Contents
- Learn about "Our Roots Say We Are Sisters" Mural
- Upcoming Senate Bill Postings for January
- Executive Initiative Groups from your Student Body President
Learn about one of Marquettes Murals
Did you know, Marquette University is home to a mural titled “Our Roots Say That We’re Sisters”? Created in 2020 by Milwaukee muralist Mauricio Ramirez, this mural can be found on the north-facing facade of the Varsity Theatre/Schroeder Hall, where its bright colors and striking imagery celebrate identity, diversity, and belonging on campus. The idea for this mural didn’t appear overnight, it grew from a student-led vision supported by MUSG and recommendations from Marquette’s 2019 Cultural Audit, which called for campus spaces that better reflect who we are as a community.
Did you also know that the Marquette community played a major role in selecting the final design? A cross-campus Mural Committee, made up of students, faculty, and staff, invited seven local BIPOC artists to submit proposals for the project. After narrowing it down to three finalists, nearly 1,400 students, faculty, and staff cast their votes, with Ramirez’s design receiving an impressive 63% of the vote. To ensure the mural truly reflected campus voices, additional listening sessions were held where members of the Marquette community shared feedback that helped shape the final image.
Today, “Our Roots Say That We’re Sisters” stands as more than a mural—it’s a visual reminder of Marquette’s commitment to inclusion and the shared stories that connect us. Whether you walk past it every day or catch a glimpse between classes, it continues to highlight the diversity, creativity, and collaboration that define our campus.
Upcoming Senate Bill Postings for January
This January, previously hard to find information on current and upcoming student government senate bills and senator voting patterns will be released in a new tab on the MUSG website. This will provide a concise and easy-to-access list of the many bills passed by our senators, so everyday students can more easily understand what their constitution means for them. One of the many bills to be posted regards Student Organization Funding, making the process easier and more accessible to all student orgs. Stay tuned!
Executive Initiative Groups
From her campaign through her inauguration, President Julianne Browne has remained committed to a focused set of initiatives aimed at improving safety, affordability, accessibility, and overall student experience at Marquette University. Her platform outlines several key areas of development that address long-standing student needs and institutional gaps.
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are portable devices that check a person’s heart rhythm and can deliver a lifesaving shock during sudden cardiac arrest. They are designed for easy use so anyone can assist in an emergency. Marquettes buildings currently have a rough estimate of 47/62 buildings having AED machines, recognizing the importance of AED machines Julianne plans to make sure every building is covered for student safety.
Financial strain remains a significant challenge for many Marquette students. To help lessen this burden, efforts are being made to pursue free or low-cost textbook options through expanded use of open educational resources (OER). Additionally, with Sendik’s as the only nearby grocery store—and one that often carries higher-priced items—students face limited and costly food access. Exploring ways to provide more affordable and accessible grocery options on or near campus is a priority.
Although Marquette is a Jesuit institution, it serves a diverse student body representing many faiths. Current prayer accommodations do not fully meet the needs of all religious groups. Plans are underway to identify and establish additional inclusive prayer and reflection spaces across campus to better support students’ spiritual practices.
Student Organizational Funding (SOF) has historically been difficult for many groups to understand or access. Increasing clarity, visibility, and education around the funding process is a key focus to ensure student organizations can more easily obtain the resources necessary for their activities.
In past years, the Good Tenant Survey allowed students with strong rental histories to have their security deposits waived by participating landlords. Reintroducing this survey would increase transparency, assist students in navigating off-campus housing, and promote healthier competition within the local rental market. Work is underway to explore how this program can be reestablished in collaboration with community partners.
President Browne recognizes that these initiatives require thoughtful planning and sustained effort. To support progress, she has formed dedicated focus groups tasked with moving each project forward, gathering feedback, and working collaboratively with campus stakeholders. While not all goals can be completed in a single term, these structures ensure ongoing momentum and long-term impact.
Upcoming Events:
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Senate Meetings
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| Monday: 1/19/2026 |
Town Hall |
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