May 29, 2025
MILWAUKEE — Rana Altenburg, associate vice president for public affairs at Marquette University, was honored as the first Near West Side Partners’ Community Champion at the neighborhood organization’s 10-year anniversary celebration Wednesday, May 21. The award was presented by Marquette President Kimo Ah Yun.
NWSP’s Community Champion Award recognizes a person or organization that has consistently advocated for the well-being of the community, fostering collaboration, inclusivity and social progress. Altenburg serves as chair of the NWSP Board and was recognized for being instrumental in forging meaningful partnerships that strengthen the Near West Side.
“Rana has done an outstanding job representing Marquette University as an anchor institution in Near West Side Partners,” President Ah Yun said. “It is fitting that she was recognized on the 10th anniversary of Near West Side Partners because she has helped move the organization from a concept to a national model of collaboration and community redevelopment. She personifies the Jesuit principle of being a woman for and with others."
Near West Side Partners, Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded through the support of five anchor institutions: Advocate Aurora Health Care, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Marquette University, Molson Coors and Potawatomi Ventures. Its mission is to revitalize and sustain the Near West Side as a thriving business and residential corridor, through collaborative efforts to promote economic development, improved housing, unified neighborhood identity and branding, and greater safety for residents and businesses.
“Rana has inspired Marquette to deepen its commitment as an anchor institution, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor on the 10th anniversary celebration for NWSP,” said Lindsey St. Arnold Bell, executive director of NWSP. “Her leadership as board chair for NWSP and as a thought partner to so many neighborhood organizations is a testament to her dedication to Milwaukee, Marquette, and the Near West Side. She is a true community champion.”
Altenburg leads Marquette’s government affairs and community engagement initiatives. In the community, she also serves as a member of the boards of directors of Business Improvement District No. 10 and Seton Catholic Schools. Nationally, she serves on the board of directors for the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation and National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
About Marquette University
Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university located near the heart of downtown Milwaukee that offers a comprehensive range of majors in 11 nationally and internationally recognized colleges and schools. Through the formation of hearts and minds, Marquette prepares our 11,100 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional students to lead, excel and serve as agents of positive change. And, we deliver results. Ranked in the top 20% of national universities, Marquette is recognized for its undergraduate teaching, innovation and career preparation as the sixth-best university in the country for job placement. Our focus on student success and immersive, personalized learning experiences encourages students to think critically and engage with the world around them. When students graduate with a Marquette degree, they are truly prepared and called to Be The Difference.
Kevin is the associate director for university communication in the Office of Marketing and Communication. Contact Kevin at (414) 288-4745 or kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu.
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