Stewardship of Valuable Resources....

[westcoastwarrior]

Just recieved an e-mail from Father Pilarz...

He has 5 themes he is plans on emphasizing this year....the last one is "Stewardship of Valuable Resources".

Isn't our Basketball program a Valuable Resource?


hmmmm...interesting.

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

Here are the 5 themes described from the site  - I do not think the theme is what you think it is.

http://www.marquette.edu/president/strategic-planning-themes.php

Pursuit of Academic Excellence for Human Well-being: Marquette's fundamental characteristic is its commitment to academic excellence. Marquette is further distinguished by its history of offering a professional education that is grounded in the arts and sciences. Building our academic strengths will be the primary focus of our planning and will be grounded in service of the "well-being" of the world, a tradition established by the earliest leaders of Jesuit higher education. This pursuit of excellence combines with our historic commitment to educational access.

Research in Action: Marquette is increasingly recognized for the research and scholarship undertaken by our faculty and students. Faculty and others describe research at Marquette as having a strong sense of purpose and action, whether it is through the development of solutions to the world's most pressing problems or the search for answers to life's deepest questions. This distinguishing focus of our university needs to be both better articulated and better prioritized through our planning process.

Service, Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement: Building on the university's tradition of leadership among its sister institutions in drawing meaning and purpose from its Catholic and Jesuit mission and identity, Marquette's students, faculty, staff and alumni live out a deep commitment to serving others and pursuing social justice. Our community recognizes that as a Jesuit university, Marquette has a special opportunity and responsibility to Milwaukee in particular and to contribute more broadly to needed solutions of community problems, especially through the knowledge and expertise of its faculty and students.

Formation of the Heart and Soul: With our educational experience rooted in the humanistic curriculum established by the earliest Jesuits, Marquette will continue to prioritize its commitment to develop each student's full potential inside and outside the classroom. In the context of an increasingly diverse community, we will continue to draw on our special gift for formation, academically, socially and spiritually.

Stewardship of Valuable Resources: For the strategic plan to be effective, any priorities established must be tied to specific financial plans and a commitment to appropriate resources, whether financial, human, physical or any other sort. We need to deepen our collective understanding of our financial reality—including the constraints of our annual budget and the hyper-competitive marketplace for new students, for research grants and for fund raising. If we want to invest in new ideas—to act boldly as I heard over and over again — we should look for ways to accept the challenge of being innovative and entrepreneurial in pursuing our dreams, while practicing discipline and efficiency in controlling costs.

[Gato78]

I responded to the email immediately. I ponted out that we are a University meant to educate but that our soul is basketball. The most important figure in the history of our University is a basketball coach. The chant, We Are MArquette, actually means something and has since the 1970's.  Any time we meet alums along the way of life, the 1st thing mentioned is basketball--regardless of our interests. I also said we have a wonderful Jesuit tradition and that the Jesuit education is the main thing. Even though trite, that basketball distinguishes us--just like a Jesuit education in the Ignatian tradition. Yet, in order to continue to distinguish our University and to enhance the themes espoused in the email, we need to nurture our soul--basketball. We believe AL McGuire when he said, among other things, that after you graduate, you should tend bar for six months and drive cab for six months, then you have a real education. Whether we did it or not, that espouses what we believe. These are the things that differentiate us and distinguish us as a University. I finished with the demand that the current administration must continue our fine basketball tradition to enhance the greatness of our University and to enhance the University's suggested themes. The administration needs to ensure that our basketball program remains top notch. I urge everyone to respond to that email and let the administration know what we think.

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

I responded as well; noting the absence of maintaining a National Brand as a strategic theme is a miss.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

I responded to the email immediately. I ponted out that we are a University meant to educate but that our soul is basketball. The most important figure in the history of our University is a basketball coach. The chant, We Are MArquette, actually means something and has since the 1970's.  Any time we meet alums along the way of life, the 1st thing mentioned is basketball--regardless of our interests. I also said we have a wonderful Jesuit tradition and that the Jesuit education is the main thing. Even though trite, that basketball distinguishes us--just like a Jesuit education in the Ignatian tradition. Yet, in order to continue to distinguish our University and to enhance the themes espoused in the email, we need to nurture our soul--basketball. We believe AL McGuire when he said, among other things, that after you graduate, you should tend bar for six months and drive cab for six months, then you have a real education. Whether we did it or not, that espouses what we believe. These are the things that differentiate us and distinguish us as a University. I finished with the demand that the current administration must continue our fine basketball tradition to enhance the greatness of our University and to enhance the University's suggested themes. The administration needs to ensure that our basketball program remains top notch. I urge everyone to respond to that email and let the administration know what we think.

