marquette matters march 2012
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Marquette Matters March 2012TRANSCRIPT
CAMPUS HAPPENINGS
MARCH 2012
Biological Sciences Seminar Series continues in March The Department of Biological Sciences will host a seminar titled, “Determining the Environmental Impact of Nanomaterials,” given by Dr. Rebecca Klaper, associate professor of freshwater sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, on Friday, March 23, at 3:30 p.m. in Wehr Life Sciences, 111. The series will continue with a lecture titled, “GABAB Modulation of L-type Calcium Channels: Our ‘Current’ Understanding,” given by Dr. Michelle Mynlieff, associate professor of biological sciences, on Friday, March 30, at 3:30 p.m. in Wehr Life Sciences, 111. Contact the Department of Biological Sciences at 8-7355 for more information.
Next Law School Poll will be discussed March 27The results of the third Marquette Law School Poll will be the topic of “On the Issues with Mike Gousha” Wednesday, March 27, from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. in Eckstein Hall. Released monthly throughout the year, the Marquette Law School Poll provides a comprehensive, independent survey of voter attitudes in Wisconsin during this historic election year. The polling initiative is led by Charles
Franklin, visiting professor of law and public policy, and a nationally recognized expert in polling and voter analysis. Other faculty in the Law School and across campus will also provide context and analysis throughout the year.
Higher education finance expert to deliver Marburg LectureDr. Ronald G. Ehrenberg, Irving M. Ives Professor of Industrial and Labor Relations and Economics at Cornell University, will deliver the annual Marburg Memorial Lecture Wednesday, March 21, at 4 p.m. in Raynor Memorial Libraries’ Beaumier Suites. An expert in the economics of higher education, Ehrenberg has served as a consultant to faculty, administration and trustees at a number of universities on issues relating to tuition and financial aid policies, as well as other budgetary and planning issues. In 2002, he wrote Tuition Rising, an exami-nation of the American higher education system. The Marburg Lecture is named in honor of the late Theodore F. Marburg, a long-time member of Marquette’s Department of Economics, and provides a forum for the discussion of moral, philosophical and social dimensions of economic issues.
MARQUETTEBehind the scenes with Marquette’s third-shift custodiansBy Lynn Sheka
It’s common knowledge that the busiest
people get the most done. A similar version of
that saying is true on Marquette’s campus — the
people who sleep the least get the most done.
“A lot of people don’t realize that Marquette
doesn’t shut down at night or on the weekends,”
said Bob Pach, service manager in Facilities
Services, who co-manages Marquette’s 45-person,
third-shift custodial staff with Cheryl Haskey,
service manager. “We’re walking in for a full
night of work after everyone else has left.”
Sunday through Thursday nights, Pach’s day
begins at 9:30 p.m. when he arrives on campus.
He first checks in with the second-shift main-
tenance mechanic to determine if there are
any immediate custodial needs or maintenance
situations that need monitoring during the night.
Next, Pach walks through each of the build-
ings he oversees to touch base with his crew and
discuss future events and planned projects. As
he approaches each building, he can tell which
members of his staff are working by the type
of music being played.
Jennifer Smith, custodian II in the Alumni
Memorial Union, prefers to listen to her iPod as
she works each night from 11:30 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Smith has been a part of Marquette’s third-shift
custodial crew for six months, and says cleaning
is a seven-and-a-half-hour workout because of
the sheer amount of space covered each night.
“If you see it, we clean it,” she said.
When she isn’t trying to catch up on sleep,
Smith can often be found studying to complete
her undergraduate degree in mechanical
engineering. Most semesters she takes an
8 a.m. class, which helps her feel connected
to the rest of the campus community.
One of Smith’s favorite things about her job
is her coworkers, because Marquette “feels like a
family.” Another member of the third-shift staff,
Randy Kasten, custodian II in the Al McGuire
Center, echoed that sentiment, adding that the
While the rest of campus sleeps, Jennifer Smith, a third-shift custodian, prepares Lalumiere Language Hall for another day of academic endeavors.
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shared experiences of working in darkness and
the constant lack of sleep help bring the third-
shift crew together.
Although he jokes that everyone working the
third shift invests in Mountain Dew and coffee,
Kasten is proud of the work he does each night.
“Marquette is a small-city university known
throughout the country. There’s a level of pres-
tige when I tell people I work here,” Kasten said.
“The buildings we’re working in are beautiful
and people from all over the country come to
visit them. We feel good knowing we’re a part
of their Marquette experience.”
