Administrative History: The Office of Vice President for Governmental Relations was created in 1979 and served as Marquette’s registered representative on higher education matters to the state and their respective agencies. In 1987, the name was changed to Office of the Vice President for Governmental and Community Affairs to reflect the Vice President’s non-governmental work in the community on behalf of Marquette. In 1996, the Office of Governmental and Community Affairs was reorganized as a director-level position.

In that same year, the Office of Communication was created, and John L. Hopkins, who had served as Director of Public Relations, was appointed Vice President of the new office. His responsibilities included planning and directing the university’s communication efforts and serving as the university’s chief spokesperson with the media.

In 1998, the Office of Governmental and Community Affairs was reorganized as a vice president-level position, and Rana H. Altenburg was promoted from director to vice president of that office.

In August 2001, the Office of Communication and the Office of Government and Community Relations merged to form the Office of Public Affairs with Rana H. Altenburg serving as Vice President. The office directs the university’s media relations, internal communication, publications, and governmental and community relations efforts.

In August 2005, reorganization within the Office of Public Affairs led to the creation of an Office of Marketing and Communication, which reports to the Senior Vice President. The Office of Marketing and Communication has responsibility for the university's marketing, including advertising, publications and web pages; internal communication, and Marquette Magazine. The Office of Public Affairs maintained responsibility for the university's governmental initiatives; community relations; university special events; and special projects of strategic importance to Marquette.

Vice President for Public Affairs: Rana H. Altenburg, 2001-ongoing
Vice Presidents for Governmental Relations and Community Relations: Rana H. Altenburg: 1998-2001 James L. Sankovitz, 1987-1996	Vice President for Communication: John L. Hopkins, 1996-2001
Vice President for Governmental Relations: James L. Sankovitz, 1979-1987

Scope and Content: These records are arranged into two subseries: Subseries 7 consists of unrestricted records, and 7.1 consists of restricted records.

Restrictions: Access to select records from the office of the Vice President for Public Affairs is restricted. Otherwise, access to these records is unrestricted. However, the researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright which may be involved in the use of these records. Consult an archivist for further information.

Subseries 7	Administrative Subject Files
Subseries 7.1	Administrative Subject Files (Restricted: Inventory in Archives)