We should start an email campaign because the University President didn't specifically mention basketball in a letter?

I'm sorry, but does that seem crazy to anybody else?

[RJax55]

We should start an email campaign because the University President didn't specifically mention basketball in a letter?

I'm sorry, but does that seem crazy to anybody else?

Yeah, it is crazy. To state that the "soul" of Marquette University is the basketball program is ludicrous. The soul of MU, like almost every other institution of higher learning, is the student body. And, it is the totality of their MU experience (which certainly includes basketball) that binds the MU community together.

Frankly, an institution who tries to define itself through an athletic program is bound to be disappointed.

[mu_hilltopper]

What's more daffy is the thought that MU would give a rat's behind what any of us think.

[GGGG]

Yeah, it is crazy. To state that the "soul" of Marquette University is the basketball program is ludicrous. The soul of MU, like almost every other institution of higher learning, is the student body. And, it is the totality of their MU experience (which certainly includes basketball) that binds the MU community together.

Frankly, an institution who tries to define itself through an athletic program is bound to be disappointed.

I understand what Gato was saying, that the basketball program is very important to the identity of the University, but to say it is the "soul" of the University is overplay.  Yes, it is a point of pride for alumni and is a significant part of the school's identity.  

And I don't think the administration would dispute that anyway.  

[Hamostradamus]

Yeah, it is crazy. To state that the "soul" of Marquette University is the basketball program is ludicrous. The soul of MU, like almost every other institution of higher learning, is the student body. And, it is the totality of their MU experience (which certainly includes basketball) that binds the MU community together.

Frankly, an institution who tries to define itself through an athletic program is bound to be disappointed.

Notre Dame = Football; Harvard = Academics; Berkeley = Protest; MU = Basketball. Each school has an identity apart from the collective student body that is an asset that must be exploited, which is good. Many schools have no real identity (really - what do you think of when you hear Towson State?) Defining a university through athletics is just fine, it brings alumni back and raises the profile.

[dgies9156]

What's more daffy is the thought that MU would give a rat's behind what any of us think.

I would hope they would care since it is many of us who give the money that supports the scholarship, that ensures the tuition money is there and who follows the concepts of social justice preached by the Jesuits. A University's greatest gift is the quality of person it graduates into the world. If you don't care what these people think, then you don't care about the product you produce!

As to the broader issue of basketball, we're back in the debate about the role of basketball at Marquette, like it or not. Now isn't the first time we've been there and hopefully, it's the last. Basketball is important because it generates significant cash flow. Further, the reality is that for many in this country, Marquette is basketball. I've said it before that I would hope NO ONE selected Marquette because of basketball alone (except perhaps for 12 people on campus who happen to play basketball for us), but I do think that basketball plays a role in creating visibility for the university. At its core, basketball is a public relations tool!

On the question of our most famous celebrity, I still think Joe McCarthy may be number 1. He was a grad and in most history books. Al hasn't made American History books -- yet!

[CTWarrior]

Notre Dame = Football; Harvard = Academics; Berkeley = Protest; MU = Basketball.

Funny, for me, Harvard = Money.

As for this topic, I think basketball is what keeps alumni, particularly those outside WI/IL, attached to the university.  I loved Warriors basketball while I was at MU, but it was only a small part of the great 4 years I had there (basketball wouldn't figure in my favorite 20 memories of college).  Basketball now is my way of keeping in touch with the school and those who also love it.  Wouldn't call it the soul of the school, though.

[mu03eng]

Here's the thing, these kind of grandiose statements are great for sending out in emails and making people feel important and impressing everyone with buzz words.  I think what comes next is much more important, in terms of how they execute it.

I'm willing bet no 22 year old graduate is going to remember all these things.  Hell, I'm back at MU getting a grad degree and I likely won't see any impact of these things in the university because what they plan and what they execute have been historically disconnected.  Additionally, they have historically been disconnected between theory that they teach and the reality of the real world.

