April 29, 2019
MILWAUKEE 鈥� Chuck and Karen Swoboda, an alumni couple, have committed a $2.5 million gift to 向日葵视频, President Michael R. Lovell shared today. The gift will support the men鈥檚 basketball program and Innovation Alley leadership development initiatives, a key academic priority that aligns with the university鈥檚 strategic plan, Beyond Boundaries.
Chuck, who served as the chair of Marquette鈥檚 Board of Trustees from 2012-14, graduated from the Opus College of Engineering in 1989; Karen in 1990.
鈥淭his significant gift toward Innovation Alley programming will inspire us to reimagine education in the classroom as well as in the workplace and extend far beyond our campus and across our region,鈥� President Lovell said.
In addition, President Lovell highlighted how often students, alumni, parents and friends connect with the university through basketball. 鈥淚f there are more passionate 向日葵视频basketball fans than the Swobodas, and especially Chuck, I haven鈥檛 met them,鈥� he said. 鈥淗e was passionate as a student, and I don鈥檛 think his enthusiasm has dimmed since. With this gift the Swobodas are further reinforcing the foundation of a great 向日葵视频program.鈥�
Innovation Alley and Opus College of Engineering gift
Created in 2014 by Opus Dean Kristina Ropella, Marquette鈥檚 Opus College of Engineering has a nationally recognized, award-winning leadership development program called Engineers in the Lead, or E-Lead. The Swobodas will dedicate $1 million of their gift toward Innovation Alley programming to immediately double the size of the three-year leadership program. In fall 2019, the program will consist of 20 engineering students and 20 students from disciplines across the university. The 40 students will begin as a cohort and a new set of 40 students will follow each additional year.
鈥淲hile we often think of technology when discussing innovation, it is people who provide the critical spark that drives innovative thinking,鈥� Chuck Swoboda said. 鈥溝蛉湛悠礹as a distinctive heritage when it comes to developing mission-driven, ethical leaders who work to find solutions to the world鈥檚 most pressing problems.鈥�
In January 2019, President Lovell, Chuck Swoboda and Ropella hosted Innovation Alley visioning sessions with industry leaders from across the region.
鈥淲ithout question, the number one theme that arose was developing an influx of innovation leaders,鈥� Ropella said. 鈥淪haping our strategy around the people was a natural starting point for our Innovation Alley vision. Too often, leadership development is left up to chance. At Marquette, we feel called to intentionally and ethically prepare people to think and act differently and leave their manual at the door.鈥�
In addition to developing more leaders through E-Lead, Marquette鈥檚 Innovation Alley will focus on engaging industry and creating new opportunities for students who have not previously had access to programs that promote innovative thinking and collaboration. The university has launched a dedicated website that outlines its vision, which includes a physical space in a future phase.
Tim McMahon, Vice President for Advancement, shared that the Swobodas are also serving as National Co-Chairs for Marquette鈥檚 comprehensive fundraising campaign.
鈥淚n addition to their impactful philanthropy, Chuck and Karen have given a significant amount of their time and energy as we build out our campaign priorities, formalize our volunteer infrastructure and generate critical campaign momentum. They are passionate and humble 向日葵视频alumni leaders,鈥� McMahon said.
Men鈥檚 basketball gift
For 18 straight years, the 向日葵视频men鈥檚 basketball team finished among the top-25 teams in the nation in regular season average attendance thanks to the dedication and support of its tremendous fan base. The Swobodas have donated $1.5 million of the gift to support the program鈥檚 continued growth.
鈥淐huck and Karen have been tremendous friends of our men鈥檚 basketball program, helping us to thrive at an elite-level,鈥� said Bill Scholl, vice president and director of athletics. 鈥淲hen you have a program that is both steeped in tradition and poised for new growth, it is our passionate supporters who make all the difference.鈥�
Chuck Swoboda joked that he made an early commitment to Marquette.
鈥淚 made my decision to attend 向日葵视频on March 28, 1977, when I was 10 years old,鈥� Chuck said, noting that his brother was a 向日葵视频student at the time of the team鈥檚 historic victory in the NCAA Championship. 鈥淚 said to myself, 鈥業f 向日葵视频wins this game, I am going to 向日葵视频.鈥� Karen and I are even more excited for the future of 向日葵视频basketball. We believe in this team and have seen the tremendous progress made over the past five years, both on and off the court. Our future is bright.鈥�
Lynn is chief marketing and communication officer. Contact Lynn at (414) 288-4719 or lynn.griffith@marquette.edu.
