Rev. Robert A. Wild, S.J. (2011) - Marquette 'M Club' Hall of Fame

Rev. Robert A. Wild, S.J.

Induction:
2011

Fr. Robert A. Wild, S.J. began his tenure as Marquette University's 22nd Jesuit president in 1996 and oversaw tremendous growth in the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, including Marquette's jump to the prestigious BIG EAST Conference.

The Golden Eagles had just entered Conference USA when Wild began his presidency and the successful decade-long stay in the league ended with an invitation to join the BIG EAST Conference in 2005. That move boosted the University's national visibility and helped drive significant increases in student applications, alumni engagement and fundraising.

Over 40 endowed athletic scholarships have been added added since 1996, while both the men's and women's soccer teams and men's golf became fully-funded sports. Wild also helped MU strengthen its athletic offerings with the addition of men's and women's lacrosse as NCAA Division I sports, both of which will begin competition in the spring of 2013.

Wild played a key role in the fundraising for athletics facilities upgrades, including the Al McGuire Center, which finished construction in 2003. Improvements were also made under Wild's guidance to Valley Fields and the Melvin "Bus" Shimek Track and Field Facilities.

During Wild's tenure, Marquette's athletic teams have won 21 team conference championships and 49 individual titles. Student-athletes have also earned 29 All-America honors and have maintained a graduation rate of 81 percent.