Having read it a couple of times now, I think they are basically saying we are putting a 5 year roadmap for the university together and then we are going to go execute it.  In addition to that, especially in the last sentence of the Resource paragraph they are saying you better have it in the roadmap or its not happening.  So we have to hope basketball, and athletics in general is a big part of that roadmap.

Ultimately, I will reserve judgement until we actually see a roadmap and then whether they actually execute.  I have my doubts but we'll see.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

Let's be clear:

Basketball is tremendously important to MU. It provides an entertainment and rallying point for students and alumni. It provides a branding opportunity for the university, and it' gives invaluable national television time.

It's important. Very important.

But, just because the University President didn't mention Al McGuire in a press release, doesn't mean we need an email campaign. Good Lord.

Pilarz graduated from Georgetown (undergrad) and worked at Georgetown from 1996-03. He owned and cared for the Georgetown bulldog mascot (the actual dog). The guy isn't some high and mighty academic who doesn't understand school spirit, and the importance of it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Pilarz

MU spent big bucks on a new assistant (Chew) this off season, and gave Buzz a big raise last off season.

Why are some people so nervous? What else are you looking for MU to do?

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

Here's the thing, these kind of grandiose statements are great for sending out in emails and making people feel important and impressing everyone with buzz words.  I think what comes next is much more important, in terms of how they execute it.

I'm willing bet no 22 year old graduate is going to remember all these things.  Hell, I'm back at MU getting a grad degree and I likely won't see any impact of these things in the university because what they plan and what they execute have been historically disconnected.  Additionally, they have historically been disconnected between theory that they teach and the reality of the real world.

Having read it a couple of times now, I think they are basically saying we are putting a 5 year roadmap for the university together and then we are going to go execute it.  In addition to that, especially in the last sentence of the Resource paragraph they are saying you better have it in the roadmap or its not happening.  So we have to hope basketball, and athletics in general is a big part of that roadmap.

Ultimately, I will reserve judgement until we actually see a roadmap and then whether they actually execute.  I have my doubts but we'll see.

Yea, I actually found this statement the most interesting:

Stewardship of Valuable Resources: For the strategic plan to be effective, any priorities established must be tied to specific financial plans and a commitment to appropriate resources, whether financial, human, physical or any other sort. We need to deepen our collective understanding of our financial reality—including the constraints of our annual budget and the hyper-competitive marketplace for new students, for research grants and for fund raising. If we want to invest in new ideas—to act boldly as I heard over and over again — we should look for ways to accept the challenge of being innovative and entrepreneurial in pursuing our dreams, while practicing discipline and efficiency in controlling costs.

For me, this means less new buildings and more preparing for the new reality. MU has experienced great prosperity for the past 15 years. The next 15 might not be as kind, they need to be prepared for that. Tuition rates are climbing very quickly, and MU can't afford to price it self out of the market. With this said, MU has a pretty good infrastructure in place (could use a new frosh. dorm, but whatever), and if they can keep tuition rates reasonable and build the endowment, they should be in good shape.

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

Notre Dame = Football; Harvard = Academics; Berkeley = Protest; MU = Basketball. Each school has an identity apart from the collective student body that is an asset that must be exploited, which is good. Many schools have no real identity (really - what do you think of when you hear Towson State?) Defining a university through athletics is just fine, it brings alumni back and raises the profile.

I cannot stand Notre Dame, but when I do not think Notre Dame = Football. Far from it, in fact.

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

The e-mail directly asked for feedback.  So I think their response is justified.  Maybe the administrations track record on large decisions in the past make them nervous or maybe they just feel strongly about this aspect of Marquette.  

You can also click the link in the e-mail and tell the admin they have it stated perfectly and even give some ideas on programs they can implement under the strategic plan.  

Let's be clear:

...But, just because the University President didn't mention Al McGuire in a press release, doesn't mean we need an email campaign. Good Lord.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

The e-mail directly asked for feedback.  So I think their response is justified.  Maybe the administrations track record on large decisions in the past make them nervous or maybe they just feel strongly about this aspect of Marquette.  

You can also click the link in the e-mail and tell the admin they have it stated perfectly and even give some ideas on programs they can implement under the strategic plan.  