The work Pach and his team do is closely
tied to faculty, staff and students’ daily Marquette
experiences, because after midnight, the third-
shift custodial crew is responsible for all custo-
dial and maintenance situations on campus. The
Department of Public Safety calls an emergency
phone Pach carries with him during his shifts to
alert him to anything that needs to be handled
immediately. “In my 12 years as a third-shift
manager, I’ve seen my share of emergencies,
from overflowing toilets to malfunctioning
elevators to 400 gallons of water flooding the
lobby in Abbottsford Hall,” he said.
One of Pach’s most memorable days on the
job happened during the major Midwestern
blizzard last February. Although the university
was closed, he and the rest of the third-shift
custodial staff reported to work before the
heaviest snow hit.
C O NT I N U E D O N PAG E 4
MARQUETTE MATTERS
Way Klingler Award winners studying Alzheimer’s, literacyBy Lynn Sheka
Fascinated with memoryWay Klingler Sabbatical Fellowship Award
Ever since she was a child, Dr. Kristy Nielson, professor of psychology
and immediate past chair of the Department of Psychology, has been
fascinated with the human memory. As she progressed in her career,
Nielson parlayed her interest into a specialization in cognition, and
specifically, the aging brain and Alzheimer’s.
Nielson will spend her year-long Way Klingler Sabbatical Fellowship
using electroencephalography (EEG) technology to study the timing and
sequence of brain waves during specific cognitive tasks performed by
adults older than 60. The study’s participants will be divided into two
groups — those who have the apolipoproteinE-ε4 (APOE) allele, a genetic
risk factor for Alzheimer’s — and those who do not. Working with research
assistant Christina Figueroa, Nielson will administer various cognitive tasks
to participants, who will wear EEG caps with 64 sensory nodes that record
brain wave activity.
Nielson isn’t just looking for accuracy during the tasks. Rather, she’s
trying to map which parts of the brain are responding and in what
sequence. “We’re interested in the patterns and differences in the ‘when
and where’ within the brain for people with the APOE gene and people
without it.”
Nielson’s goal is to pinpoint areas of the brain and specific brain wave
patterns that distinguish people at risk for Alzheimer’s from those who
are not. She can then observe those factors over a period of time to see if
they predict cognitive decline. Once successful predictors of the disease
have been pinpointed, they can be used as targets for intervention.
“We’ve known for at least 30 years that with the population living
longer, Alzheimer’s would be a huge public health concern, and a very
important and difficult problem to solve,” Nielson said. “I would love
to see someone put me out of business tomorrow, because that would
mean we’ve figured it out.”
An interdisciplinary approach to early literacy educationWay Klingler Teaching Enhancement Award
Dr. Kathleen Clark, associate professor of educational policy and leader-
ship, and Dr. Maura Moyle, assistant professor of speech pathology and
audiology, were working together on a research grant when they realized
that their students have opposite strengths and weaknesses when it comes
to literacy education.
While many speech-language pathologists work in school settings
after graduation, they receive limited hands-on training in collaborating
with classroom teachers. Conversely, elementary education students are
expected to place literacy and language development high on their list
of learning outcomes as educators, but opportunities to actually instruct
culturally and linguistically diverse children in the areas of phonological
awareness and oral language development are limited.
To combat this need, Moyle and Clark, who also serves as director of
the Hartman Literacy and Learning Center, developed an interdisciplinary
course that will teach undergraduates in Marquette’s education and speech-
language pathology programs to collaborate on language and literacy
development, particularly for urban, low-income children. The team-taught
course will be available for up to 32 students from both programs this
fall. Besides teaching language acquisition methods, the course will also
emphasize new approaches to collaboration and coaching to help students
work together and learn from the other discipline.
“Literacy, especially in culturally diverse children, is a huge task that
takes many different viewpoints,” Moyle said. “School models are changing
to accommodate extra professionals in the classroom to support literacy,
and this course is preparing students to hit the ground running and effect
real change.”
Education and speech language pathology students who take the course
will work together to design and implement a full program of literacy
instruction for children from the Hartman Literacy and Learning Center’s
local partner schools. Students will also collaborate on case study research
assessing the learning outcomes of the children they instruct, culminating
in a research poster session at the end of the semester.
“We’re hoping our course will increase cross-disciplinary collaboration,
especially when colleges can work on mutual goals across disciplines,” Clark
said. “One of the biggest advantages of this type of learning is that students
graduate with a broader perspective and a different way of thinking.”
Dr. Kathleen Clark, associate professor of educational policy and leadership, and Dr. Maura Moyle, assistant professor of speech pathology and audiology
Dr. Kristy Nielson, professor of psychology
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Raynor Memorial Libraries’ top five most-circulated books during the 2010-2011 academic year were:
1. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
2. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
3. The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson
4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
5. The Shack by William P. Young
Marquette’s football program may have disbanded in 1960 due to debt and poor performance on the gridiron, but for Chris Perez, assistant dean for academic affairs in the College of Engineering, Marquette’s Golden Avalanche football team is ever present. One entire wall of his office in Olin Engineering is covered with an extensive collection of programs, pennants, media guides and other memorabilia from the days when Marquette’s football team played each fall weekend at Marquette Stadium and County Stadium.
