Marquette bolsters scholarship resources and Dental School funding thanks to $1M combined gift from the We Energies Foundation

MILWAUKEE — Marquette University President Michael R. Lovell announced a $1 million gift from the We Energies Foundation that will expand scholarship resources and help revitalize clinics in the School of Dentistry.

“The generosity and philanthropic partnership of the We Energies Foundation is changing lives in our local communities,” said President Lovell. “Students remain at the heart of our academic mission, and by combining student support with a gift to accelerate care and training within our nationally recognized dental program, We Energies demonstrates its commitment to Be The Difference for others.”

Empowering high-achieving, low-income scholars

The gift broadens We Energies’ long-standing commitment to scholarship, particularly for first-generation college students from Milwaukee-area high schools primarily enrolled in Marquette’s Opus College of Engineering or the College of Business Administration. Over the years, We Energies has established three separate scholarship funds at Marquette, helping students through immediate support as well as long-term endowed support.

“We are excited to support Marquette in actively building stronger communities, especially as we celebrate the foundation’s 40th anniversary. By investing in higher education access and hands-on learning space for dental caregivers, we are energizing a bright future for Milwaukee and beyond,” said Beth Straka, president of the We Energies Foundation.

Transforming spaces for dental care

As Wisconsin’s only dental school, the Marquette School of Dentistry treats patients from 66 of the state’s 72 counties by implementing the highest oral care and service possible. The school’s current revitalization includes new dental chairs and state-of-the-art equipment for 151 operatories across its four general practice clinics and specialty clinics.

“Not only will support from the We Energies Foundation help equip our clinics with the latest equipment and dental technology, it also will boost our students’ and residents’ experiences to deliver exceptional oral health care within those spaces,” said Dean William Lobb.

Updates on two clinics were completed last summer as part of an initial phase, allowing dental students to begin training in the new spaces. Overall clinic revitalization is expected to be complete by 2026.

“Benefactors like the We Energies Foundation continue to impact our Time to Rise campaign,” said Vice President for University Advancement Tim McMahon. “This gift’s unique funding combination supports multiple objectives of our campaign, from enriching student experiences to transforming our campus environment.”

Time to Rise: The Marquette Promise to Be The Difference

Marquette’s $750 million Time to Rise comprehensive fundraising campaign is the most ambitious in Marquette’s 140-year history. It is elevating resources to advance the university’s mission and pillars of excellence, leadership, faith, and service. The university has raised more than $647 million to date, amounting to 86% of its goal. More than 60,000 donors have already supported Time to Rise, including 47% of donors making their first-ever gift to the university.

About the We Energies Foundation

Established in 1982, the We Energies Foundation has provided nearly $200 million in contributions to programs and nonprofit organizations that promote education, community development, arts and culture, and the environment. The We Energies Foundation is funded by stockholders of WEC Energy Group, not by the customers of its utility subsidiaries. Learn more at we-energies.com.

About Marquette University

Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university located near the heart of downtown Milwaukee that offers a comprehensive range of majors in 11 nationally and internationally recognized colleges and schools. Through the formation of hearts and minds, Marquette prepares our 11,100 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional students to lead, excel and serve as agents of positive change. And, we deliver results. Ranked in the top 20% of national universities, Marquette is recognized for its undergraduate teaching, innovation and career preparation as the sixth-best university in the country for job placement. Our focus on student success and immersive, personalized learning experiences encourages students to think critically and engage with the world around them. When students graduate with a Marquette degree, they are truly prepared and called to Be The Difference.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.