1. Submit nominations for honorary degree recipients by Aug. 17

From Marquette President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J.:

Each year Marquette University celebrates its values and commitment to excellence by awarding honorary degrees and including in its graduating class a number of outstanding individuals recognized for their scholarship and exceptional achievements. Mr. Henry L. Aaron and Madre Miguel Conway, B.V.M., received honorary degrees at the spring 2012 Commencement ceremony, and both are role models for our students. I am asking for your help in identifying future honorary degree recipients.

Because the great majority of honorary degrees are awarded to individuals nominated by you, members of the Marquette community, I invite you to thoughtfully consider an individual we might recognize. That person may have demonstrated unique and outstanding leadership in a profession or provided exemplary service to society. In all cases there must be an appropriateness of the nominees to the distinctive mission and values of Marquette University. Since honorary degrees are not awarded in absentia or posthumously, it is also helpful to know that if an invitation is offered, this nominee will be likely to accept.

Nominations will be considered by the Committee on University Honors. Should you make a nomination, it can take the form of a letter or email of support explaining why it would be appropriate for Marquette to honor this particular person. It should include some basic biographical information, a short account of the individual's principal accomplishments, and a clear rationale for recognition by Marquette. Please send your questions and nominations to Professor Andrea Schneider, chair of the Committee on University Honors and professor of law, by Aug. 17.

Individuals whom the Board of Trustees approves for an honorary degree may, for a variety of reasons, not be able to accept it with the next graduating class. Once approved by the trustees, an offer may be extended at some point over a five-year period that is mutually agreeable to both the individual and Marquette.

You may find it helpful to review the names of previous honorary degree recipients.

Thank you for your help in identifying potential honorary degree recipients. The quality of your nominations allows us to showcase in a public way the embodiment of Marquette's mission and values.

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2. Rev. John Naus, S.J., retiring after nearly five decades of service

Rev. John Naus, S.J., chaplain of the Alumni Memorial Union, is retiring from Marquette University after having served the university for nearly 50 years. Father Naus is well-known throughout campus for many things: his history as Tumbleweed the Clown, his famous Christmas cards and his long tradition of celebrating 10 p.m. Mass at St. Joan of Arc Chapel on Tuesdays.

"Father Naus has touched the lives of so many Marquette students, alumni, faculty and staff," said Rev. Fred Zagone, S.J., assistant to the vice president for University Advancement. "He especially loved it when former students stopped by his office and introduced their high school age children who were here for a Marquette tour. Everyone he met was added to his Christmas card list. Marquette is so much a better place because John was here. We all join in prayer that his spirit and laughter will always permeate this campus."

Ordained at the Church of the Gesu in 1955, Naus returned to Marquette in 1963 as dean of students. Since then, he has served Marquette in a variety of capacities, including 40 years in the Office of the President, 28 years as chaplain of Schroeder Hall, the director of spiritual welfare and in a teaching capacity as associate professor of philosophy. He has concelebrated Tuesday night Mass at St. Joan of Arc Chapel for more than 25 years, a Marquette tradition that has touched the lives of thousands of students. Father Naus will continue to reside at the St. Camillus Jesuit Community in Wauwatosa, Wis., and plans to continue sending his famous summer Christmas cards each year.

A celebration of Father Naus' ministry, legacy and service to Marquette will be held at a later date. Watch News Briefs for additional information.

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3. Students currently using voluntary health insurance through Marquette must enroll with new provider by July 31

Students currently using Marquette's optional, voluntary student health insurance plan through the 2011-2012 provider, WPS Health Insurance, and who want to continue to receive health insurance coverage, need to enroll with the university's new student health insurance provider, Student Assurance Services, Inc., by Tuesday, July 31. All student health insurance policies through WPS Health Insurance will end July 31. Enrollment information can be found online.

Insurance plan brochures are available at Student Health Service in the lower level of Schroeder Complex, and the Counseling Center, located in Holthusen Hall, 204. Health insurance for full- and part-time graduate students taking at least six credits is also available through Student Assurance Services. For more information, go online or contact Student Assurance Services at 800-328-2739.

