At first it may seem inconsistent to pair signature Jesuit values of social justice and selflessness with finance, an industry explicitly based on amassing wealth.
The students and faculty of Marquette’s Applied Investment Management Program would disagree.

“If there’s a public perception that finance is corrupt, then that’s a false perception,” AIM program director Dr. David Krause said.

As Wall Street continues to grapple with the global economic recession and public outrage over AIG executive bonuses and the Bernie Madoff scandal, Marquette’s Applied Investment Management (AIM) program is expanding the scope of Jesuit education and service beyond traditional social justice campaigns and food drives.

The AIM program is bringing Jesuit values to the forefront of finance through an innovative investment research curriculum designed to give students real investment experience and a solid foundation in the Jesuit tradition.

The Applied Investment Management (AIM) program was founded in 2004 and gives a select number of finance majors the opportunity to manage $1 million of the University’s endowment while receiving hands-on training in managing small capitalization equity and fixed income  funds.

The International Applied Investment Management (IAIM) program was established in 2007 and expanded the portfolio to include global equity funds. As one of the nation’s top investment programs, the AIM program was the first undergraduate business program in the world selected as a program partner by the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute.

Jesuit infused ethics guide the program as AIM students are some of the first in the nation required to take courses focused on socially responsible investment management standards.
“As far as we know, we’re the first school anywhere to offer investment ethics. We feel pretty good that we’re at the forefront addressing these problems. Because of our Jesuit values, we were addressing ethics before there was ever a need for it, before the big explosion,” Department of Finance chair Dr. Sarah Peck said.  “We take a lot of pride in the fact that not only are our students going to be extremely knowledgeable, but also become the type of people you want to see on Wall Street.”

In addition to the ethics course, a new course on risk management will be offered because of the link between the current economic crisis and the high frequency of risk leverage.
“We could really see that this was becoming an issue so we’re going to offer a course on it,” said Peck.

Disclosure to clients, trading, conflicts of interest, compensation and corporate governance issues are among the many ethical concerns addressed in AIM courses, Peck said.
The AIM program also prepares students to take the Chartered Financial Analyst exam, in which ethics is heavily covered. According to the AIM Web site, the program’s partnership with the CFA Institute is dependent upon the program covering at least 70 percent of the CFA Candidate Body of Knowledge.

Marquette graduate and AIM program alumnus Steven Briggs, who will be starting at Bank of America in New York as an analyst in Mergers and Acquisitions in July said ethics was always a huge part of his classroom experience in the AIM program.

“Ethics is a huge portion of the CFA exam and was talked about in every class we took for the AIM program,” Briggs said. “We had to write papers on ethics and current events dealing with ethics was always discussed.”

The Jesuit ethics taught at Marquette have also stayed with alumnus Dan Williams, Senior Vice President and Private Client Advisor for U.S. Trust Bank of America in New York.
“I think there’s a fundamental difference between people who’ve been Jesuit educated and those who have not,” Williams said. “It broadens your view of ethics, provides a moral, ethical training and makes it easy to tell when something is wrong, and say no right away.”

Although market volatility has gone down in recent months, the finance industry still faces hardship and uncertainty. Despite industry conditions, Dr. Krause said the AIM program has not suffered significant losses, and is also attracting a record number of applicants.

“The program hasn’t changed investing strategies, and is doing well in up and down markets,” Krause said. “There have been some alterations in type of companies, but we’ve stayed invested long term.”
Applicant numbers may be on the rise, but the implications of last fall’s financial crash has affected some students’ outlook on the future of finance.
AIM program junior Sarah Finneran said upheaval in the financial industry compelled her to initially question joining the program.

“As I was applying to the program, the financial industry was in turmoil, and so I initially thought “why would I want to do this?” but then I realized that with the backdrop of Jesuit values taught and applied through AIM, this is what there is a need for [in the industry],” Finneran said.

“There is a need for a moral compass in the business world, and that’s exactly why I wanted to be a part of the program, so that what happened doesn’t happen again.”

Popularity: 10% [?]

Before the emergency vehicles arrived on the scene, Marquette ’02 alumnus Nick Skiffington was driving down Clybourn Ave. when a construction worker running away from the site of the new Marquette Law School, Eckstein Hall, caught his eye. Then, Skiffington saw the flames shooting up behind the worker.

“I slammed on my brakes, and the guy behind me slammed on his,” Skiffington said, “It took me a second to grab my cell phone and call, but when I did, the lady said emergency vehicles were already on their way.”

Skiffington placed his phone call at 3:50 p.m. Emergency vehicles arrived at 3:51 p.m.

In the nearby academic buildings, evacuation did not start until approximately 4:10 p.m., according to Amanda Hein, a teaching assistant for a class held in David A. Straz, Jr. Hall. “Public Safety sent officers to evacuate the building floor by floor,” Hein said.

The Haggerty Museum of Art was fully evacuated, while Straz Hall, Gesu Parish and O’Hara Hall were only partially evacuated.

