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Inauguration thank you

Sept. 26, 2011

Dear Marquette Community,

Last week's Inauguration events were wonderful and meaningful for me - thoughtfully planned and rich in worship, reflection and celebration. One important piece of business remains: my sincere expression of gratitude to the entire Marquette community for hosting and participating in the festivities, and bringing Marquette's unquenchable spirit to them in abundance.

It was moving to share this special experience with you and to see you welcome so many of my close family members and friends as members of the extended Marquette family. Whether you served on a planning committee, helped to initiate Norris Park with a game of Frisbee or soccer, attended the Mass or ceremony, or participated in any number of ways, you helped enrich the experience of our many delegates, alumni, parents, trustees, elected officials and other honored visitors. You did Marquette proud.

Inaugurations are honored traditions at universities, but there is also a sense of relief that comes with having one behind us. The work of the university lies ahead. The lives and teachings of Carolyn Forché and Dean Brackley, S.J., provide examples to us. The "calls to service" delivered by representatives of the Marquette, Milwaukee, faith and higher education communities further guide our efforts.

I also encourage you to join me and others in renewing our commitment to using our gifts to serve our neighborhood and the world by making a personal pledge of service at Marquette.edu/call-to-service, and by attending the November 14th event, "Depth of Thought, Depth of Imagination" that will explore themes from Father Adolfo Nicolas' April 2010 talk on responding to the challenges to Jesuit higher education.

Thank you again for a week that reflected so well on Marquette and strengthened the ties that bind us as a university community.

Sincerely,
Scott R. Pilarz, S.J.
President
Marquette University