Marquette Trustees to Continue Discussion of Athletics Nickname

Released: Dec. 8, 2004

MILWAUKEE - The Marquette University Board of Trustees decided today it will continue its discussion of the university's athletics nickname. The board will revisit the issue at a future board meeting, ultimately resulting in a decision to remain the "Golden Eagles" or return to the "Warriors."

Today's decision came after a productive conversation during the board's December meeting. It was their first opportunity, together as a board, to review feedback from recent outreach efforts, including an online survey completed by more than 9,000 Marquette students, alumni, faculty and staff. The online survey ran from Nov. 11 - 28, 2004.

"Last May when I said we would consider the question of changing our athletics nickname, I stated that it would be a thoughtful and deliberative process. We have collected an extensive amount of information. We simply need more time to thoughtfully consider all of it," said Marquette President Robert Wild, S.J. "There is a diversity of opinion on the athletics nickname among members of the Marquette community. In the end, the goal of this process is to reach a decision that is in the best interest of the university and consistent with our Jesuit, Catholic values. We will take the time to do this right."

During the past four months, Marquette has gathered the diverse viewpoints on this issue through an open dialogue that has included:

• A 31-page online survey recently taken by more than 9,000 Marquette students, alumni, faculty and staff. Participants were asked about their attitudes, emotions and viewpoints about the "Golden Eagles" and "Warriors;"
  
  
• Ongoing dialogue with members of the Native American community;
  
  
• A fact finding committee made up of trustees, students, alumni, faculty and staff;
  
  
• A series of stakeholder forums; and
  
  
• Focus groups made up of students, faculty and alumni.

"Today's decision by the board to continue this process reflects how seriously we take our commitment to have a thorough discussion of the issue. But it is important to keep this in its proper perspective," Father Wild said. "Marquette University is first and foremost an academic institution committed to educating men and women as well as having a faculty engaged in teaching and research. We must not lose sight of our mission."

Background

From 1954 to 1993, the Marquette athletics nickname was "Warriors." In 1994, it was changed to "Golden Eagles."

At Marquette's May 2004 commencement ceremony, Wayne Sanders, vice chair of the Board of Trustees, offered a donation if the university would change its nickname back to Warriors "in a very honorable way." Marquette President Robert Wild, S.J. immediately declined the donation, saying, "I am open to a thoughtful discussion about the nickname, but this issue is not about money. Any decision must reflect Marquette's Catholic, Jesuit values."

In September, the university's Board of Trustees discussed the nickname issue and made two decisions. The board passed a resolution explicitly stating that Marquette will prohibit the use of Native American references, symbolism or imagery in its athletic logo, nickname or mascot. And, they decided to gather more information before concluding at a later date whether the school would remain the "Golden Eagles" or return to the "Warriors" nickname.

Marquette has experienced great success over the past several years. The number of students applying to Marquette has broken records three years in a row; Marquette has risen in national academic rankings; its athletic teams have reached great heights, including a trip to the Final Four in men's basketball; the campus has undergone a physical transformation; and Marquette has enjoyed the most successful fundraising period in its history, raising more than $300 million during the current comprehensive campaign.

The Board of Trustees meets quarterly, typically in March, May, September and December.

For more information, please visit the nickname/mascot Web site.