According to Brigid O’Brien Miller, Director of University Communication, Marquette University enacted the evacuation of the east campus buildings only as a safety precaution.

The fire started due to a ruptured vaporization line leading to one section of three interconnected 1,000-gallon propane tanks.

The propane gas within the tanks is a liquid at cold temperatures and needs to be heated to a gas by a vaporizer for use. When the vaporization line ruptured, the heat started the line on fire, which in turn started the tank on fire, according to Battalion Fire Chief Michael Labinski.

Approximately 1,900 gallons of propane were still in the three interconnected tanks, so the Milwaukee Fire Department had to wait for the gas to burn off, although the firefighters stayed busy by directing large amounts of water at the tanks to keep them cool.

“We’re just cooling the tanks… and letting it burn. We keep them cool so the tank doesn’t superheat and explode,” Labinski said. “This is a controlled situation.”
Six construction workers were on the scene at the time the fire started. According to Labinski, they were in the trailer, heard a hissing noise and came out to find the tank on fire. All six workers are safe and without injury.

Damage to the structure itself has yet to be determined, but due to its containment between two concrete walls in the basement of the building, it is expected to be minimal.

Because of the fire, Clybourn Ave. was closed from 11th to 13th streets, and classes in Straz Hall were cancelled for the rest of the night.

The most disappointing closing was the cancellation of Marquette University Chorus’ concert with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra at Gesu that was co-sponsored by Marquette University and Gesu Parish.

“Marquette University called us and decided to cancel the concert,” said Margi Horner, Director of Liturgy at Gesu. “We did not make the decision.”
MU Chorus member Christine Kehl was disappointed not to be able to perform but said that the concert will be rescheduled.

Popularity: 11% [?]

For information regarding health concerns on and adjacent to Marquette’s campus, The Warrior consulted Data on Demand, an online database maintained by the Journal Sentinel’s Watchdog Online containing 1,900 eating and beverage establishment inspections from 2008.

November 18, 2008, a Marquette Place location was noted for allowing food buildup around a cutting board, and for employee’s omission to wash hands between table-cleaning and food preparation activities. The Journal Sentinel report also said there was not hand-soap available at certain hand washing sinks.

As of press time, no Marquette Place authority was available for comment on last year’s inspection. In an email exchange, however, the Executive Director of Alumni Memorial Union and Auxiliary Services said specific concerns raised by inspections are “immediately addressed,” and that all managers and employees are certified in the ServSafe program.

March 6, 2008, a German cockroach was found under the dishwasher at the Brew Bayou AMU location. At the time, a manager said there was a “slight roach infestation” and pest control was being undertaken.

November 4, 2008, an inspector observed bugs on liquor bottles at the bar in Caffrey’s Pub. Owner of Caffrey’s and Murphy’s Irish Pub Mike Vittucci said the insects were found on a bottle of vermouth that was rarely used, and has since been removed. Though the report said that there are no single service hand-towels available in the restrooms, Vittucci said there are towels available, but most patrons make use of the electric hand dryers, which are more sanitary.

The Journal Sentinel report did not mention any health concerns connected with the pub’s weekly “turtle racing” event, wherein spectators watch live box turtles maintained by the staff inch towards a logo in the center of one of the establishment’s tables. Vittucci said only one employee who does not work behind the bar that night handles the turtles.

November 12, 2008, the final cooking temperature of the chicken at Qdoba Mexican Grille on 803 N. 16th St. was tested at 145-160 degrees, according to the Journal Sentinel report. State regulation requires all poultry be cooked at 165 degrees. General Manager Ryan White said Qdoba policies require food to meet the 165 degree requirement, and that each piece is tested with thermometers.

The Qdoba report also said the inspector observed a bowl of guacamole being prepared on a garbage container. White said an employee was probably transferring food from one bowl to another over an empty garbage can.

Further information on local eateries is available at http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/dataondemand/33609219.html.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Bringing up academic advising during standard small talk among Marquette students is sure to bring about a series of broad, but equally fervent responses. Academic situations vary from student to student, but academic advising at Marquette and its effectiveness in preparing students for graduation is often described as either a nightmare or a godsend.

ADVISING’S TWO WAY STREET FOR STUDENTS

While students who enter Marquette as first semester freshman are assigned a departmental major adviser, transfer students follow a somewhat different advising track. Meghan Dolan, a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences transferred to Marquette from the University of Arizona at the beginning of her sophomore year. She said advising was a factor in her decision to transfer.

“I didn’t have an adviser at the University of Arizona,” Dolan said. “I didn’t know who to go to with questions about required courses and what ones would go with my major. I didn’t know who to talk to, and just had a general lack of direction.”

Dolan said after being accepted into Marquette, she received an e-mail from the Advising Department at the College of Arts and Sciences over the summer and then was able to then meet with an academic adviser to map out the courses she needed before she registered for classes.

