Sabre Family Newsletter by Marian University

Sabre Family Newsletter SPRING 2014

Inspired by personal, hands-on experience “Ever since I came to Marian, the faculty and staff have invested in my future, and are really here to help students achieve their goals,” said Rakowski. “They make our classes interesting, and work to incorporate case studies, real world experiences, and laboratory practice. Marian is really focused on challenging our thinking, all while preparing us for our future careers.” With an emphasis on developing the skills needed for success in the workforce, Rakowski’s interest in making the most of her college experience was advanced through Marian’s Honors Scholars Program.

For Rebekah Rakowski ’15, choosing to attend Marian University was a simple choice. “I chose Marian because it is one of three schools in Wisconsin to offer a forensic science degree,” said Rakowski, a forensic science major and chemistry minor from Oak Creek, Wis. “The university’s small atmosphere was important to me – I didn’t want to get swallowed up by a gigantic school.”

“I was instantly interested in the Honors Scholars program when I saw the classes that I could take as part of it,” said Rakowski. “My honors experience has been wonderful, with exciting classes and endless opportunities to travel, as well as an annual scholarship and receiving an iPad for our classroom work. The Honors program really challenges me to critically think to solve problems, as well as to understand various cultural and societal issues.” In addition to participating in the Honors program, Rakowski currently serves as the President of the Science and Math Association (SMA), is a member of the Forensic Science Association, and enjoys participating in Student Senate.

“The university’s small atmosphere was important to me – I didn’t want to get swallowed up by a gigantic school.”

Along with innovative program offerings, the oneon-one atmosphere inspired Rakowski to achieve her goals at Marian. Rakowski’s passion was also enhanced through the personal relationships and hands-on experience gained.

“When I came to Marian, I knew this was the place for me,” said Rakowski. “Not only am I able to learn more about myself, but I know that at Marian I am getting an education that is preparing me for what I want to do with the rest of my life.”

Forensic Science program provides hands-on learning opportunities

Men’s Basketball clinches conference title; players earn 1,000 point honors The Marian men’s basketball team recently clinched the 2014 Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Championship, with an overall record of 22–7. The men’s team went to the first round of the NCAA tournament, though fell to No. 1 seed UW–Stevens Point with a 66–64 loss. “We went up against the No. 1 team in the country and showed incredible heart, tenacity and grit,” said Mark Boyle, head coach of the team. In addition, seniors Sam Koslowski ’14 of Neenah, Wis., Cody Veleke ’14 of Oakfield, Wis., and Jeff Harris ‘14 of Matteson, Ill., of the Men’s Basketball team reached the one-thousand point mark, a benchmark for individual excellence in college basketball.

Marian University continually develops innovative program offerings that meet the needs of the workforce, especially in the area of the sciences. A new major at Marian, the forensic science program is increasing in interest — not just because of popular television shows like Crime Scene Investigation — but because of a growing need for certified forensic scientists in Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest. “Marian’s program is unique in the fact that it instills graduates with the hands-on experiences, qualifications, and skills necessary to meet professional and accreditation standards,” said Stephanie Hoffman, assistant professor of forensic science. Forensic scientists are often called upon to analyze a variety of evidence and events, and utilize skills in crime scene investigation and reconstruction, investigative processing techniques, DNA analysis, evidence handling, fingerprinting, expert witness testimony, police science, and technical photography. Marian’s program combines theory and research, while incorporating high level specialty training to assist students in gaining the necessary skills to be successful. “Careers in forensic science are among the top 30 fastest growing in the United States, with employment projected to grow by more than 19% by 2020,” said Hoffman. “Our graduates are not only prepared through a challenging curriculum, but take part in hands-on laboratory experiences and professional internships.” With a focus on applied learning, Marian’s forensic science program conducts laboratory experiments at the Kuber Center. The Kuber Center houses two classrooms, a computer laboratory equipped with Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) and photography software, digital microscopes, and several areas for “mock” crime scene analysis. For more information about the program, visit www.marianuniversity.edu/forensicscience.

New major meets growing need in the community Inspiring the future of health and wellness, Marian’s offers a new major to help meet the growing needs of the community.

Inspired by learning opportunities: Communication students travel to D.C. for National Conference Inspired to connect with fellow communication professionals, members of the Marian Communication Association (MCA) traveled to Washington, D.C., to take part in the National Communication Association (NCA) Conference from November 21–24, 2013. Communication students Matthew Follen ‘14 of Fond du Lac, Wis., and Amanda Reimann ‘14 of Arena, Wis., and Victoria Hildebrandt, assistant professor of Communication, Kristine Hilt, support specialist “Marian’s communication program in the Office of the Registrar, and Mary really provides students with Hatlen, advisor of the opportunities to get involved and Marian Communication Association, attended apply what we learn in the classroom.” the conference. — Matthew Follen ‘14 “This opportunity was valuable for our communication students, as it allowed an opportunity to speak with professionals who hold a variety of positions in the communication field, and learn about communication research that is being done across the nation,” said Mary Hatlen. “Typically, this conference is attended by graduate students and professionals, yet our students had the special opportunity to attend and were able to bring much insight into many 21st century communication issues.” In addition to the NCA Conference, Follen and Hildebrandt were able to visit the Rayburn House Office Building, where they spoke with Congressman Tom Petri’s staff. “Both the conference and the opportunity to speak with Congressman Petri’s staff allowed us to engage in hands-on experience with the field of political communication,” said Follen. “Marian’s communication program really provides students with opportunities to get involved and apply what we learn in the classroom.”

Marian’s Community Health and Human Services major prepares students to promote the physical, social, and emotional wellness through a variety of agencies throughout the community, and offers concentrations in social welfare and thanatology. The Community Health and Human Services major blends a liberal arts foundation with practical, hands-on experience in human services, diversity and population needs, research, program development, and intervention methods and skills.

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The Marian Experience Marian University is a co-educational, Catholic university that inspires personal and professional success through an engaging, values-based education.