1. RSVP for President's Strategic Planning Workshop by tomorrow

President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., will forego the typical annual Presidential Address this year and use the date to invite the university to participate in a university-wide Strategic Planning Workshop. The President's Strategic Planning Workshop will be held Wednesday, Jan. 30, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the AMU, Monaghan Ballroom. All faculty, staff and students are invited to attend and participate in the workshop, and should RSVP to University Special Events by Friday, Jan. 25, with their name, designation as faculty, staff or student, and department, office or college.

The event will begin promptly at 3 p.m. with introductory remarks by Father Pilarz, and will be followed by a 60-minute strategic planning workshop featuring guided discussions at each roundtable led by department chairs and director-level and assistant/associate vice president-level staff. The focus of the President's Strategic Planning Workshop is to ensure broad participation in a dynamic and collaborative cross-disciplinary process to identify possible strategic plan goals. Ideas generated at the workshop will be shared with the Marquette community for review and further input via the strategic planning website, and will be considered for inclusion in the final plan, which will be presented to the Board of Trustees in May.

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2. College of Arts and Sciences deanship candidate campus visits continue tomorrow

The search committee for the dean of the Helen Way Klingler College of Arts and Sciences has selected four finalists for the deanship. Each candidate will be making two-day visits to campus this month, with the first two candidate visits scheduled for this week.

While on campus, the candidates will have the opportunity to meet and interact with a broad array of Marquette faculty, students and staff. Each visit will conclude with a one-hour campus event to which all members of the university community are invited. The finalist will speak for approximately 20 minutes about the role of the arts and sciences at a Catholic, Jesuit university in the 21st century. The finalist's talk will be followed by an opportunity for questions and answers from those in attendance. The session will conclude with a reception from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., providing opportunities for informal conversation.

Dean candidate Dr. Marc Muskavitch's visit will conclude with a one-hour public event tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 25, at 4 p.m. in Raynor Memorial Libraries, Beaumier Conference Room (lower level). This event is open to all faculty, staff and students.

For additional information, visit the College of Arts and Sciences dean search website.

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3. Tickets available for Mission Week keynote event: The World is our Home

All Opus Prize guests will be interviewed together for the first time in a compelling public conversation among international leaders of faith and justice at the Mission Week keynote event, The World is our Home, Thursday Feb. 7, at 4 p.m. in the Varsity Theatre.

Ambassador Mark Dybul, executive director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, will facilitate. The fund has invested nearly $23 billion in support of large-scale prevention, treatment and care programs, and Dybul is widely recognized as a visionary leader on global health for his role in creating and implementing the President's Emergency Program for AIDS Relief, the largest global health initiative undertaken to address a single disease. He attended Marquette University High School and received his bachelor's and medical degrees from Georgetown University. Dybul's impressive career includes a residency in internal medicine at the University of Chicago Hospitals and a fellowship in infectious diseases from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Central to Dybul's guiding principles are the core values of excellence, humility and service. His enthusiasm for the work of the Opus Prize recipients has brought him to campus from his work in Geneva, Switzerland.

Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are required and are available in the AMU, Brooks Lounge. One ticket per MUID will be issued. For additional information, contact University Special Events at 8-7431 or visit the Mission week website.

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4. Opus Prize recipients Rev. Richard Frechette, C.P., and Brother Stan Goetschalckx, F.C., will be honored during Mission Week 2013

The 10 Opus Prize recipients will be celebrated at events throughout Mission Week. Background on the achievements of Rev. Richard Frechette, C.P., and Brother Stan Goetschalckx, F.C., can be found below, and additional information on all the recipients is available on the Mission Week website. News Briefs will continue to profile the Opus Prize winners in each edition leading up to Mission Week.

2012 Opus Prize recipient. Richard "Rick" Frechette, C.P., an American priest and physician, began the work of the St. Luke Foundation for Haiti in collaboration with a group of inspired young Haitian leaders who envisioned a different path forward for their country. The St. Luke Foundation provides education, health care and dignified humanitarian outreach to 150,000 people each year while employing more than 1,600 Haitian staff. Though Father Frechette maintains a presence as a trusted mentor whose vision and tireless work continue to help shape the organization, he has built St. Luke's with a commitment to 100 percent Haitian leadership. The organization's programs have become a model for what is possible in Haiti when the enormous talent, passion and courage of the next generation of Haitian leaders are embraced.

2007 Opus Prize recipient Brother Stan Goetschalckx, F.C., is founder and director of the AHADI International Institute in Tanzania. With a Swahili name that means "working toward the fulfillment of a promise," AHADI educates refugees from the war-torn countries of Congo, Rwanda and Burundi so they can repatriate to their countries of origin armed with marketable skills. Based on a fundamental belief that education is the most powerful antipoverty strategy for the poor in Africa, the organization provides instruction each year for 25,000 students who are studying for their high school diplomas and post-secondary training via distance learning programs. Brother Stan, a member of the Brothers of Charity, a Catholic order founded in his native Belgium, also provides shelter, education and health care for hundreds of street kids in Kigoma, Tanzania.

The university will host a variety of events featuring Opus Prize recipients during Mission Week, Feb. 4–8.

Mike Gousha will host two special editions of "On the Issues" during Mission Week. Father Frechette will discuss the 25 years he has spent working in Haiti on Tuesday, Feb. 5, from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. in Eckstein Hall. On Thursday, Feb. 7, from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m., Gousha will facilitate a conversation with Maggy Barankitse about how the organization she founded, Maison Shalom, is working to restore hope to the people of Burundi. Registration is required for both sessions.

For additional information and a full schedule of events, visit the Mission Week website.

