A message from Klingler College of Arts & Sciences Acting Dean Heather Hathaway

Hello, friends,

Easter blessings from the Dean's Office!

Spring is my favorite time of year at Marquette! As we gather for end-of-year award ceremonies and celebrations, I am renewed by witnessing our students' accomplishments and personal growth. We welcome them as first-year students who are filled with contagious energy and optimism, and we send them off as graduates with the wisdom and values distinctive to Jesuit education. Guiding them through such a pivotal point in their development is a great privilege for all in the college.

In this issue, you'll find three examples of how Marquette challenges students to grow academically, personally and professionally during their time here.

First, our flagship Marquette in D.C. program at the Les Aspin Center for Government is expanding its focus beyond on students interested in political science and government. We now provide Marquette business, communication and nursing students with high-impact internships in private and nonprofit organizations to advance their understanding of banking, economics, health care policy and sports communication. By connecting students' classroom learning to real-world challenges, Aspin Center internships and programs sharpen our students' skills, deepen their confidence and prepare them to thrive in an increasingly complex workplace.

Closer to home, our second story highlights a powerful Milwaukee-based internship program led by psychology professor Dr. Ed de St. Aubin in which students are immersed in psychology research and community-based social justice work to support individuals directly impacted by incarceration. Through partnerships with organizations such as Project Return and Marquette's Education Preparedness Program, de St. Aubin's students collaborate with community leaders to learn how to promote successful reentry and long-term flourishing for formerly incarcerated youths and adults. This hands-on, transformative learning experience is importantly grounded in and contributes to the needs and strengths of our city.

Finally, we share an exciting revision to Theology 1001, a cornerstone of Marquette's Jesuit curriculum. When I speak with alumni, especially those now serving in executive leadership roles, they regularly mention Theology 1001 as formative to the values and ethics that have led to their success. A new textbook, Who Will You Become? An Ignatian Introduction to Catholic Theology, authored by Rev. Ryan Duns, S.J., and Dr. Conor Kelly of our Department of Theology, is now used by first-year students to explore Catholic theology through Ignatian discernment - the spiritual practice of thoughtful decision-making that shapes our lives. By studying this common text, we are confident that our current generation of Marquette students will continue to lead and serve based on a foundation that strengthens both community and character.

Thank you for your continued support and contributions to our Marquette community. We are grateful to share these stories with you and are immensely proud of the faculty, staff and students who inspire them!

Sincerely,

Dr. Heather Hathaway
Acting Dean, Klingler College of Arts & Sciences
Marquette University