As the campus prepares for the September 23 inauguration of its twenty-third president, Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., it seems appropriate to reflect on the previous individuals who held the university's highest office. The Department of Special Collections and University Archives preserves a large number of images and documentary materials related to the Office of the President - particularly for the past 60 years - and has selected highlights for digitization and presentation in its In the Spotlight collection.

Inaugural ceremonies and presidential welcomes have varied greatly throughout the years. The January 1928 inauguration of Rev. William M. Magee, S.J., featured an ode written by poet J.D. Logan. Rev. John P. Raynor, S.J., was feted by city leaders with an inaugural civic reception and dinner in January 1966, shortly after taking office. Rev. Peter A. Brooks, S.J., who took office in the midst of World War II, made a brief statement upon being named president expressing gratitude for the service of veterans and offering educational opportunities to meet their needs.

The role of the university president has changed somewhat throughout the years, but many functions have remained constant: overseeing operations of the institution and providing leadership and direction to the organization; serving as an ambassador for the university in local, national, and international settings; providing religious and spiritual leadership for the campus community; and inspiring constituencies to support Marquette with their time, treasure and skills.

View images selected for this Spotlight.

Questions about this group of images or about additional images related to Marquette's president can be directed to: Katie Blank, Special Collections and University Archives.