1. Bill Cosby is spring Commencement speaker

Bill Cosby will be the Commencement speaker at this year's spring ceremony, which will be held Sunday, May 19, at 9:30 a.m. in the BMO Harris Bradley Center. As part of the ceremony, Cosby will receive an honorary doctor of letters degree.

"Bill Cosby was a pioneer in breaking down racial stereotypes on national television," said Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., Marquette University president. "That commitment to breaking boundaries combined with his deep commitment to education is a powerful example for our graduates."

Cosby is well known for his commitment to education. He emphatically believes that the best assurance for a satisfying and rewarding life begins with knowledge. Cosby himself went back to college, long after he had achieved much of his success to obtain a master's degree as well as a doctorate degree in education.

Marquette will also award Sister Rosemary Connelly, R.S.M., an honorary doctor of humane letters degree. She is executive director of Misericordia Heart of Mercy, a service organization in Rogers Park, Ill., that supports people with developmental disabilities.

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2. Father Pilarz forum will be held April 10

Marquette University Student Government will host a student forum with President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., Wednesday, April 10, at 6 p.m. in the AMU, first floor lobby. This will be an opportunity for students to ask Father Pilarz and university leadership about campus topics. Established in 1996, the president-student forum gives students the opportunity to speak directly to the university's senior leadership.

Students can also share their thoughts and questions for Father Pilarz in advance of the forum by using hashtag #muprez, or by directing tweets to @MarquetteU or @MUSG.

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3. Mental Health Awareness Week begins today

Active Minds, Kappa Sigma, NAMI Greater Milwaukee and other campus organizations will sponsor Mental Health Awareness Week from April 8-14. The week's goals include raising awareness, sharing stories and reducing stigma about mental health. Events held throughout the week include:

  • A weeklong Green Ribbon Campaign, where students, faculty and staff are encouraged to wear green ribbons in support of mental health awareness.

  • "How Mental Health Intersect Multiple Disciplines," an academic panel Monday, April 8, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Straz Hall, 105.

  • "Pieces: In My Own Voice," a theater performance presented in partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Greater Milwaukee and ASK, an African-American outreach program, Thursday, April 11, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the AMU, Monaghan Ballrooms.

  • A keynote address by Sue McKenzie, co-director at Rogers InHealth, Friday, April 12, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Straz Hall, 105.

A full list of events can be found online or on Facebook.

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4. Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics team leader to present Coyne Lecture

David W. Latham, team leader at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, will present this year's Coyne Lecture, "Super Earths and Life," Tuesday, April 9, at 5 p.m. in the Weasler Auditorium.

Latham, senior astronomer at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, has a research background in the search for and characterization of extra solar planetary systems, utilizing both ground-based and space-based observations. He is leading a team at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics that is using the HARPS-N spectrometer to confirm and characterize small planets identified by NASA's Kepler Mission, with the goal of determining the properties of a population of rocky planets similar to the Earth.

The annual Coyne Lecture honors the tradition of excellence in research exemplified by the Rev. Coyne by bringing an outstanding astronomer or astrophysicist to the Marquette campus to give a public lecture explaining his or her research. The Coyne lecturer is selected annually by faculty members in the Department of Physics.

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5. Director of National Center for Transgender Equality to speak on campus

Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, will deliver "Trending Now #transequality: Transgender Equality and Justice with Mara Keisling," Wednesday, April 10, at 7 p.m. in the AMU, Monaghan Ballrooms.

A self-identified transgender woman, Keisling is among the nation's leading voices for transgender equality. Since the NCTE was founded in 2003, she has won significant advances in transgender equality such as the passage of the first ever transgender-inclusive federal legislation, modification of the State Department rules for changing gender markers on passports and the historic first Congressional Hearing on transgender issues.

The event is sponsored by Intercultural Engagement, the Gender Sexuality Alliance, the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Gender Sexuality Resource Center and MUSG.

Kiesling will also present a presentation for faculty and staff Wednesday, April 10, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the AMU, Monaghan Ballroom D, on creating trans-inclusive classroom and student culture environments. Registration is not necessary.

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6. ESPN analyst to speak at annual Axthelm Lecture

ESPN analyst Adam Schefter will present "Inside the Life of ESPN's NFL Insider," as part of the 2013 Axthelm Lecture Thursday, April 11, at 4 p.m. in the Weasler Auditorium.

Schefter, who has covered the NFL for more than 20 years, joined ESPN as an NFL Insider in 2009, appearing on "SportsCenter," "NFL Live," "Sunday NFL Countdown," "Monday Night Countdown" and other programs throughout the year in addition to contributing regularly to ESPN.com and ESPN Radio. Before joining ESPN, Schefter was a reporter/analyst for NFL Network and a sportswriter for the Denver Post for 15 years, where he covered the Broncos.

A former president of the Pro Football Writers of America, Schefter has authored four books, including Romo: My Life on the Edge Living Dreams and Slaying Dragons about former Broncos linebacker Bill Romanowski, which was on the New York Times bestseller list. Schefter also wrote books with former Broncos head coach and two-time Super Bowl champion Mike Shanahan and former Super Bowl MVP Terrell Davis.

