1. Tom Ganey promoted to vice president of planning

Tom Ganey has been promoted to vice president of planning in addition to his current role as university architect, President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., announced today. For the past 20 years, Ganey has served in various university leadership roles, including project manager, assistant director of facility services and university architect. For the past year, he has led the university-wide strategic planning process as co-chair of the Strategic Planning Coordinating Committee. He will report to Dr. Mary DiStanislao, executive vice president.

Throughout the strategic planning process, the Office of the Provost has led academic planning and will continue to do so, in close collaboration with Ganey, according to Father Pilarz.

In his new role, Ganey will continue to implement and develop the university-wide strategic plan that was endorsed by Marquette's Board of Trustees on May 1, 2013, working with both administrative and academic partners across the university. Highlights of the collaborative strategic planning process led by Ganey and Strategic Plan Coordinating Committee Co-Chair Jeanne Hossenlopp include a President's Workshop on strategic planning attended by more than 450 faculty, staff and students; the creation of a comprehensive environmental scan; the collection and synthesis of hundreds of emails from university stakeholders; and a series of office hours and meetings with groups across campus to seek feedback and input throughout the strategic planning process.

"Tom has demonstrated his ability as a leader, as well as a facilitator, and he has worked across our community to ensure our strategic planning process has been inclusive and collaborative," DiStanislao said. "He brings a combination of initiative, experience and vision to this important new role, and he reaches across traditional university boundaries in every aspect of his work."

Since joining Marquette, Ganey has been the leader of a $350 million campus improvement plan, including the construction of eight new buildings and seven major facility renovation projects, along with significant improvements to campus grounds. Two of the most recent projects under Ganey's direction include Engineering Hall, a $50 million award-winning LEED Gold academic building, featuring innovative teaching and research laboratories, and Ray and Kay Eckstein Hall, an $85 million LEED Silver building housing the Marquette University Law School.

"The best thing about my work at Marquette has been the opportunity to work with so many bright people," Ganey said. "In the last year, I was given a tremendous opportunity to work with Jeanne Hossenlopp and engage in a great campus-wide discussion about the future of our university, and I am looking forward to continuing this important work with colleagues across the campus."

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2. Submit nominations for honorary degree recipients by Aug. 9

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

Each year Marquette 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 exceptional achievements. Dr. Bill Cosby and Sister Rosemary Connelly, R.S.M., received honorary degrees at the spring 2013 Commencement ceremony yesterday.

I am asking for your help in identifying future honorary degree recipients. I invite you, members of the Marquette community, to consider an individual who we might recognize. The Committee on University Honors will consider nominees in three categories:

  • High profile individuals who could serve as the commencement speaker;

  • Individuals who have distinguished themselves as an academic and/or intellectual; and,

  • Individuals who have distinguished themselves in public and/or community service to our community and/or our larger society.

In all cases, there should be an appropriateness of the nominees to the mission of Marquette. 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 can take the form of a letter or email of support briefly explaining why it would be appropriate to honor this particular person. It should include basic biographical information, a short account of the individual's principal accomplishments, and a brief and clear rationale for recognition by Marquette. Questions and nominations should be directed to Andrea Schneider, chair of the Committee on University Honors and professor of law, by Aug. 9. You may find it helpful to review the names of previous honorary degree recipients.

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.

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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3. Sewer maintenance to disrupt water service to select buildings

The City of Milwaukee is conducting ongoing sewer maintenance that will disrupt water service to select buildings on the west side of campus from late May into June. This work will also include partial lane closures on campus, beginning with the parking lane on eastbound Wisconsin Avenue between 16th and 14th Streets beginning today, Monday, May 20, and lasting approximately two weeks.

Facilities Services is working with the city and the contractor responsible for the work to limit the impact on the university community. Notifications have been sent to occupants of buildings that may be impacted by water disruptions. Additional details will be emailed directly to building occupants informing them when water disruptions will occur. Notices will also be posted on entrances of buildings that will experience disruptions, informing visitors and occupants of water outages and listing the nearest location for restrooms.

Affected buildings and a tentative schedule of outages are expected to be confirmed this week. An update will be provided in next week's News Briefs, which will be distributed Tuesday, May 28. For more information or questions, contact Mike Jahner, associate director of Facilities Services, at 8-5700.

The maintenance work being done to the sewer lines includes a curing process that will create a foul smell. The safety information of the curing products has been reviewed and is available through the Office of Environmental Health and Safety, 8-8411.

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4. Fall classroom assignments posted, submit classroom requests for fall exam review sessions and exams

Fall 2013 classroom assignments are posted in CheckMarq. Faculty members should access CheckMarq to review classroom assignments during the May 20- 31 classroom assignment review period.

To reserve classroom space for fall 2013 review sessions held prior to exam week, or to request a larger/additional final exam classroom, complete the online Review/Exam Request Form. Faculty who need larger final exam rooms and/or review session rooms for the fall 2013 semester can request classroom space from the Office of the Registrar during the review period. Final exams for the fall 2013 semester are Dec. 9-14.