A Marquette graduate and sports fanatic, Perez began his Marquette sports memorabilia collection by accident in 1998, when he was hired by the university as a computer support engineer. Perez was perusing eBay in search of Marquette pennants to decorate his new office when he stumbled upon Marquette football memorabilia dating from the 1920s. He started bidding — and winning — and his collection was born.
Although his office contains sports memorabilia from both Marquette’s football and basketball teams, it is the football artifacts that have been the biggest conversation starter for students and parents who drop by. “They’ll say, ‘I remember when Marquette had a football team,’ and then launch into stories about the stadium at 36th and Clybourn,” Perez said. He eventually plans to donate his vast collection to University Archives so those stories continue to be shared.
Would Perez like to see football make it back to Marquette one day? “It’s a nice dream to have,” he admits. For now, Perez will continue to relive Marquette’s football days from the comfort of his office, and root for Marquette’s basketball team each spring.
Marquette Matters is published monthly during the academic year, except for a combined issue in December/January, for Marquette University’s faculty and staff. Submit information to: Marquette Matters – Zilber Hall, 235; Phone: 8-7448; Fax: 8-7197Email: [email protected]
Editor: Lynn Sheka
Graphic design:Nick Schroeder
Copyright © 2012Marquette University
On the SideChris Perez – Marquette football fanatic
By Alexa Porter
“On the Side” offers a glimpse of faculty and staff interests outside of Marquette. Email your story suggestions to [email protected].
The American Dental Education Association
(ADEA) has recognized William K. Lobb, D.D.S.,
M.S., M.P.H., dean of Marquette’s School of
Dentistry, with a 2012 William J. Gies Award for
innovation as a dental educator.
The Gies Awards, according to Gary Stafford,
D.M.D., chair of general dental sciences at
Marquette, are like the Oscars for dental
education — receiving an award is a very
prestigious honor.
Stafford is a member of the Dental School’s
Committee on Change and Innovation, the group
that nominated Lobb for this national award. The
committee cited his leadership in gaining funds
and support to build Marquette’s new dental
school 10 years ago, and for developing an
innovative curricular model that still serves as
a benchmark in instructional practice today.
“Lobb advocated for a change in how dental
education was to be provided to meet the needs
of 21st century dental practitioners,” wrote the
nominating team.
The constantly evolving curriculum incorpo-
rates a comprehensive care group model, which
includes early clinical experiences, evidence-
based decision making, integration of content
and instruction, community outreach, and
rounds-based education.
Lobb is still active and engaged with the
curriculum today and practices in the School
of Dentistry’s Orthodontics Clinic each week.
He is also working toward a second- generation
expansion of the school to build research
facilities, expand faculty practice opportunities
and position the school to increase class size.
The state of Wisconsin has already committed
$8 million to the project in its 2011-2013
biennial budget, and the School of Dentistry is
raising $8 million in matching funds through
its Building for the Future Campaign.
The Gies Awards, named after dental
education pioneer William J. Gies, Ph.D.,
School of Dentistry dean honored for innovation in dental educationBy April Beane
honor individuals and organizations exemplifying
dedication to the highest standards of vision,
innovation and achievement in dental education,
research and leadership.
Lobb will accept the award at the 2012 ADEA
Annual Session and Exhibition in Orlando, Fla.,
on March 19.
“Take Five” is a brief list about an interesting aspect of Marquette life. Email your list sugges-tions to [email protected].
TAKE5
William K. Lobb, D.D.S., M.S., M.P.H., dean of the School of Dentistry, will receive the prestigious William J. Gies Award for his innovative approach to dental education.
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Marquette Moms: A support network for Marquette’s working mothersBy Lynn Sheka
MARQUETTE HAPPENINGS
MARQUETTE MATTERS
Spring break holiday hoursUniversity departments and services with special and restricted hours of operation for spring break, March 10 to March 18, include: the Alumni Memorial Union, the ITS Help Desk, Raynor Memorial Libraries, the Rec Center, the Rec Plex, the Spirit Shop and Union Sports Annex. Visit specific department and services websites to determine special hours of operation during spring break.
Marq Our Words offers opportunity to practice public speakingFaculty and staff interested in sharpening public speaking skills by practicing conducting meetings, giving impromptu speeches, presenting prepared speeches and providing constructive feedback in a supportive environment should attend a meeting of Marquette’s Toastmasters International chapter, Marq Our Words. Marq Our Words meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month over the lunch hour. Find locations for upcoming meetings at marqourwords.tumblr.com.