The Pete and Bonnie Axthelm Memorial Program was established in 1994 to acknowledge and recognize the life of Pete and his sister Bonnie. The program awards an annual scholarship to an outstanding Marquette journalism student with an expressed interest in sports journalism.

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7. Intellectual property expert Arti K. Rai to give Law School's Nies Lecture

Arti K. Rai, Duke University's Elvin R. Latty Professor of Law, will present "Patents, Markets, and Medicine in a Just Society" for the Law School's Nies Lecture Wednesday, April 10, at 12:15 p.m. in Eckstein Hall.

Rai will examine the legal and ethical issues confronting policymakers in the field of medicine, where biomedical patents exist alongside non-market concerns about patients' access to care. She will also discuss how both non-market and market values can be promoted by narrowly targeted use of supply-side alternatives to patents.

Rai is an internationally recognized expert in intellectual property, administrative and health law. Her academic work includes more than 50 articles, essays, and book chapters in peer-reviewed journals and law reviews, ranging from the New England Journal of Medicine to the Columbia Law Review. She is the former Administrator of the Office of External Affairs at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, where her work included policy analysis of the patent reform legislation that ultimately became the America Invents Act. She previously practiced law at Jenner & Block in Washington, D.C., and is an honors graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School.

The annual Nies Lecture remembers the Honorable Helen Wilson Nies, who served as a judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit from 1980 to 1996 (chief judge 1990-94).

This event is presented in support of the Consortium for Health Care Economics and Innovation, a collaboration of Milwaukee-area academic, community and other institutional partners. Register online.

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8. Suicide prevention training offered April 10

The Counseling Center will hold a "Question, Persuade, Refer" (QPR) suicide prevention training session Wednesday, April 10, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Lalumiere, 216. QPR training is a nationally recognized program designed to save lives by teaching individuals to identify and refer someone who may be suicidal. During the training session, participants will learn about the risks and warning signs of suicide, how to talk to someone about suicide and how to facilitate appropriate mental health referrals to sites at Marquette and within the Milwaukee community.

For more information and registration, contact the Counseling Center at 8-7172. Those unable to make the training may schedule a private QPR training with a group of 10 or more individuals.

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9. Celebrate National Poetry Month at international poetry reading

The Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, the Office of International Education and Raynor Memorial Libraries will host an international poetry reading in celebration of National Poetry Month on Tuesday, April 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Raynor Memorial Libraries' Beaumier Suites B and C. Those wishing to read a non-English poem should contact Dr. Jason Meyler, assistant professor of Spanish, at 8-6835, to schedule a reading time.

Light refreshments will be provided.

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10. Seniors asked to complete 2013 Graduating Senior Survey

On Tuesday, April 9, all seniors graduating in May will receive an email from President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., about completing the 2013 Graduating Senior Survey. Those receiving an invitation to participate are asked to please take the time to complete this important survey. Feedback will help the university improve the college experience for future students. In appreciation for participating, one in 20 students who complete the survey by Friday, April 26, will receive a $10 Jimmy John's gift card, and two graduating seniors will win a Senior Week ticket package, a $70 value. Students will be able to access the survey through a link in the email.

For additional information can be found online or by contacting Dr. Jon Dooley, senior associate dean of student development, at 8-7205.

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11. Senior Challenge to host Brewers vs. Cubs tailgate April 19

Senior Challenge will host a Brewers vs. Cubs tailgate and game for the senior class Friday, April 19, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Reserved Tailgate Section of the Yount Parking Lot at Miller Park. The cost of the tailgate and game is $35, which includes food, drinks, a game ticket and a $20.13 class gift. Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis and can be purchased online.

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12. OIE hosting discussion on Muslim women in India

The Office of International Education will host Naish Hassan, founder and president of Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan, for a discussion on human rights Wednesday, April 10, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Holthusen Hall, fourth floor. Through Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan, which has more than 20,000 members, Hassan is carrying out a campaign to give greater rights to women under India's Islamic Law. Hassan has been an advocate for women's rights for over a decade, won several awards and is a frequent commentator on the status of Muslims in India.

For additional information, contact the Office of International Education at 8-7299.

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13. Liturgical ministers needed for spring Baccalaureate Mass

Graduating seniors who are interested in assisting at the Baccalaureate Mass on Saturday, May 18 can sign up to be a liturgical minister (reader, hospitality, server, musicians, etc.) by visiting the Campus Ministry website. Sign up by April 26.

For more information please contact Timothy Johnston, Director of Liturgy in campus ministry.

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14. Distinguished Peacemaker Series to host discussions on emotions, politics and social justice

The Center for Peacemaking, the College of Education and the Office of International Education will host Dr. Michalinos Zembylas as part of the Distinguished Peacemaker Series Tuesday, April 16 to Thursday, April 18. Passionate about education and peacemaking, Dr. Michalinos Zembylas has written five books on how different emotions and politics intersect with social justice pedagogies and peace education. Events will take place on the following dates and times:

  • "Teaching about/for Ambivalent Forgiveness in Troubled Societies," Tuesday, April 16, at 3 p.m. in the AMU, 154.

