Message from the Dean

December 2020

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

Both our Fall 2020 semester and a most unusual and challenging year are drawing to a close. The past months have compelled us to face a pandemic, racial injustice and economic hardship. This triple crisis has rippled across the globe and affected us right here in Milwaukee and at Marquette. We will hopefully never again experience a year like 2020. 

As we reflect upon the past year, in this Advent season we also look ahead toward what is to come. In the words of theologian Fr. Karl Rahner, SJ, “we are people of expectation and hope.” The incarnation of Jesus—God coming to dwell among us, taking on our flesh, sharing in our sojourn—reminds us of the importance of community. Part of what has made COVID-19 so difficult is the physical separation from friends, family, colleagues and classmates. A recognition of our need for social engagement is at the root of Ignatian pedagogy, which seeks to recognize and develop the whole human person in mind, body and spirit. 

Lately, some Marquette colleagues have gathered to discuss the recent Encyclical of Pope Francis, Fratelli Tutti: On Fraternity and Social Friendship. Drawing upon the parable of the Good Samaritan, its central teaching is to love all others as our neighbors, not only in words but in deeds. The need for this teaching is particularly acute in light of the pandemic and persistent, ever-growing inequality and injustice. Pope Francis finds hope in the power that we all possess to make a change for the better. He writes: “it is truly noble to place our hope in the hidden power of the seeds of goodness we sow.” Moreover, “persistent and courageous dialogue does not make headlines, but quietly helps the world to live much better than we imagine.” In an image that is particularly apt for Advent, Pope Francis observes that during a crisis, “we can choose to cultivate kindness. Those who do so become stars shining in the midst of darkness.” To realize this vision we must build community and take cooperative action. In line with the teachings of Pope Francis, we know that continued development and formation of the whole human person is crucial for students and also for faculty, staff and those in leadership roles. It is through such development and formation that we can Be The Difference. 

I have witnessed the transformational impact of the Arts & Sciences at Marquette through a variety of experiences this past year. I have visited classes, either virtually or in person. Faculty have proposed new programs. Faculty and staff have gathered for weekly virtual coffees with the dean. This month we held an all-College meeting for faculty and staff, which I anticipate will become a regular event. It has been a blessing and a joy to meet with dozens of alumni and donors. We have secured philanthropic support to promote learning, scholarship and public engagement. I have delighted in your many successes in research and scholarship, including significant grants and industry support. 

I truly love being here at Marquette and working with all of you. Please know that I will continue to advocate for the Arts & Sciences and find ways to support your success. 

Looking ahead to 2021, we will continue to pursue strategic priorities that build upon our core strengths: outstanding teacher-scholars who create transformational opportunities for students, innovative research that yields extramural funding and prestigious publications, and tremendous public impact. All of our initiatives will be guided by an ongoing commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. As we broaden access, we must also broaden opportunity. Welcoming and supporting a more diverse student body must entail maintaining a broad and diverse curriculum grounded in the liberal arts along with a range of high-impact learning experiences like internships, study away and faculty-mentored research. We will remain laser-focused on defining what success will look like for the Helen Way Klingler College of Arts & Sciences in 2021 and well beyond.  

In closing, let me return to Rahner, who writes that “the present already bears the future within itself.” Our present holds multiple futures within it. To which ones will we devote ourselves? No matter your own faith tradition, may the Advent season hold many blessings and the joyful promise of what is yet to come.

As always, please feel free to contact me with questions, concerns or suggestions. I appreciate hearing from you and exploring ways we can all work together for the common good.

Sincerely,

Dr. Heidi Bostic
Dean, Klingler College of Arts and Sciences