April 1, 2020 

Top News

Marquette experts provide commentary on coronavirus

Rev. Jim Voiss, S.J., vice president for mission and ministry, celebrated Mass on Sunday, March 22, with an internet livestream from the Madonna Della Strada Chapel in Zilber Hall. The service was viewed more than 1,700 times. "All of us were concerned, even before gatherings were closed down by the governor’s directive, that we had to find a way of reaching out to people who were not going to be able participate in gatherings of worship,” Father Voiss said.

Story aired on Wisconsin Public Radio, March 29, 2020

Bill Scholl, vice president and director of athletics, discussed the impact of the NCAA’s decision to allow spring sport student athletes an extra year of eligibility after the spread of coronavirus cut senior seasons short. “This has a four- or five-year effect depending on how you want to count it,” Scholl said. “So the roster management piece is just something our coaches are going to have to figure out and work our way through.”

Story appeared in the New York Times, March 30, 2020

Dr. John Baworowsky, vice president for enrollment management, discussed how the university has extended its deposit deadline for admitted students to guarantee a spot in upcoming fall courses. “There are approximately 11,000 prospective students who have been admitted and are making up their minds in the next few weeks,” Baworowsky said. “It’s a huge population that we would like to provide with good information and try to communicate the warmth of our campus so that they may choose to come here.” The university has also replaced on-campus recruiting events with prerecorded videos.

Story appeared on University Business, March 24, 2020

Dr. Julia Azari, associate professor of political science in the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, discussed what would happen if a campaigning presidential nominee contracted coronavirus. Azari said if the timing of a nominee getting sick lined up around the Democratic National Convention, it’s worth remembering delegates are not legally bound to a particular candidate. “Delegates theoretically could switch to a different candidate during the convention for any reason,” Azari said.

Story appeared on Vox, March 27, 2020

Laurie Panella, chief information officer, described the successes the university has experienced switching to online classes. “What has worked well is that everyone is buying in during these unprecedented times,” Panella said. “The faculty reaching out to students and to each other to determine how they could be most effective shows the cooperation from everyone.” 

Story aired on WTMJ-AM (620), March 30, 2020

Dr. Kristina Thomas Dreifuerst, associate professor of nursing and director of the College of Nursing’s doctorate program, explained the unique virtual simulations the college is providing students as the spread of coronavirus is preventing students from getting hands-on, in-person experience at hospitals. "We can simulate any clinical situation. We can change simulations to meet current needs. We can alter simulations,” Thomas Dreifuerst said. “We have a lot that we can do with these (simulations) to help our students learn how to take care of patients safely." 

Story aired on WTMJ-TV (NBC 4), March 26, 2020

Dr. Philip Rocco, assistant professor of political science in the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, explained the recommended practices in Gov. Tony Evers’ safer-at-home order. “The real difference, I think, is that any business that is not deemed essential will be shut down,” Rocco said. “This ultimately ramps up potential economic effects, but ultimately minimizes community spread.” 

Story appeared in Milwaukee Magazine, March 23, 2020

Dr. Charles Franklin, director of the Marquette Law School Poll, discussed the shift in the next poll to focus on the coronavirus pandemic, and how it is impacting the election process. “The importance of this pandemic and how people are responding to it pushes the normal political issues to the backburner,” Franklin said. 

Story aired on WUWM-FM (89.7), March 27, 2020

Maureen Lewis, assistant director for academic services, discussed the daily driveway workouts she is leading — at an appropriate social distance — to help her neighbors to stay active and connected despite the pandemic. “It’s pretty easy to isolate right now. I wanted us to see each other, so you don’t feel so alone,” Lewis said. “You should have something that has a start and a finish every day, so you can say you've achieved something every day. This way, you can say, 'I did my exercise.’”

Story appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, March 30, 2020

Sharon Hope, volunteer head chef for Marquette University Neighborhood Kitchen, shared creative, simple recipes and tips for making the most of food supplies amid the coronavirus pandemic. She explained the best strategy is to utilize what is already in the fridge and pantry, so no food goes to waste. “It's about not wasting. When you see something getting soft, you need to use it,” Hope said. “There’s always that little bit left in the bottom of the box (of cereal, for example) you don't know what to do with and you want to throw it out — but that’s money.”

Story aired on Spectrum News, March 26, 2020

Pat Masterson, E-Lead Industrial Advisory Board member and vice president for corporate manufacturing at Husco International, described how Marquette is partnering with Husco and other manufacturers to design N95-style masks and respirators to help combat the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) that health care providers are facing as a result of the coronavirus. "We are focused on speed, a sense of urgency and building a solution that can scale for volume production to help support our health care workers and first responders,” Masterson said. 

Story appeared in the Milwaukee Business Journal, March 25, 2020

University actions regarding coronavirus

Marquette allows students to move out of residence halls
After concerns surrounding coronavirus resulted in the implementation of full online learning, Marquette has begun allowing students to move out of residence halls. The university continues safe social distancing practices with specific schedules and rules for students and families.

Story aired on WTMJ-TV (NBC 4), March 25, 2020

Haggerty Museum now an online attraction
The Haggerty Museum of Art — which is closed because of the pandemic — is holding online tours with exhibit guides and resources for those interested to explore from the comfort of home. 

Story appeared on WITI-TV (FOX 6), March 30, 2020

Marquette news

AHPRC wins 2020 Real Estate Award
The Athletic and Human Performance Research Center is one of 19 projects in southeastern Wisconsin honored as part of Milwaukee Business Journal’s 2020 Real Estate Awards. The awards focus on the best real estate deals and projects completed in 2019, particularly those with a profound impact on the community.

Story appeared in the Milwaukee Business Journal, March 25, 2020

Marquette recognized for inclusive hiring
Marquette received Creative Employment Opportunities’ 2019 Employer of the Year Award. The award is part of CEO’s Inclusive Employer Leadership Awards, which recognizes employers who look to diversify their workplace by hiring adults with disabilities and network with like-minded organizations. Ivan Lopez, a devoted Marquette basketball fan with cerebral palsy, was hired by the Rec Center to mop the basketball floors — which he does enthusiastically with a mop attached to his wheelchair. Lopez has been lovingly dubbed “The Human Zamboni.”

Story aired on WDJT-TV (CBS 58), March 29, 2020

JohnRae’ Stowers, assistant director of student educational services, was named a “SHEro” as part of Milwaukee Neighborhood News Services’ Women’s History Month celebrations. The award recognizes outstanding Milwaukee women for their leadership and dedication to the community. 

Story appeared on Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service, March 31, 2020