadline to participate in the Easy Pass payroll deduction program for the April to June quarter is Thursday, March 22. The Easy Pass offers unlimited Milwaukee County bus rides, including Freeway Flyers and special event shuttles.

The program costs $198 per quarter and can be deducted before taxes. Sign up between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. in the AMU, Union Station. Those who wish to discontinue Easy Pass participation must also do so in Union Station by Thursday, March 22.

Back to Top

11. Lenten reflection series continues March 5

The Faber Center for Ignatian Spirituality’s Lenten reflection series, the Third Week Group, will continue Monday, March 5, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Faber Center in Schroeder Complex, 111. The reflection will be facilitated by Kathy Coffey-Guenther, director of Ignatian Programs and associate director of the Faber Center.  A light lunch will be served.

Additional reflection sessions will be held March 19 and March 26 at the same time and location. Registration for the reflection series is still open. For additional information, contact Ellen Blonski, administrative assistant at the Faber Center, at 8-4545.

Back to Top

12. Praise and worship prayer offered March 5

A praise and worship style prayer will be offered Monday, March 5 from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Chapel of the Holy Family. The prayer and fellowship session is co-sponsored by Campus Ministry, InterVarsity, Knights of Columbus and Lutheran Campus Ministry.

For additional information, contact Steve Blaha, assistant director of Campus Ministry, at 8-6873.

Back to Top

13. Guided meditation sessions offered during March

The Employee Wellness Program and the Center for Peacemaking are providing a series of guided meditation sessions for faculty and staff during March. Participants will learn how to incorporate the benefits of meditation into daily life by participating in guided sessions offered by a meditation instructor. Sessions will be offered every Wednesday from March 7 to March 28 from 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. in Cramer Hall, 046. The fee is $12 for four sessions.

Contact Mandi Richter, wellness coordinator, at 8-4581 to register.

Back to Top

14. Gold 'n Blues to perform annual benefit concert Sunday

Gold ‘n Blues, Marquette’s coed a cappella group, will perform its annual benefit concert, Harmony for Hope, Sunday, March 4, at 4 p.m. in the Weasler Auditorium. All proceeds from the concert benefit Action Contre La Faim (Action Against Hunger), a service organization that helps those in Western Africa struggling with hunger. In addition to Gold ‘n Blues, three other groups will perform: The Naturals, Marquette’s male a cappella group, The Innocent Men, a men’s a capella group from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and DWaC, a women’s a capella group from DePaul University.

Tickets are on sale on the second floor of the AMU today, Thursday, March 1, and Friday, March 2. Tickets cost $5 for students and $7 for the general public.

Back to Top

15. Free group fitness classes on Friday

The Department of Recreational Sports is offering the following free group fitness classes to members tomorrow, March 2. The cost is $2 for faculty and staff who are non-members.
• Zumba at 1 p.m. at the Rec Center 
• Ab Blast at 4 p.m. at the Rec Center 
• Spin at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the Rec Center
• Cardio dance at 1 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.

Back to Top