On-campus physical therapy available at Sports Rehabilitation Clinic Marquette employees and students suffering from an injury that will not heal, a nagging pain or a new injury, can make an appointment at the Marquette Sports Rehabilitation Clinic, located in Cramer Hall, 215. Licensed clinical physical therapy faculty are available to offer expert opinions and treatments, including physical therapy and athletic training services, X-ray services and free injury evaluations. To schedule an appointment, call 8-1400 or visit marquette.edu/pt-clinic.
Engage with Marquette on social mediaShare memories and current Marquette inspiration by following the university on its newest social network, Pinterest, at pinterest.com/marquetteu/. Experience a virtual bulletin board of campus scenery, Marquette Magazine photography, vintage throwbacks and blue and gold visuals. Also, be sure to “like” Marquette on Facebook and follow the university on Twitter for real-time updates about campus happenings. Visit marquette.edu/social/ for a full list of social networks that Marquette participates in.
When Brigid Alba had her
first child in fall 2009, she
knew being a mother would
change her life. What she
wasn’t prepared for was the
guilt she felt as she transi-
tioned back to her role as
assistant to the vice president
in the Office of Mission and
Ministry after her maternity
leave. While talking with other
new moms around campus,
Alba learned she wasn’t the
only one feeling that way, so
she asked the Faber Center for
Ignatian Spirituality if it would
provide space for new moms
to have lunch and discuss their
shared experiences.
The Faber Center offered to fund two lunches
each semester for the fledgling group, and
Dr. Kathy Coffey-Guenther, director of Ignatian
programs and associate director of the Faber
Center, volunteered to lead guided discussions
on relevant parenting topics during the meetings.
Ten Marquette mothers attended the first
meeting of the New Moms group in January
2010, where the conversation ranged from
newborns’ unpredictable sleeping patterns
to the pros and cons of using cloth diapers.
“I came away from that first meeting thinking
this group was the perfect place to share my
feelings and questions with people who under-
stood exactly what I was going through,” Alba
said. “I had other moms saying to me, ‘Here’s
what I did. Here’s my story,’ and it helped me
see that I’d figure it out, too.”
Since then, the group has grown and diversi-
fied to include mothers of children of all ages
— prompting the New Moms group to change
its name to Marquette Moms in September 2011.
It now includes Marquette faculty and staff from
a variety of departments who share the bond of
motherhood, and has helped forge new connec-
tions between women who previously had little
interaction on campus.
“The Marquette Moms group brings a sense
of community, support and wisdom for working
Above: Members of Marquette Moms (and a few dads) enjoy a play date at The Big Backyard. Right: Left to right: Jack Dooley, son of Stacie Dooley; Renee Anderson, assistant director, Krueger Child Care Center; Stacie Dooley, associate dean of Residence Life for University Apartments and Off Campus Student Services. The on-campus Child Care Center is another way Marquette supports its working mothers.
moms at Marquette,” said Coffey-Guenther.
“It is especially helpful as moms transition
back to work while missing their infants, as
they discern when to focus on broadening their
families, and even for support during difficult
circumstances, such as a child’s illness or the
loss of a pregnancy.”
Elizabeth Wieland, office associate in
University Advancement, was one of the new
mothers at the group’s very first lunchtime
meeting. She has found Marquette Moms to
be an invaluable support network, especially
since none of her closest friends have
children. An average of 25 women attend each
Marquette Moms lunch, and members often
exchanges emails in between meetings about
everything from the best place for children’s
swimming lessons to recommendations for
baby photographers.
“Because Marquette values care for the whole
person, I’ve found that the university is very
understanding of the challenges of being a
working mother,” said Wieland. “I feel so lucky
to work at a place where you can identify a need
and your employer supports you by providing
tools to meet that need.”
Mothers interested in joining Marquette
Moms can email Wieland at elizabeth.wieland@
marquette.edu.
Snowplows didn’t make it to campus until
3 a.m., and many of the third-shift staff were
stranded on campus until 11 a.m. the next day.
Pach made sure everyone was accounted for
and had a way to get home.
On normal days, Pach leaves campus at 6 a.m.
and heads home to nap for two hours before
either babysitting his granddaughter or looking
after his elderly father. He tries to take another
nap from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and then his day
starts all over again.
While he admits he drinks a lot of coffee and
that working the third shift isn’t for everyone,
Pach said he enjoys “interacting with my staff,
the independence and quiet, and the fact that
I always have to be ready to think on my feet.”
Third-shift custodians C O NT I N U E D F R O M PAG E 1
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