These plans are offered in addition to the many health services that are provided by Marquette's Student Health Service. Adult children of parents with health insurance may also be covered by their parents' insurance through the end of the month of their 26th birthday. Students should check with their parents for more information about coverage through their plan.

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4. Sign up to have a table at O-Fest and Community Service Fair by Aug. 1

This year's Organization Fest will take place Thursday, Aug. 30, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the Central Mall. Marquette's 270 student organizations will be in attendance, in addition to local community service agencies and university departments, which will showcase involvement opportunities and services available to students.

O-Fest is sponsored by the Office of Student Development. Student organizations interested in having a table at O-Fest should contact Matt Lengen, coordinator for student organizations and leadership, at 8-7205, by Wednesday, Aug. 1.

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5. Join in celebrating the Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola

The Office of Mission and Ministry invites the Marquette community to join in celebrating the Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola Tuesday, July 31. The Mass will take place at 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel of the Holy Family, followed by a reception in Westowne Square. To attend the Mass and celebration, register online.

For more information, please contact Brigid Alba, assistant to the vice president in the Office of Mission and Ministry, at 8-1794.

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6. McNair undergraduate students hosting research symposium

Undergraduate students participating in the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program this summer will present their research at the 22nd annual McNair Undergraduate Research Symposium, July 25-26. Poster presentations will be held on Wednesday, July 25, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Alumni Memorial Union, room 163. Oral presentations will be held Thursday, July 26, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Cudahy Hall, followed by a reception.

For more information, contact the McNair Scholars Program at 8-1771.

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7. Biomedical Sciences' Student Research Day is July 27

The Department of Biomedical Sciences' Summer Research Program will host its annual Student Research Day Friday, July 27, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Students will present poster sessions until 3 p.m., followed by a reception with light refreshments. The event is a culmination of the work that 44 undergraduate students have conducted over a 10-week period this summer in the research laboratories of 18 faculty mentors from five departments and programs in the College of Health Sciences.

The student presentations cover a range of topics, including new approaches for treating debilitating diseases that plague modern society; clinical research focused on improving and developing new approaches for neuro-rehabilitation in victims of stroke, spinal cord injury and speech disorders; and science that advances basic understanding of clotting, neuro-degeneration and wound healing.

For more information, contact Michael Anderson, academic coordinator in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, at 8-7329.

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8. Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science Research Experience for Undergraduates program to share presentations

Students participating in the Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science Research Experience for Undergraduates program this summer will present their research at two showcase events. Poster presentations will be held on Tuesday, July 31, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the third floor atrium of Cudahy Hall. Formal presentations will follow on Thursday, Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Cudahy Hall, room 401. Lunch will be provided to all guests.

For more information, contact Dr. Kim Factor, associate professor of mathematics, statistics and computer science, at 8-7941.

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9. University mourns death of Dr. James Goblirsch

The university mourns the death of Dr. James Goblirsch, a School of Dentistry alumnus who served as a faculty member in the School of Dentistry for more than 30 years. He passed away July 18. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, July 21, at 11 a.m. at Alexian Village Chapel in Milwaukee.

Goblirsch also served as the chief of the dental department at St. Francis Hospital for four years, and was a member of the hospital staff for more than 40 years. He was awarded the WWII Victory Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the American Campaign Medal for his service as a dental officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean Conflict.

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10. Registration open for Briggs & Al's Run & Walk

Registration is now open for the 35th annual Briggs & Al's Run & Walk for Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, which will take place Saturday, Sept. 15. More than 16,000 participants are expected to line up on Marquette's campus for an 8k run and 3- and 5-mile walks to help make a difference in the lives of children from across Wisconsin. The event was founded by former Marquette basketball coach Al McGuire and has raised more than $13 million for the hospital to fund medical care, research and education.

The race starts at 12th Street and Wisconsin Avenue and continues to Lake Michigan near the Summerfest grounds. The $25 registration cost includes walk/run participation and a T-shirt. Register online as an individual or with a Marquette team. For more information about joining the Marquette University team, contact John Cary, supervisor of university information, at 8-3128. Event day registration is also available.

Volunteer opportunities are also available before, during and after the run/walk. For more information, contact Ali Myszewski, assistant director of the AMU, at 8-3129.

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