I stand corrected.

This copy is on the right hand side of the website:

This strategic planning website is established as a vehicle for the campus community to learn about the strategic planning process and provide feedback.

Email away, gentlemen.

[Dr. Blackheart]

What's more daffy is the thought that MU would give a rat's behind what any of us think.

Well, who do you think MU is going to ask to help pay for the "stewardship of valuable resources"?  Pilarz is known as a master fundraiser, and the Domers are in place to help. ND has a bit less than a 50% alumni donation rate and their network hunts you down. MU's is <18%, Georegetown a bit over 30%.  Loyola just got the ex-CEO of McDonald's to build them a new business school. MU's business building is an old cobbled-together refrigerator box.  

Grab for some of your Grover's, boys.

[Goose]

Agree with Guns. School has real challenges ahead that are bigger than the basketball program. MU needs to be focused on being competitive in the marketplace and building the school's reputation aside from basketball. One of the biggest issues it faces is that basketball is the identity of the school to many, great for fans but not so great for school. New President often leads to new direction with big picture of the university.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

Agree with Guns. School has real challenges ahead that are bigger than the basketball program. MU needs to be focused on being competitive in the marketplace and building the school's reputation aside from basketball. One of the biggest issues it faces is that basketball is the identity of the school to many, great for fans but not so great for school. New President often leads to new direction with big picture of the university.

Just to add to this, I think basketball can/will play a key role in building up donations and generating revenue.

My only point was just because Pilarz doesn't specifically mention hoops, doesn't mean MU isn't committed to to a big time program.

[Goose]

Guns
I have my overall beliefs on the role ball plays at MU moving forward, but am not jumping ship because of Pilarz email. Time will tell how big a role ball plays and respect overall direction of university is bigger than role basketball plays. My heart says everyone in BOT knows how important basketball is and hopefully that wins out.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

Guns
I have my overall beliefs on the role ball plays at MU moving forward, but am not jumping ship because of Pilarz email. Time will tell how big a role ball plays and respect overall direction of university is bigger than role basketball plays. My heart says everyone in BOT knows how important basketball is and hopefully that wins out.

That's exactly how I feel.

They are smart people, MU's direction has been very good (over the past 15-20 years) and the current leadership has a good pedigree.

MU isn't perfect, but they seem to be doing/saying the right things.

[mu03eng]

My concern is an overall messaging from the university and the utopian society they seem to live in at times.  I provided my feedback and it had nothing to do with basketball.  I think if the university were smart they would make their strategic vision and plan all about "we make students ready to jump into the real world with both feet".  With that message and basketball, those are two powerful carrots to attract students and reinvigorate the alumni base.

Another thing, I don't know about everyone else, but I do feel like I get a lot of tell us how you feel type stuff from MU and very little seems to either happen or they go in what seems to be a per-conceived direction.  I think they need to be conscious of this and really work to make sure the feedback and the actions are aligned or you are going to people even more turned off.

[dgies9156]

Tuition rates are climbing very quickly, and MU can't afford to price it self out of the market... If they can keep tuition rates reasonable....

Have you priced a Marquette education lately? Terms like "can't afford to price itself out of the market" and "reasonable" are so, well, nonsense with Marquette that it defies description.

Marquette is $43,000 a year now. That's right..... $43,000. I'm old enough to remember tuition and ancillary that was less than half that for four years. That's right, an undergraduate degree for less than half of one year's tuition. Even adjusting for inflation since the 1970s, Marquette's costs have risen between 2x and 3x the cost of living in the period.

If my children wanted a Marquette education and Marquette wanted my children, I doubt we could come close to affording it without massive financial assistance that I candidly doubt would be available.

[Goose]

I currently have a Freshman at MU and another going next year and it is putting me in the poor house. I always told my wife if one of the upper, upper end school's were fit for my kids I would do whatever possible to make it happen and if MU was their choice we would need great deal of discussion. I love MU and it has been great for my family for over 40 years and due to that I caved in. All I know is I met my kid for lunch today and aside from lunch I gave him a C note and check to MU for $17K....an expensive lunch in my opinion.

MU has priced themselves out of the game for 99% of the population, myself included. I will tell you that my son is under tough scrutiny from me on his time at MU.