“I met with my adviser before school even started and we talked a lot, which was really nice. She set up sheets and helped me map out my gen eds and everything I needed to do to graduate on time, and how I could get classes to double count for requirements, because I behind on credits,” said Dolan. “She’s been super helpful.”
Dolan met with her adviser twice more throughout her first semester, and said her adviser made herself very available to discuss any questions and concerns.
“She was really good about making sure I was adjusting and fitting in and making friends, making sure I was in the right classes.”

After her first year at Marquette, Dolan was assigned a major-specific adviser to meet with every semester before registration.

“I have a specific academic adviser now, but she’s relatively new and I’ve always wondered, do they really know what I need other than what’s a good major-related course for me to take?”

As positive as Dolan’s advising experience as been, College of Communication junior Joe Gacioch hasn’t been as fortunate, his advising experience at Marquette has been, in his words, “below average to say the least.”

Gacioch entered Marquette as a broadcast and electronic communication major, and was initially assigned a faculty member in that department as an adviser. Gacioch switched to Public Relations, subsequently changing advisers.

“She was either in her first or second year at MU, so she was unclear as to what classes I had to take to fulfill core, college and major requirements. As such, I basically had to figure out my requirements on my own,” Gacioch said.

Gacioch explains that although he is required to meet with his adviser, he usually has his classes already picked out.
“I was in Johnston Hall, not just her office, for eight minutes for my last advising session,” Gacioch said.

In addition to his poor experience, Gacioch said many of his friends have also had “below average experiences with their advisers.”
“I think that many students are unsatisfied with the advising system, as a whole, because of the lack of required sessions.”

MARQUETTE’S ADVISING STRUCTURE AND PHILOSOPHY

Each college at Marquette individually organizes and assigns advisers to students who have declared a major, but the Advising Center in the College of Arts and Sciences has a distinctively comprehensive program for Arts and Sciences students, transfer students and students who have an undecided major.

According to their Web site, the Advising Center utilizes full-time professional advisers who are available to assist students with “choosing a major, utilizing study skills techniques, determining career goals, selecting and scheduling courses and preparing for professional school.”

The Advising Center promises that their advisers will know students well and meet individually until a major is declared and other questions regarding courses, majors and careers are answered.

Brenna Vogel, who is an Academic Adviser at the Advising Center for College of Arts and Sciences takes that promise seriously. As a full-time pre-major adviser, Vogel works with 150 students on a one on one basis. Vogel typically meets with freshman, sophomores and transfer students from other universities or colleges within Marquette until they are paired with a faculty adviser in their area of study in the College of Arts and Sciences.

“I really get to know the students that I serve,” Vogel said. “I aim to see each student three times a semester, more if he/she wants. If a student is on academic probation, I meet with him/her weekly to make sure that we are working together to achieve academic success.”

Vogel also assists students with study abroad plans, summer school options and to ensure a smooth transition from high school to college, holds workshops on time management, organizes the College Majors Fair and does curriculum presentations during Orientation and Preview.

“I love what I do and I love my students. Advising is extremely rewarding and truly gives me a chance to get to know students on a personal level. My goal is to embody “cura personalis,” care for the whole person - mind, body, and spirit.”

MAJOR ADVISER PERSPECTIVE

College of Communication Associate professor, Dr. Ana Garner has been a faculty adviser for 16 years, and said faculty are expected to become familiar with the requirements of the major, college and university when advising students.

“The College of Communication has always held information sessions as things changed. Since faculty oversee requirements and course content they are usually familiar with changes that occur. The information sessions help fill in the gaps.”

Garner said College of Communication faculty undergoes supplemental training as academic requirements change and said balancing an advisee load is a part of being a faculty member just as much as teaching and researching.

“It is part of the ebb and flow of academic life, thus advising demands change as we move through the academic year in the same way the other work does.”
In his role as chair of the political science department, Dr. Lawrence LeBlanc, who has been advising and teaching at Marquette for 40 years, is responsible for assigning and meeting with all students who declare a major in political science.

“Yes, I would consider myself accountable to the College for the efficiency of the advising program in Political Science,” LeBlanc said. Students can either choose or be assigned an adviser after meeting with LeBlanc. He said, “the ability for students to choose their adviser is important.”

“I make every effort to be sure that students have advisers they will be comfortable working with,” LeBlanc said. “Advising is very important, but not all students see it as very important. Some want help not only with course selection but with working out, or at least thinking about, career plans and options. Others do not and are very self-reliant in making decisions on such matters.”

LeBlanc, who received the College of Arts and Sciences Excellence in Advising Award in 2006, said he was given no training on advising when he first came to Marquette.

“From time to time I went to advising workshops, particularly when I served as a Freshman Adviser in the College of Arts and Sciences. I do not require that the faculty undergo special training.”

Despite the lack of a formal training program, LeBlanc said the faculty in his department consult among themselves and share knowledge and insight on advising.
“Our objective is to provide first-rate advising to students, and I would say that we almost invariably achieve that.”

Popularity: 12% [?]

“Bad things happen when you mess with MUSG.” Those are the words that Abe Matthew said to a Tribune reporter on November 15, 2008. The next two weeks preceding his removal from office, he was under constant fire from fellow Senate members as well as the general MU student body. What was missing from all of this criticism was Matthew’s voice.