  • "Soup with Substance: The Emotional Complexities of "Our" and "Their" Loss: The Vicissitudes of Teaching about/for Empathy in a Conflicting Society," Wednesday, April 17, at noon in the AMU, 157.

  • "Reinstating or Disrupting the Dichotomy of Reason/Emotion in Higher Education? A Historicized Approach," Thursday, April 18, from 10:30 a.m. to noon in Schroeder Complex, 112. This event is for College of Education faculty and students only.

For additional information, contact Caitlin Hostad, program coordinator, at 8-7235.

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15. Kohler Center for Entrepreneurship to host ImpactNext: Business Model Competition

The Kohler Center for Entrepreneurship will host ImpactNext: Business Model Competition Friday, April 12, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. in the AMU, Monaghan Ballrooms. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend the poster and networking sessions and hear about the competitor's businesses. The top five overall business models will be presented to the audience Shark Tank style.

This event is free but registration is required. Contact Sarah Eslyn, events coordinator, at 8-7745 with questions.

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16. Seminar to address Dante as a Renaissance thinker

The Departments of English, Foreign Languages and Literatures, and Philosophy will host "A Portrait of Dante as a Renaissance Thinker" Monday, April 8, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Lalumiere Hall, 272. Professor Andrea Robiglio of KU Leuven in The Netherlands will deliver the lecture.

For additional information, contact Dr. Richard Taylor, professor of philosophy, at 8-5649.

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17. Department of Chemistry Spring Colloquium series continues Friday

The Department of Chemistry Spring 2013 Colloquium Series will host "Heme Proteins from Geobacter Sulfurreducens" Friday, April 12, at 4 p.m. in Wehr Chemistry, 121. Dr. Phani Raj Pokkuluri of the Argonne National Labs will lead the seminar.

Refreshments will be served prior to the seminar at 3:45 p.m. in Wehr Chemistry, 121. For more information, contact the Department of Chemistry at 8-3515. A complete schedule of the Spring 2013 Colloquium Series can be found online.

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18. Biological Sciences Seminar Series continues Friday

The Biological Sciences Seminar Series will host "Novel Insights into Regulation of Euchromatic Genes By Endogenous RNAi in C. elegans" Friday, April 12, at 3 p.m. in Wehr Life Sciences, 111. Dr. Alla Grishok of the Columbia University Medical Center Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics will lead the seminar, which will be hosted by Dr. Allison Abbott, assistant professor of biological sciences.

Refreshments will be served prior to the seminar at 2:45 p.m. in Wehr Life Sciences, 108. For more information, contact the Department of Biological Sciences at 8-7355.

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19. Renascence sponsoring lecture on William Dean Howells

Professor Thomas Wortham, emeritus professor of English at the University of California–Los Angeles and former editor of Nineteenth-Century Literature, will present "William Dean Howells' Spiritual Quest(ioning) in a 'World Come of Age,'" Wednesday, April 10, at 4 p.m. in the AMU, Lunda Room. This lecture is free and open to the public. A reception will follow the talk.

This fifth biennial Joseph M. Schwartz lecture is sponsored by the English Department's Renascence: Essays on Values in Literature. It will be distributed to individuals attending the lecture as part of the spring issue of Renascence.

Renascence is the 65-year-old scholarly journal published at Marquette, whose current editor is John Curran, professor of English, and whose senior editor is Edwin Block, professor emeritus of English.

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20. Law School to hold information session Friday

The Law School will host an information session for prospective students Friday, April 12, in Eckstein Hall. The session will cover admissions, financial aid policies and procedures, curriculum, intellectual and student life and information from current students.

The session begins at 11:45 a.m. and lasts approximately one hour, followed by a brief tour. Register online.

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21. Center for Peacemaking to host spring retreat

The Center for Peacemaking will host its spring retreat, "Finding Our Place in the Web of Life," Saturday, April 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the AMU, Chapel of the Holy Family. Participants will explore the dynamics of how new discoveries of the vastness of the universe have reshaped the sense of place and purpose as humans living on the planet and what they tell us about this moment of transition, the implications for the journey of faith and the meaning and mission of the human at this point in time.

The retreat will be presented by Margaret Swedish, author of Living Beyond the 'End of the World:' A Spirituality of Hope, which addresses connections among the various environmental, economic and cultural trends that are leading towards ecological collapse.

This retreat is co-sponsored by Catholics for Peace and Justice. Registration can be completed online. For additional information, contact Jim Gill. There is no charge, but free-will offerings will be accepted.

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22. Information session, applications available for RCIA team

Students interested in being part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults team are invited to an information session Thursday, April 11, from 11 a.m. to noon in the AMU, 236. Students can also apply directly online by Monday, April 22.

RCIA is the formation process utilized throughout the Catholic Church to welcome, inform, prepare and support individuals interested in becoming Catholic. The process runs from the end of September to the beginning of May. RCIA team members serve collaboratively as small group facilitators, presenters and prayer leaders.

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

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