T
he 2012 commencement ceremony at Marian was a measure of the institution’s continued growth remarkable for a number of reasons. The day of the and development to meet and exceed educational event was warm and sunny, allowing for the demands. proceedings to be held outside on the newly renovated campus quad, and inspiring speakers Since its first doctoral students enrolled in 2004, such as former Packer and soon-to-be Marquette Marian has been one of only about 400 academic alumnus George institutions in the Koonce entertained United States with a and enlightened doctoral-level program. “We’re very proud of our role in developing future attendees. The university presented its first leaders of society who must deal with complex The crowd, in Doctor of Philosophy issues and ideas,” Riley said. “Challenged to addition to degrees in May 2008, being filled and the program has think theoretically and critically, our doctoral with 420 continued to grow in students continue to make significant undergraduates, 230 the last four years. graduates, family and contributions to the field of leadership.” friends, was another Offered through the part of what made School of Education, the day unique. the program hosts Koonce spoke to Marian’s graduates just one day beprofessionals with backgrounds varying from fore he himself received his Ph.D. in Sports Adminisbusiness and government to education, healthcare tration from Marquette University, but he was not the and more. Its focus on interdisciplinary programs that only Doctor of Philosophy candidate in attendance. facilitate research, scholarship, leadership and service Marian graduated nine Ph.D. students that day — make the program a well-rounded one that is in line the highest number ever for the young program — with the university’s core values.
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MARIAN UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
fall 2012
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