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5. Martin Luther King, Jr., Unity Dinner and Vigil will be held tomorrow

An MLK Unity Dinner and Vigil will be held Friday, Jan. 25, as part of the Office of Intercultural Engagement's MLK Days of Engagement Event Series Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.

The MLK Unity Dinner will begin at 6 p.m., and will give participants an opportunity to reflect on how Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., has impacted the lives of students and scholars. A vigil featuring lines from King's "I Have a Dream" speech will begin at 7 p.m.

For additional information, contact Intercultural Engagement in the Office of Student Development at intercultural@marquette.edu.

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6. University mourns the death of Dr. Donald Pricco

The university mourns the death of Dr. Donald Pricco, adjunct professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery in the Department of Surgical Sciences in the School of Dentistry. Dr. Pricco passed away Jan. 20 at the age of 74.

Visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 25, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Max A. Sass and Sons Funeral Home, 8910 W. Drexel Ave., Franklin, Wis. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Saturday, Jan. 26, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 9520 W. Forest Home Ave., Hales Corners, Wis. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Marquette University School of Dentistry, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Marquette University High School or a charity of your choice are appreciated. Please remember Dr. Pricco, his family and friends in prayer.

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7. Forum on sports-related concussions will feature former NFL player Koonce

George Koonce, former NFL linebacker and current member of the NFL's Player Engagement Advisory Board, will join a panel of experts for the College of Health Sciences' next "Marquette Presents" breakfast forum: "Concussion – Societal Impact of Sports-related Mild Traumatic Brain Injury," Monday, Jan. 28, at 7:15 a.m. in the AMU, Monaghan Ballroom.

In view of increasing media accounts of sports-related concussions causing concern among athletes, coaches, parents and the medical community, panelists will discuss the long-term effects of concussion, what the impact is on the developing brain and what can be done to prevent one.

Dr. William Cullinan, dean of the College of Health Sciences, will moderate the panel of experts in neuroscience, health, athletic training and sports law. Panelists include:

  • Dr. Michael McCrea, professor of neurosurgery and neurology and director of brain injury research, Medical College of Wisconsin; research neuropsychologist, Clement Zablocki VA Medical Center

  • Dr. George E. Koonce, Jr., director of development, Marquette University; former NFL linebacker and member of the NFL's Player Engagement Advisory Board

  • David Leigh, clinical assistant professor and assistant athletic trainer, Marquette University

  • Matthew Mitten, professor of law and director of the National Sports Law Institute, Marquette University

  • Dr. Carolyn Smith, executive director of Student Health Service and clinical professor in the College of Health Sciences, Marquette University

The forum includes a complimentary continental breakfast. Register online.

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8. Marquette Theatre to present Can I Sing for You Brother?

As part of the year-long Freedom Project, Marquette Theatre will present a one-man performance, Can I Sing for You Brother?, Friday, Jan. 25, and Saturday, Jan. 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the Helfaer Theatre. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online or by calling the Helfaer Theatre Box Office at 8-7504. All proceeds benefit the Phylis Ravel Theatre and Social Justice Fund.

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9. Maria Dittman Library Research Competition now accepting student papers

The 16th Annual Maria Dittman Library Research Competition is accepting submissions through Friday, March 8. 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 papers. Submissions must be A-grade papers written during the fall 2012 semester at Marquette. Full submission details and the entry form are now available.

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10. Alpha Omega Epsilon hosting spring recruitment events

Alpha Omega Epsilon, a professional and social sorority for women studying engineering, math and science, is hosting several spring recruiting events in the coming week, including:

  • "Meet the Chapter Night" – Thursday, Jan. 24, at 6 p.m. in the AMU, 227

  • "The Cat Walk" – Saturday, Jan. 26, at 11 a.m. in the AMU, 305 and 313. This session will teach tips and tricks of professional fashion in a fashion show relay.

  • "Who Are You and Who Will You Become? Knowing Yourself and Your Excellence" – Monday, Jan. 28, at 7 p.m. in Straz Hall, 105. This event will feature alumna adviser Carly Hanson as a guest speaker.

  • "Pinterest Night" – Wednesday, Jan. 30, at 6 p.m. in Olin, 198. This event will give students an opportunity to participate in crafts that celebrate creativity and the environment.

For additional information, contact Mara Thompson, vice president, or Laura Switzer, membership educator.

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11. Integrative Neuroscience Research Center spring seminar series begins Jan. 29

The College of Health Sciences' Integrative Neuroscience Research Center spring 2013 seminar series will present "Role of the Environmental Toxin ß-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) in Neurodegenerative Diseases," Tuesday, Jan. 29, at 3:30 p.m. in Schroeder Complex, 256. Dr. Douglas Lobner, professor of biomedical sciences at Marquette University, will lead the seminar.

For more information, contact the College of Health Sciences at 8-5053. A complete schedule of seminars scheduled for spring 2013 can be found online.

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12. Free group fitness classes offered tomorrow

The Department of Recreational Sports is offering the following free group fitness classes to members tomorrow, Jan. 25. The following classes will be offered free of charge:

Rec Center:

  • Spin Class at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Cardio Kickboxing at 4 p.m.

Rec Plex:

  • Interval Boot Camp at 3 p.m.

In addition, the final day of trial classes will be held tomorrow, Jan. 25, when students, faculty and staff who are members can try classes free of charge, or $2 for non-member faculty and staff. Official signups for classes began Wednesday, Jan. 23, at 9 a.m. for classes offered at the Rec Center and Thursday, Jan. 24, at 9 a.m. for classes offered at the Rec Plex. A complete schedule of classes can be found online.

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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