<p>eadad – You are absolutely right – I think they coined a phrase for this: “the Flutie effect.” It happened for Boston College after Flutie played there.</p>
<p>I do want to say, though, that lots of other good things have been happening at Marquette that are also helping enrollment. In the mid to late 90s to early 2000s, the university built a gorgeous new union and library and a brand new dental school. The entire campus was landscaped – entryways and arches to enhance the perimeters of campus. A new law school is going up. The leadership of the current president and his excellent relations with the city of Milwaukee can’t be discounted. The fact that campus security is state of the art (other schools all over copying the LIMO program, for example) and that crime rates are dropping have all helped.</p>
<p>A new dean of engineering is really moving that school forward. Health science programs are all nationally ranked in top 100, if not 50. Business school is ranked as well.</p>
<p>There will always be people who dis the city of Milwaukee or call MU a back-up school to Notre Dame, but the kids there enjoy good academics in a tight-knit community full of school spirit. (They do need to keep improving the food, though!)</p>
<p>And – as you so rightly point out – there was Dwyane Wade. And now Jerel McNeal and Co. The current team has not only excelled on the court but represent the school very well. Go Golden Eagles! Tough slate of games coming up.</p>