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5. New Colleagues' Convocation is Aug. 19

The Office of Mission and Ministry will host New Colleagues' Convocation on Monday, Aug. 19, to introduce all new employees hired within the last calendar year to a clearer understanding of the university's Catholic and Jesuit mission.

New Colleagues' Convocation will be held in the AMU, Monaghan Ballrooms. More information can be found online or by contacting Brigid Kinsella-Alba, assistant to the vice president in the Office of Mission and Ministry, at 8-1794.

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6. Attend forum on schizophrenia and the search for treatment through drug development

The College of Health Sciences' next "Marquette Presents" breakfast forum, "Schizophrenia – New Hope for Effective Treatment Through Drug Development," will be held Friday, May 31, at 7:15 a.m. in the AMU, Monaghan Ballrooms.

More than 3 million Americans suffer from schizophrenia, yet medications used to treat the disease have not worked particularly well or changed significantly since their original development in the 1950s.

Dr. William Cullinan, dean of the College of Health Sciences and director of the Integrative Neuroscience Research Center, will moderate the panel of experts in neuroscience and psychiatry, including the founders of two distinct pharmaceutical start-up companies at Marquette. The panel includes:

  • Dr. David Baker, professor and associate chair of biomedical sciences; co-founder of Promentis Pharmaceuticals Inc.

  • Dr. M. Behnam Ghasemzadeh, associate professor of biomedical sciences; co-founder of AviMed Pharmaceuticals

  • Dr. Jerry Halverson, medical director of Adult Services at Rogers Memorial Hospital; board-certified adult psychiatrist with a subspecialty in psychosomatic medicine

  • An individual currently living with schizophrenia

The free forum includes a complimentary breakfast. Register online.

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7. Athletics to present Backyard BBQ hosted by Buzz Williams

The Marquette community is invited to a Backyard BBQ hosted by Men's Basketball Head Coach Buzz Williams, Wednesday, June 26, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the Central Mall. This annual event features Williams and current and former Marquette basketball players, games and a Texas-style BBQ dinner.

Register online or by calling 8-7431 by Friday, June 21. Tickets are $15 per person before the June 21 deadline, and $18 per person after June 21. Children six and under receive free admission.

For additional information, contact University Special Events at 8-7431.

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8. Guided meditation sessions offered throughout the summer

The Employee Wellness Program will offer two guided meditation sessions throughout the summer. Each session will be four weeks, beginning Wednesday, June 5, and will be held every Wednesday from 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. in Coughlin Hall, 001. The cost for each four-week session is $16; space is limited to 15 participants per class.

Additional information and registration can be found online. For additional questions, contact Kristin Kipp, wellness coordinator, at 8-5607.

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9. TIAA-CREF consultants on campus this week for free financial counseling

In conjunction with TIAA-CREF, Marquette will offer individual and confidential financial counseling sessions for faculty and staff. The 45-minute sessions will answer three common questions asked by participants: am I saving enough for retirement, am I properly allocated and what are the options for taking distributions from my account?

One-on-one sessions are available Tuesday, May 21, in AMU 233, and Wednesday, May 22, and Thursday, May 23, in AMU 231.

To schedule an appointment, call (312) 345-5605, Monday through Friday, between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

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10. Rec Plex swim classes begin June 3

Registration for Rec Plex swim lessons is now open. Swim lessons for children will be held on Monday and Wednesday evenings beginning June 3. Adult swim lessons will be held on Saturdays starting June 8.

Various classes are offered:

  • Levels one to six, Introduction to Water Skills through Swimming and Skill Proficiency

  • Tiny Tots and Wee Folks, for children six months to six years old. This program is designed to encourage water adjustment skills and develop basic swimming skills.

  • Adult swim lessons

  • Private and semi-private lessons, available for children and adults. A minimum of two swimmers is required for semi-private lessons.

Registration for all lessons must be done at the Rec Plex and cannot be completed over the phone. The cost is $40 for members and $46 for non-members for group classes. Enrollment is limited. All sessions have a minimum number of spaces that must be filled in order to offer the class, and classes may be combined to accommodate these requirements. Payment must be made at the time of registration, and a liability waiver must be completed before a child or minor can participate in the program.

Questions can be directed to John Kratzer, Rec Plex general manager, at 8-7778.

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11. College of Professional Studies to hold undergraduate information session

The College of Professional Studies will hold an undergraduate degree information session for prospective adult students Wednesday, June 5, from 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Cudahy, 414. Information to be presented will include accelerated eight-week-session bachelor's degree programs, Saturday, weeknight, blended online and select fully online offerings, the application process, and financial aid opportunities.

Register online or by calling 8-3153.

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12. Register for annual Rec Plex golf outing

The 18th Annual Rec Plex Golf Scramble will be held Thursday, June 6, at Silver Spring Country Club's Island and Falls course in Menomonee Falls, Wis. Proceeds from the event benefit the Breadwinner Scholarship, which aids students who have lost their breadwinner parent during their undergraduate years, and the equipment budget for the Department of Recreational Sports.

Register online. The cost is $100 or $115 for individuals and $400 or $460 per foursome, depending on the course. For more information, contact John Kratzer, general manager of the Rec Plex, at 8-7778.

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