One of the biggest omissions in Matthew’s story was that the Tribune reporter that he indirectly threatened was an acquaintance that he had known for five years, beginning in high school. After the incident, Matthew even apologized before he knew that the incident was reported. “I felt comfortable making a joke to him… it got blown way out of proportion. I guess you can’t bring the organizations into it.”

Matthew asserts that while in office, he was one of the most transparent and open people in student government. “After meetings I would come up to the reporters and actually talked to them.” He also notes that he was against the Communications policy that MUSG put in place which says that Senators are supposed to refer all questions directed toward them to the Communications Department of MUSG, thus taking away any non-organization sanctioned comments in the student news. “If you take my words literally and [interpret] them as a threat, then you are neglecting my actions,” Matthews said.

According to Matthew “an implicit threat does not merit removal. I think that was an overreaction.” However, he was not pleased with the other alternative given to him, an unpaid three week suspension. Although he accepted the suspension, Matthew believes that a more appropriate response would be a strong verbal reprimand, which he got from many of the Senators. “I was surprised that [the reporter] even reported it. I apologized.” Looking back, he “would have been adamant from day one that this was an overreaction. I tried to play ball but it just got me deep in the hole. I don’t think that I adequately defended myself.”

Now that Matthew has been removed as Legislative Vice President of the Senate, Jason Rae has taken over that position. Expect a big difference in style between the two leaders. Matthew hopes that the Senate continues to increase its visibility in its role acting as a liaison between students and faculty and hopes that Rae will take an aggressive stance on issues concerning the student body.

Since he is no longer a part of MUSG, Matthew won’t be able to propose legislation regarding a huge issue he had hoped to address during the second semester – the program board. “Fifty five percent of the budget is allocated to programs that few students take advantage of… the benefits do not equal the cost.” His suggestion? “Cut the Program Board.” Matthew acknowledges that some students do derive benefits and that they still should be catered to, but the sheer amount of money hemorrhaged into a system for a select few is not the way to go.

Another issue Matthew hopes the Senate will tackle is election reform. The rules of the election need to be brought into the twenty first century. “Candidates should be allowed to text people… Today that’s an acceptable form of communication.” Along with election communication, Matthew hopes that a primary debate will be introduced in hopes of getting third parties noticed across campus and passed through the primary elections.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Fr. Bryan Massingale, associate professor of theology, is offering his course for the second time, “Homosexuality and Christian ethics,” an honors seminar adopted from a seminary course.

Massingale taught at the St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee between 1991 and 2004, and then as an adjunct professor 2004-2005. It was there he first formulated the curriculum that would be simplified for undergraduates in “Homosexuality and Christian Ethics.”

Massingale said he was prompted to propose the course when a parish priest approached him concerned about his [the diocesan’s] uncertainty as to how to speak to the many gay and lesbian people in his parish. Massingale taught the course twice at St. Francis.

In his fifth year at Marquette, the Office of Student Affairs invited Massingale to speak on African American attitudes on homosexuality at an event on culture and sexual orientation.

At the event, Massingale said “Of the 30 or so [LGBT] students present, maybe 20 identified as Catholic, but none of them said they had any current relation with the Catholic Church.”

Massingale mentioned the phenomenon shortly afterwards at a faculty gathering, when he spoke with Anthony F. Peressini, Associate Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Honors Program. Massingale mentioned his experience teaching the seminary course, and Peressini invited him to submit a course proposal.

Peressini said honors curriculums are selected for topical relevancy and discussion of issues that would not be elsewhere. By way of example, Peressini said past honors courses focused on the Benedictine order, Irish poets and the origin of the universe taught by a theologian, a physicist, and a philosopher.

Massingale taught “Homosexuality and Christian Ethics” for the first time in 2007. Peressini said the course was selected to offer “a broader view as to how homosexuality is viewed in a different context.”

The seminar is one of eight offered by the Honors Program annually to juniors and seniors. The program decides which seminars are to be taught after sending out proposals to faculty members.

Massingale said readings for the course cover perspectives within Catholic and Protestant Christianity from the most restrictive to the most affirming. Peressini and Massingale independently said the course was well-received by students the last time it was taught.

Massingale said the possibility of offering the course to students outside the Honors Program “is not one I’ve actively pursued.”
Massingale said if the class were to be taught outside the Honors Program, it would likely be an occasional upper-division elective offering every other year, in the special section “Special Topics in Moral Theology.”

“I want to stress that no decision has been made to offer the course beyond the Honors Program, nor has there been even a discussion of that possibility,” Massingale said.

“I’ve taught it before in the seminary. It’s certainly topical, something that could be [used] in a wider setting,” said Massingale.
When asked if he foresaw any special difficulties gaining approval for teaching the course beyond the Honors Program due to the potentially controversial subject matter, Massingale said, “Frankly, no. When I was hired, they knew I had taught this at the seminary level. Frankly, I think it’s surprising to me, if I were told I could teach this at a seminary and not to undergraduates.”

