Marquette to host Mission Week forum in honor of 50th anniversary of EOP

Feb. 3, 2020

EOP 50th AnniversaryMILWAUKEE — Marquette University will host a forum, “Pivotal Moment: Civil unrest and the birth of EOP,” in conjunction with Mission Week and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Educational Opportunity Program. The event will be on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 7 p.m. in the Alumni Memorial Union, 1442 W. Wisconsin Ave.

Notable Marquette alumni George Thompson, III; The Hon. M. Joseph Donald; and Maureen Hoyler will join Rev. Ryan Duns, S.J., assistant chair of the Theology Department, and moderator Vivian King to share their stories — some from the perspective of history and others from the perspective of the EOP program's impact on their lives.

This program will look at the intersection of civil rights and the Jesuit mission, including the role of student activists, faculty, Jesuits and the men’s basketball team in EOP’s creation. It also will look at the program’s profound impact through the lens of its alumni.

Online registration is required for this free, public event. A light dinner will be served at 6:45 p.m. with the program set to begin at 7 p.m.

Media wishing to attend should contact Kevin Conway at kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu.

In the spirit of being open to gratitude, the theme of Mission Week, attendees will have the opportunity to appreciate the roles of the courageous leaders who came together at a pivotal moment to help frame what's important for Marquette to consider over the next 50 years — particularly its commitment to Milwaukee's first-generation college students.

EOP was founded in 1969 in the wake of crucial events that include the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Milwaukee’s open housing marches, student protests demanding action to attract and support African American students, and several Jesuits and members of the men’s basketball team threatened to leave the university. EOP was born to help first-generation and income-eligible college students and is still serving that mission today.

Dedicated to serving God by serving our students, faculty, and staff, Marquette contributes to the advancement of knowledge by searching for truth, discovering and sharing knowledge, fostering personal and professional excellence, promoting a life of faith, and developing service leadership in others. Mission Week invites the campus community to participate in opportunities throughout the week to listen to inspirational speakers, participate in service, pray, worship, reflect and to take time for silence each day.

About Kevin Conway

Kevin Conway

Kevin is the associate director for university communication in the Office of University Relations. Contact Kevin at (414) 288-4745 or kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu.