Marquette University today announced it has received a $10 million donation from an anonymous benefactor to build a new on-site residence for its Jesuit priests.
The donation includes $7.5 million to begin renovating the center of campus, where the existing Jesuit Residence is located. The other $2.5 million is earmarked for need-based scholarships.
The total renovation investment will be $15 million, using only donations. Marquette will now work to raise another $7.5 million to begin work on the project.
“This significant gift is a tremendous investment in the future of our members of the Society of Jesus who make such profound academic and spiritual contributions to life at Marquette,” said the Rev. Robert A. Wild, interim president. “And equally as important, this generous contribution to support scholarships will help us to continue to provide a world-class, transformative education that is both accessible and affordable.”
Marquette’s existing Jesuit Residence, in the 1400 block of West Wisconsin Avenue, was built in 1916 at the Stratford Arms Hotel and is now home to 44 priests. It will be torn down so additional green space and parking can be added.
The new Jesuit Residence will be located in the 1400 block of Wells Street, between the Alumni Memorial Union and Schroeder Hall.
It will have a focus on the Jesuit commitment to higher education and an eye on environmental sustainability, while promoting a communal approach to daily living. A chapel will be in the center, with additional space for worship and meetings, said the Rev. Jeffrey LaBelle, rector of the Jesuit community on campus.
Kubala Washatko Architects has been hired to design the new building.
Marquette University
Dr. Robert Bishop, Opus Dean of Marquette University’s College of Engineering, has been named the recipient of the 2013 Dirk Brouwer Award given by the American Astronautical Society. The award, which commemorates famed astronomer Dirk Brouwer, recognizes individuals who have made notable technical contributions to space flight mechanics and astrodynamics. Bishop was selected for his seminal contributions to the theory and practice of navigation and control of autonomous aerospace systems as well as for his mark on engineering education. Bishop specializes in the application of systems and control theory, and throughout his career has authored leading college textbooks, as well as lent his expertise to projects overseen by NASA.
UPAF
The United Performing Arts Fund recently announced that two print ads from its 2013 Campaign were recognized in the Graphis Advertising Annual, an international journal of visual communication that celebrates compelling advertising projects. The ads, which helped the nonprofit exceed its $11 million campaign goal, feature two performers, a dancer and a trumpet player, surrounded by messages of support. The pieces were created by Milwaukee-based STIR Advertising and Integrated Messaging. UPAF supports a collection of area performing arts organizations with its funding dollars.
Marcus Theatres
Marcus Theatres, a division of Milwaukee-based The Marcus Corp., has opened up a new opportunity for audiences to view art and independent films on the big screen with an initiative dubbed “Indie Focus.” Through “Indie Focus,” independent film fans will be able to see first run films from major directors as well as films created by less experienced directors. “Indie Focus” films will showcase the artistic visions of their filmmakers and will highlight character development. Participating Marcus Theatres across the country will introduce a new independent film at their venues each week, which moviegoers can view for regular theatre pricing. Participating Wisconsin theatres include North Shore Cinema in Mequon.
Lakeland College
Lakeland College, located in Sheboygan County, plans to expand the BlendEd component of its adult education program this spring by creating three new portals through which students can take classes. The college established BlendEd in 2005 with a class model that helps students better transition between classroom and online lessons. With the expansion, students will be able to access classes through live, streaming video from a laptop at home or through live audio with a smartphone or tablet. Students will also be able to watch recordings of weekly classroom sessions online at their own convenience as well as tap into classes through two-way videos from Lakeland College centers throughout Wisconsin. The two-way video capabilities will enable students to interact with instructors and other students in real time. The new offerings, which were tested in spring 2013, aim to serve working adult students with flexible formats as they complete their higher education degrees.
