Board of Trustees to Talk Further About Athletic Name Change

University Declines $2 Million Donation

Released: 5/17/04

At Marquette's Commencement this past Sunday, Wayne Sanders, Vice-Chair of Marquette's Board of Trustees, stated that he would like to explore the possibility of Marquette changing the athletic nickname from “Golden Eagles” back to “Warriors” by the time the university enters the BIG EAST Athletic Conference in the 2005-2006 season. He and another trustee offered to make a $2 million donation to the university if the change could be made.

The full Marquette Board of Trustees will decide whether or not they want the university to revisit the name change issue. In the meantime, Marquette President Rev. Robert Wild, S.J. said today that the university cannot accept the $2 million offer from Mr. Sanders and the other trustee.

"Wayne Sanders has been incredibly generous to this university and this issue is very important to a large number of Marquette 's alumni,” says Rev. Wild. “It deserves careful consideration, but we must remember that this decision is not about money. It is about tradition, pride, and respect for all members of the human community. Any final decision must reflect Marquette 's Jesuit, Catholic values.”

Background:

•  From 1954 to 1993 the Marquette athletic nickname was “Warriors.” While the name itself was not offensive, the university realized that a former Native American mascot and logo was not appropriate. In 1994, the university changed the name to “Golden Eagles” to allow for a new name and mascot.

•  Marquette 's athletic teams will begin competing in the BIG EAST Athletic Conference in the 2005-2006 season. Currently we compete in Conference USA .

•  Wayne Sanders earned his MBA from Marquette in 1972. He was elected to Marquette 's Board of Trustees in 1992 and is currently the board's vice-chair and former chairman. Sanders has been incredibly generous to the university, including a $1 million donation to Marquette 's new Library. He is the retired Chairman and CEO of Kimberly-Clark Corp.

•  The Marquette Board of Trustees is currently composed of 36 members who are responsible for preserving and enhancing the distinctive character as well as the educational, fiscal, and legal well-being of the university and its students.