February, 2022
Dear Faculty, Staff and Students in the Klingler College of Arts & Sciences,
To foster awareness about the extraordinary work happening across the college, I’ve
decided to feature some of our outstanding A&S Centers. This month’s focus is the
Center for Urban Research, Teaching & Outreach, CURTO. Its mission is to convene programs and address issues central to human rights and
dignity. This purpose makes CURTO a good choice for February as we celebrate Black
History Month.
Dr. Rob Smith, Harry G. John Professor of History and Director of CURTO, describes
it in the following way: “We have engaged undergraduates, graduate students, staff,
faculty, high school teachers and community partners as a rich and interdisciplinary
community to be part of our initiatives. This is what has led to our energy and success.”
Part of CURTO’s strategy is to take what works and “pour into the structure.” Examples
include appointing faculty leaders of projects, in partnership with graduate students,
and finding ways for undergraduates to take on increasing responsibility. CURTO always
seeks to address human rights from diverse perspectives, even when team members may
disagree. Dr. Smith notes: “We have learned quite a bit of patience in the process.”
Two high-profile current projects sponsored through CURTO are the Education Preparedness Program (EPP) and the Black and Latino/a Ecosystem and Support Transition (BLEST) Hub. Both include many collaborators across campus and beyond. The Education Preparedness
Program provides an educational pathway for currently and formerly incarcerated students.
Through EPP, participants pursue achievement in education and career, fostering a
more flourishing life. The BLEST Hub creates a space where Black and Latinx students
may find supportive resources for particularly crucial and transitional times. Please
take a look at their websites via the links above for more information about the many
team members who make these programs a success.
CURTO benefits from direct links to the curriculum, for instance through the Urban Affairs minor and the Master’s in Public Service (PUBS). Rob Smith notes: “It’s useful to have a curricular experience that is related
to the community work CURTO does.” An aim that infuses all of CURTO’s student-centered
programs is to democratize local history, a goal amplified through MKE Roots. This program brings students into conversations about local history, helps them
see themselves in the local landscape and encourages their direct involvement with
historical examination. CURTO has partnered with the Marquette Honors program, particularly
the Engaging the City course.
For the future, Dr. Smith envisions a number of goals. He imagines continuing to partner
with the Haggerty Museum of Art and turning CURTO into a space where local artists
could be profiled, a place that inspires creativity. He emphasizes continued collaboration
with the broader community, stating: “As a person of color on campus, I’ve always
done work with community partners. […] It was a way for me to find community that
informs what I want to do on campus.” Dr. Smith sees an important role for CURTO in
fostering student success and mental health. He hopes that the programs they have
launched will grow beyond CURTO and take on a life of their own. In all of this work,
CURTO emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary integration and an emphasis on diversity,
equity and inclusion.
The work of CURTO exemplifies Marquette’s Catholic, Jesuit mission, aligning with
the tenets of Catholic Social Teaching and the Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society of Jesus. Perhaps because February is not only Black History Month but also the season of
St. Valentine’s Day, I am reminded of Pope Francis’ interview that was published in
book form as A Big Heart Open to God. The book’s title comes from the Pope’s statement that our calling is “being able to
do the little things of every day with a big heart open to God and to others” (p.13).
That calling is exemplified in our work across the Klingler College of Arts & Sciences.
What can and must we do in light of the challenges we face? We are called to prepare
students to work alongside others to bring about a more just, equitable, sustainable
and loving world.
February is also faculty annual review season, which provides a context to celebrate
the transformational teaching, research, service and public-facing work our faculty
members are doing. I had the opportunity this month to make a presentation to Marquette’s
Parents and Family Leadership Council where I highlighted faculty research strengths
as well as student success. A panel of students joined me to describe the high-impact
educational experiences they enjoy thanks to the work of our faculty colleagues.
From a broader perspective, our strategic visioning process in the college continues;
stay tuned for updates next month. Admissions efforts are front and center, as we
welcome admitted students as well as prospective applicants to campus. Warm thanks
to all of you who volunteer your time and talents to meet with these students and
helping them experience the transformational opportunities that await them here in
Arts & Sciences at Marquette.
As always, please feel free to contact me with questions, concerns or suggestions. I appreciate hearing from you and exploring
ways we can all work together for the common good.
Dr. Heidi Bostic Dean, Klingler College of Arts and Sciences
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