Marquette University In the News

Dr. Cedric Burrows, assistant professor of English in the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, discussed the role of protests in affecting change following the murder of George Floyd. "I think this is the peak of it in that people are saying, ‘You need to see us, you can't hide this any longer, there needs to be structural change, and we are going to get it,’” Burrows said. "And so as more and more people become a part of this broader coalition, I think we'll see a lot more changes coming in the future."

Dr. Eric Waters, assistant professor of communication studies, wrote about how workforce diversity plays an integral role in dismantling racism and contributing to lasting reform. “A recent study by Boston Consulting Group (found) that companies with diverse management teams enjoyed higher revenues as a result of greater innovation,” Waters wrote. “Diversify your organization with people of color proportionally from first line to C-suite and board if applicable. Not just because it is the right thing to do, but also because it improves the bottom line.”

Dr. Risa Brooks, Allis Chalmers Associate Professor of Political Science in the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, spoke about the affect the military would have on society if forces were called to respond to protests following the death of George Floyd. “This may be the moment when civilian politicization of the military is at a tipping point,” Brooks said. “No country recovers easily after that point (calling in troops to quell protests) has been reached.”

Dr. Robert Smith, Harry G. John Professor of History in the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, discussed the public reaction to George Floyd’s killing, and the need for societal change. “I think both in the city and the country, what we are seeing is a wide and diverse body of Americans who fundamentally believe that changes have to occur,” Smith said. “And they have to occur not only in terms of massive changes to our criminal justice apparatus, meaning police are going to have to be held accountable, those who are the leaders and supervisors and directors of police departments and police forces have to stand tall and demand that those who are supposed to protect our society indeed do that.”

Smith also spoke with WUWM-FM (89.7) for a June 3 segment about racism, Milwaukee and George Floyd.

Amy Lovell named ‘Woman of Influence’ by Milwaukee Business Journal
Amy Lovell, founder and board president of local nonprofit REDgen, has been named a 2020 Woman of Influence by the Milwaukee Business Journal. Lovell’s award in the ”Inspiration” category honors her leadership in addressing mental health and trauma in Milwaukee. Lovell is also on the steering committee of SWIM—Scaling Wellness in Milwaukee, which she co-founded with her husband, Marquette President Michael R. Lovell.

Story appeared in the Milwaukee Business Journal, June 9, 2020

Lora Strigens, vice president for planning and facilities management, has been named a “Notable Woman in Construction and Design” by the Milwaukee BizTimes. Strigens is responsible for leading multiple projects as part of the university’s ambitious Campus Master Plan.

Dr. Sarah Feldner named new Diederich College Communication dean
Dr. Sarah Feldner, who has served as acting dean of the Diederich College of Communication since 2018, has been appointed to the permanent position. The new role is effective immediately.

President Michael R. Lovell spoke about healing from trauma and promoting resilience in the community through collaboration with local partnerships. “The good thing about the brain they've learned is the brain now has a lot more plasticity than we thought, which means you can retrain your brain to not be as reactive to the traumas that you've experienced in the past,” President Lovell said. “And so, really, through mindfulness, and prayer and meditation, when you fall into an experience before that would have triggered you, you can actually have a different reaction.”

President’s Challenge recognized for pandemic response
The President's Challenge was cited as an example of a constructive solution to the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic. The President’s Challenge will provide up to $50,000 of grant funding for one year to selected interdisciplinary teams of faculty, staff and students from the Marquette community for innovative and collaborative work to address three critical issues: mental health and wellness, economic revitalization and health services.

Dr. Charles Franklin, director of the Marquette University Law School Poll, spoke about polling leading up to the presidential election and how democrats are warning voters that Democrat candidate Joe Biden’s lead over President Trump in national polls creates false confidence. “The stress among democrats to emphasize the need to turn out and vote is surely a reaction to the 2016 results, especially given Clinton’s lead in national polls and popular vote win while losing the Electoral College. Party advocates are working hard against complacency,” Franklin said, adding that 2016 was the first election since the 1970s that voter attitudes were negative toward both candidates.

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Marquette in the news