Carlo Giombi, 20, a junior in Arts and Sciences, currently enrolled in the course, described the course as “one of the most important [ones] currently offered at MU.”
“It seems to me that there is a severe lack of in-depth analysis regarding the various stances on homosexuality, both inside and outside of the Church,” said Giombi.
Desiree Valentine, 21, a junior in Arts and Sciences, also enrolled in the course, said the course was recommended to her by a recent graduate who described it as “the best class he had taken during his time at Marquette.”

When asked if the instructor displayed any ideological bias, Valentine said, “I have trouble thinking that a professor need be completely objective in their instruction of a course, especially one such as this which incorporates a lot of discussion and seminar style lectures, but the professor so far has not made his stances on the issue extremely clear in any way save for the fact that he obviously thinks homosexuality and Christianity should be talked about.”

“This is an incredibly complex issue and therefore I think it’s hard to take any rigid ideological stances in the instruction of the course,” said Valentine.

Popularity: 5% [?]

With the election over and the semester coming to a close, The Warrior thought it might be a good idea to shift focus and briefly survey the state of Catholicism on campus. As a Catholic institution of higher learning, fostering an environment that provides students the tools and knowledge necessary to deepen their faith should be a priority. Marquette’s mission statement attests to this responsibility when it notes that its “Catholic identity is expressed in our choices of curricula, our sponsorship of programs and activities devoted to the cultivation of our religious character, our ecumenical outlook, and our support of Catholic beliefs and values.”

The university’s Catholicity is at the core of its identity, and many of the standards and rules in place are rooted in Catholic values. On the surface, it would seem that the University is overwhelmingly Catholic.

However, despite the rhetoric promulgated by the University, what does one actually find when they look beyond the crucifix in every classroom? How active and informed is the Catholic majority at Marquette? Do the programs the University initiates have a positive impact on the faith of students on campus? How effective is Marquette at fostering and promoting its Catholic identity? On the other hand, are students doing their part to advance their faith? Certainly most students are aware that the University has an Office of Campus Ministry, which works closely with Christian and non-Christian student organizations alike. However, how many students, especially those that consider themselves Catholic, actively seek to take advantage of what Campus Ministry has to offer? Are students actively seeking to deepen their understanding of their faith?

These questions are complex and can be very subjective; indeed finding comprehensive answers to these inquiries may not even be possible. However, seeking to encourage thought and discussion on this topic, The Warrior interviewed a handful of students, faculty and staff who are involved with various aspects of spirituality at Marquette. These people are all in positions that allow them to observe and comment on the state of Catholicism on campus. They were asked to answer a series of questions evaluating Catholic activity amongst students and then grade the campus’ Catholicity in several categories. The findings of this brief survey of selected individuals highlight many of the things that Marquette and its student body are doing correctly to further the University’s Catholic identity. It also reveals some areas of deficiency that could use some improvement and attention. Hopefully, the following exposé will shed light on some of these shortcomings and serve as a call to action, urging students, faculty and staff alike to work towards a University that is unashamedly, and passionately Catholic.

The questions that were asked can be divided into five categories dealing with participation in religious activity, knowledge of Catholic teaching, involvement of non-Catholics, emphasis among students on prayer and emphasis on social justice and service. The interviewees were then asked to provide suggestions for bettering those categories that they feel need improvement. The following will provide five different perspectives on these questions from active students and staff.

Student A

Catholic Outreach is one of the larger, regularly meeting, Catholic student organizations on campus. As such, active participants of Outreach are an ideal source for opinions on campus Catholicism.

One regular female attendee of Catholic Outreach, who wishes to remain anonymous, believes that, “for a Catholic school, there are definitely not a lot of Catholics participating in religious activities on campus…if Catholics really wanted to grow in their faith, they would be more active and look for ways to build on their relationship with Christ.”
She expressed their concern with the low attendance at Campus ministry sponsored retreats and activities, as well as the low participation in Catholic student groups, expressing the desire to see new faces at these events.

On the topic of catechized students, Student A sees a sharp division between those who are informed on the teachings of the Church and those who are not, saying that the University and Catholic organizations should “focus more on catechesis and discovering church doctrine…it would be awesome if there was more discussion on Catholic topics such as how to pray the Rosary, Eucharistic adoration and John Paul II’s theology of the body.”

Despite these shortcomings, she feels that the University does an excellent job of getting students of other faiths involved, noting that ecumenism is important and that Marquette performs its duty to people of other faiths superbly. However, she warns that, “Marquette, especially Campus Ministry, focuses so much on trying to include everyone that they sometimes forget that they are really Catholic at heart and must uphold Catholic values above all others.”

In addition to ecumenism, Student A sees Social Justice as one of the University’s strengths, and iterates that she’s “really proud” of Marquette’s dedication to service. Although, she cautions that students must be careful not to over-emphasize the service aspect of the faith and forget about other elements like the Eucharist and prayer, saying, “the root of service is Christ, and we must grow in a relationship with Him before any real service can be done.”

