A Return to the Warriors?

The Marquette Board of Trustees will make their long awaited decision this Wednesday, May 4th to announce if the MU athletic teams will return to the Warriors or remain the Golden Eagles. Of course, a third possibility might emerge...neither. Perhaps an entirely new nickname.

An email was sent out today from Father Robert Wild, President of Marquette. It reads:

Dear Marquette Community:

I know you have been patiently awaiting word on a decision regarding our athletics nickname. The Board of Trustees intends to announce a decision immediately following its meeting on Wednesday, May 4th.

The Board has spent several months deliberating on this issue, taking seriously the opinions of more than 9,000 alumni, students, faculty and staff who participated in focus group discussions and an online survey. In addition to gaining a better understanding of the perspectives of so many, the Trustees, themselves, have explored very carefully all the various ramifications of the decision they must make. Many of our trustees are alumni, so this decision has great significance to them, particularly in their role as stewards of our Catholic, Jesuit educational mission.

The question before the Board is whether or not Marquette should reinstate Warriors as the athletics nickname going forward or whether we should honor it as part of our past history. In either case, we must and will choose a course that does not compromise our values and respect for the dignity of all members of our human family.

Whatever the Board’s decision, I am satisfied that people of good conscience will agree we have given this issue thoughtful study and consideration.

I am thankful to all of you who participated in this discussion and played a role in helping Marquette to resolve this issue. Following the May 4th Board meeting, it is our intention to post a complete summary of the survey results and other information that has been gathered and studied during this process. Please look for these materials at http://www.marquette.edu/nickname.

May our good and gracious God bless each and every one of you.

Sincerely,
Robert A. Wild, S.J.
President