In 2023, Marquette handed out it's inaugural Midwest Jesuit Province Ignatian Educators of Distinction Award to alumna and faculty member Dr. Marija Bjegovich-Weidman, Nurs ’23, ’95. The award recognized Bjegovich-Weidman’s incorporation of Jesuit values into her teaching.

Each Mission Week, honorees will be invited to a luncheon to recognize their achievement at Marquette. 

Purpose: Faculty and staff of the universities in the Upper Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus are dedicated to the Jesuit Catholic educational mission. Province designation as an Ignatian Educator is a campus and public recognition of a person’s commitment and competence in animating the Jesuit tradition of academic excellence.    

Standard: Original distinction is based on depth and time of education — approximately 20 hours in a one-year period engaged in comprehensive education and/or scholarship on Jesuit identity, including pedagogy, spirituality and heritage. 

To apply for the award, fill out the form linked here. Applications are open until Jan. 10.