As a means of improving the Catholic environment on campus, Student A suggests hosting panels on Catholic topics like Sacraments, marriage and on controversial topics like homosexuality to provide more ways that students can further explore their faith.

Manresa Intern

Manresa intern Emily Schumacher, who works in the Office of Campus Ministry, also provided some of her thoughts on these questions. In answering the first inquiry about participation, Schumacher poignantly highlighted that it is very difficult to define a faith-based activity, as many students –she believes – pursue their faith in their own way. She also pointed out that although it appears that students lack information on what the Church teaches, this is a universal problem that is not specific to Marquette. Schumacher also believes that the University definitely tries to involve people from other faiths in its faith-based activities, saying that Marquette needs to “remain true to our Catholic core, but not be exclusive.”

On the topic of prayer, Schumacher believes that students on campus are spiritual and overwhelmingly engage in some sort of prayer, whether it’s in the Catholic tradition or not. Social Justice is something she says is very important to certain students, and something that Campus Ministry does an excellent job of. On this subject, she would like to see the Catholics who are heavily involved in liturgical circles engage in more service, and vice-versa, as these are both essential aspects of the faith.

Beyond this, Schumacher views the impending Campus Renew program as a positive addition to Marquette’s arsenal of faith programs. Campus Renew is a program that consists of small faith communities that allow people to connect with their faith alongside of others. Currently, the core team for this initiative is training and preparing for the program’s official launch next semester.

Student B

Another student respondent, who is active in Campus Ministry activities, also wishes to remain anonymous. This student offered a different angle regarding the level of participation among Catholic students. He surmises that if Mass attendance is included, 80 percent of students are involved in some type of religious activity, saying that “there is an overwhelmingly strong base of participation.”

This student also sees an adequate amount of catechesis amongst Catholic students, asserting that “many people know the basics of their Catholic faith and have their own way of living it.” Adding, however, that “there is a lot of misunderstanding on the Church’s teachings regarding human sexuality, particularly contraception, and I think it would be beneficial to have a program about that…without any bias against the Church.”

On the subject of ecumenism, Student B feels that the University does a good job of this, and that many retreats and activities sponsored by Campus Ministry do an excellent job of involving those of other faith backgrounds. He adds that Marquette has especially excellent opportunities for service, but cautions as Student A did, that a “very small number of people often forget that the service, justice and peace which we promote is centered on our faith and need to re-realize that no difference in the world can be made without the grace of God.” For suggestions on how to improve the shortcomings he perceives, Student B notes that Campus Ministry is doing a great job of making improvements, citing the addition of Catholicism 101 programs. In addition, he proposes tapping into other aspects of Ignatian spirituality in order to “help develop the spirituality of our campus and help keep our service faith-oriented.”

Actively involved alumnus

To obtain an entirely different perspective on these questions a Marquette alumnus who is still heavily involved in campus activities was chosen. This gentleman wished to remain anonymous, but was able to contribute several interesting thoughts to this conversation.

Like Schumacher, this alumnus noted the complexity of having to pinpoint who qualifies as a Catholic, but believes that among those who identify themselves as such there is a high level of involvement with various faith-based activities on campus.

Addressing the level of catechesis among students, the alumnus said that from his perspective the level of knowledge of Catholic teaching varies greatly by subject area and that it is rare to find students that will know everything about everything.

He indicated that he believes the level of prayerful experiences at Marquette is relatively high, saying “I think it’s a gift” that so many students engage in formal and informal prayer.
He also mentioned that the level of service at Marquette is very positive, although noted that it may be advantageous to “renew the emphasis on the inherent connection between community service and faith.”

On top of this he added that it is essential for the University to continue strengthening and maintaining the overall culture of faith so that it permeates the culture on campus.

Liturgical Director

To provide yet a different angle on the state of Catholicism on campus, The Warrior turned to Gretchen Baumgardt, the Director of Liturgy in Campus Ministry. From her position she sees a lot of students, “who are very committed to participating in Campus Ministry-sponsored activities,” but admits that the there is a struggle “with getting beyond the choir of folks that tend to participate in everything, and finding ways to encourage new people to get involved as well.”

On the subject of catechesis, Baumgardt believes that there is always room for improvement, noting that, “there is so much to learn and discover about the Catholic faith that isn’t elaborated upon fully in the Catechism of the Catholic Church or in one’s experience of a theology course.”

However, despite this, Catholics at Marquette still place a big emphasis on liturgical prayer but, Baumgardt adds that during her time as a hospital chaplain she was reminded that prayer is a “very intimate experience for people and is something that is difficult to evaluate.”

She concludes by pointing out that Campus Ministry is currently working on addressing the catechetical needs of students through new faith formation opportunities and reflection groups.

