Dear Marquette Colleagues,

New Marquette University initiatives were the focal point of my inaugural address last month, and we'll be taking a closer look at several of them at a campus-wide meeting on Tuesday, October 14, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The purpose of the meeting, which will take place in the Weasler Auditorium, is to further define some of these initiatives and discuss how the campus community can become involved. Topics will include the new strategic innovation fund and Marquette's participation at the Global Water Center and Innovation Campus. Campus leadership representatives will make presentations about these three exciting opportunities, then open the floor to questions. I'm looking forward to an excellent conversation.

We're nearing the October 14 deadline for comments about the proposed Marquette Guiding Values. The values are characteristics we commit to as individuals and as an organization so we develop a culture that delivers our mission and executes our vision. Please review them and share your thoughts.

As you heard, Vice President of Planning Tom Ganey announced his retirement from Marquette effective October 31. To honor Tom's two-decade contribution to the university, a farewell is planned from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on October 21 on the fourth floor of Eckstein Hall. A short program will be held at about 4:30 p.m. On a related note, I'm working with campus leadership to determine how to best adjust the Marquette leadership structure as Tom steps out of his role. I will provide more information about changes to the structure in the coming weeks.

Even though the inauguration ceremony was last month, we still have one related event at the end of this month. The Inauguration Academic Symposium, Answering the Call: Marquette's Response to the Civil Rights Movement, will take place October 27. The symposium will examine one of the remarkable firsts of our university — the founding of the Educational Opportunity Program. I hope you can add to your calendar the 4 p.m. October 27 symposium in the Weasler Auditorium.

Finally, you know we're making good progress through the fall semester when the basketball season is upon us. Marquette Madness is Friday night, and I'm told to expect the Al McGuire Center to be at capacity for this free event. I'll be on hand to help judge the dunk contest and take part in the festivities.

Best,

Dr. Michael R. Lovell