The GPA of Catholicism on campus

In addition to interviewing a select group of involved people, The Warrior also surveyed twenty Catholic students, faculty and staff to obtain a grade for Marquette’s Catholic culture. The categories stipulated were Sunday Mass attendance, attendance of weekly faith activities, knowledge of Catholic doctrine, involvement in social justice and service work, orthodoxy of student body and participation at liturgy. The grades gathered average out to:

Sunday Mass attendance: B
Participation at Liturgy: AB
Attendance of weekly faith activities, including weekly Mass: B
Knowledge of Catholic doctrine: C
Involvement in social justice and service: AB
Orthodoxy: BC

From these few interviews and surveys it can be seen that opinions on the state of Catholicism are diverse, and depending on one’s perspective, the way the University improves the culture of faith on campus changes. As mentioned before, the questions we asked are very complex and intricate questions. In no way was this exposition of perspectives intended to be a scientific analysis of Catholic students. Its sole purpose is to provoke thought and dialogue on the issues and questions addressed. The people interviewed and surveyed, including those whose names have been withheld, are all involved in areas of spirituality on campus that give them the ability to observe the state of Catholicism at Marquette. Their views are valuable, and varied.

Hopefully, the perspectives offered here cause readers to pause and reflect on what it means to be a Catholic and Jesuit university, what form that identity should take and where each individual fits within that bigger picture.

Popularity: 20% [?]

As the semester winds down, students living off dormitory food will have an opportunity to give feedback on their dining experience.

Sodexho Inc., the French-based food service company and exclusive caterer and cafeteria manager, uses an annual survey conducted by the university to gauge student opinions on rendered services. Arthur Scheuber, Vice President for Administration, said the average rating of cafeteria food usually ranges from “average to above average.”

“I would agree that we have been average,” said General Manager of University Dining Dan Auger. “The challenge is how to get better than average. I would hope that the work we have done over the summer shows an improvement with the scores.”

Auger said surveys for this semester are “getting ready to go out right now.”

Sodexho representatives attend student organization meetings to seek feedback and to provide students with updates. They also maintain comment boxes in all dining halls.
Erin Ruckoldt, a sophomore in the College of Communications, is the student meal coordinator at McCormick dining hall. She said comment boxes receive about five entries per day. Ruckoldt said one of the more frequently occurring requests is for a wider array of vegetarian and vegan options.

Patrick Roman, a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences, said average to above average ratings reflect students’ opinions, though he said he hears more below-average opinions expressed than excellent ones.

“Most of the negative remarks I’ve heard have been made on the elevator or in the dorm wings. The general attitude I’ve seen while students are eating has not been unsatisfactory,” said Roman.

 Marquette has maintained a relationship for at least 20 years with Sodexho, a contract which predates the tenure of all administrators consulted on its longevity, and is guaranteed for at least another eight years.

When asked how much Marquette spends on Sodexho’s services per year, Scheuber said the matter was covered by a confidentiality agreement within the contract.
Cafeteria employees’ compensation is determined by Sodexho. Full-time employees are members of the Local 1 of Service Employees International Union.
Likewise, Marquette has an exclusive relationship with Pepsi, a contract negotiated separately from Sodexho.

Pepsi was given an exclusive contract with the university in 2002 after bidding and online polls of students, said Executive Director of Alumni Memorial Union and Auxiliary Services Todd Vicker. Though Vicker said the contract with Pepsi was “long term,” the exact terms of the contract are confidential. How much Marquette spends on Pepsi products each year is also confidential.

Vicker said the contract was exclusive because providing service at an institution of Marquette’s size requires a “very sizable” equipment investment so as to ensure profit on the company’s investment.

Popularity: 13% [?]

Around this time of year, we begin to see advertisements for the picturesque holiday season. The fireplace ablaze, the snow gently falling, everyone is gathered together, sipping eggnog and hot cocoa. It is a time for frolicking in the snow like a seven-year-old, going to festive parties and exchanging presents.

Of course, that isn’t how it works at all. For most people, the holidays are a hectic time; trying to get all of the last minute errands run, finding the right present for that hard-to-buy-for person on your list, frantic cleaning in order to get ready for family and friends, all while doing everything else in their daily schedule. Let’s not forget finding time to reflect on the person that is central to Christmas. No, it’s not the big red guy who brings presents, it’s the little baby who brought the promise of deliverance.

For us students, exams are wrapping up right as the holiday season gets into full swing. As soon as our exams are done, we get swept up in the hustle and bustle of coming home, meeting with friends, and seeing family.

There are those, however, who won’t be able to enjoy the company of family and friends during Christmas. Our soldiers abroad will be celebrating their holidays on foreign soil while doing what they can to protect our nation and bring peace to others. While they will not be celebrating in an orthodox manner, they are the ones who embody the holiday spirit the best – spreading peace and acting as exemplary role models of self-sacrifice.

I completely agree with those of you who are thinking that I am crazy to be talking Christmas when we have not even reached Thanksgiving yet, but it is never too early to get into the giving spirit of Christmas, especially when an on-campus group is looking for donations to give to American soldiers scattered throughout Iraq and Afghanistan.

Our men and women in the service do not have the luxury of celebrating Christmas at home, so it is time to bring a touch of home to them. I spoke with the President of the Arts and Sciences Student Council, Jacqueline Keidel, about the drive for Any Soldier, Inc. they are sponsoring. They hope to gather hygienic products, nonperishable foods and things like magazines, games and anything else the soldiers can use to pass the time.

Keidel made a passionate argument for the drive and looking out for those who are looking out for us; “it’s important to remember that war involves human beings – men and women with families and hopes and dreams… this is why the Council and I chose this project. It is a completely non-partisan effort that seeks to recognize and maintain human dignity, even in the face of violence and hatred.”

Especially with the holidays ahead drawing nostalgia and thoughts of home from the soldiers, it is important to remind them that they are on our minds. Having written two letters to soldiers already, Keidel notes that the soldiers “seem happiest just to know that we haven’t forgotten them.”

It is hard not to get into the giving spirit after talking to Keidel. Her enthusiasm is contagious. In fact, I chose to write a letter to a soldier. The Any Soldier, Inc. website notes that soldiers just want to be connected to the home they left and a letter is a great way to do that. I admit, it was hard to start because I didn’t know where or to whom the letter I was writing would go, but soon, the words just poured out of me. There is so much to say; a mere thank you wouldn’t do. Two and a half pages later, I had a letter ready to go out with the rest of the items collected to go overseas.

If you would like to donate but are unsure of what to give, you can go to the Any Soldier, Inc. Web site to see lists of requested items from soldiers themselves along with recommendations from the website. Another resource is the Facebook group, College of Arts and Sciences Any Soldier, Inc. Service Project. No money? No problem. A letter is always welcome.

Items can be dropped off in the College of Arts and Sciences office on the second floor of Marquette Hall or in a box in the lobby of 2040 Lofts. If those places aren’t convenient, Keidel and the rest of the Council will happily meet you somewhere on campus to pick up your donations.

While it’s too early for commercial Christmas and the buying frenzy, it can never be too early to remember the true spirit of Christmas and join in giving joy to others.

Popularity: 8% [?]

The Naval Nursing midshipmen of ROTC heard alumni speak on their own experience with a career in Naval Nursing on Saturday.

The symposium’s six speakers offered practical advice for Marquette’s 14 Naval Nurses in-training on such matters as how to anticipate orders following graduation, career opportunities and how to take advantage of military educational programs.

Ensign Kristen Stonieki spoke about what Naval Nurses can expect immediately after graduation: an unnerving wait for their first orders, broken by preparation for the National Council Liscensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX) and orientation at one of the Navy’s three teaching hospitals.

Stonieki graduated Marquette in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She has since reported to her first duty station, the Naval Medical Center San Diego.

Stonieki said she originally wanted to specialize in pediatrics, but tried to keep an open mind throughout her education. When she arrived in San Diego, she was exposed to humanitarian programs and inspired by women on her floor’s humanitarian work. Now Stonieki said she has a good chance of serving on the USNH Mercy or USNH Comfort, humanitarian relief ships.
Cmdr. Don Raymundo spoke of his own experience on the Mercy throughout the Pacific in the years following the 2005 tsunami. He provided medical care for impoverished communities, and trained local healthcare providers.

Raymundo said humanitarianism allows the United States to show “soft power.”

“Our mission is to establish partnerships, to develop and establish a relationship with countries…To win hearts and minds, so hopefully they will side with us,” said Raymundo.
Humanitarian vessels collaborate with Operation Smile and Project Hope, non-governmental organizations dedicated to correcting the cleft pallets of children in poor nations through simple surgeries.

Lt. j.g. Robert Naquin spoke about his own career with the Naval Nurses; after his 2005 graduation, he requested immediate deployment. He ultimately reported to the Naval Hospital, Camp Lejuene, where he worked in the post-partum ward. Naquin made use of the time training in the hospitals emergency rooms and intensive care units.

In 2007, Naquin deployed with a surgical company and a Marine logistics group to serve the medical demands of the ongoing war in Iraq out of Camp Virginia in Kuwait.
The hospital there had eight beds, and the doctors operated on wooden tables. The post-operating room doubled as a lunch room for hospital staff, among its other functions. Wooden doors separated the main hospital wing from the operating room.

“The operating room was probably cleaner than a lot of hospitals here,” said Naquin. “We cleaned it, top-to-bottom, every day. It was a pain.”
“You hear about Florence Nightingale running around the battlefield saving lives—that’s us,” said Naquin. “It’s come full circle.”
Usually, nurses require up to seven years of training before receiving certification to administer emergency medical care in helicopter flight, but he and his colleagues started doing just that “right away.”

Naquin was also Company Supply Officer, a position which put him in charge of the Authorized Medical Allowance List, a $3.5 million supply distribution center. It is one of the primary sources of medical equipment in western Iraq.

Naquin is continuing his education through the Naval Duty Under Instruction (DUINS) program, a graduate-student analogue to ROTC by which officers continue to receive payment and financial support to continue their education. For DUINS, Naquin hopes to attend Penn State for study of disaster management, which would qualify him for leadership in relief efforts in the wake of natural catastrophes, biological warfare or terrorist attacks.

Popularity: 6% [?]