Marquette University History Department

08/28/2026

The late Phillip Naylor was remembered for helping write the history of rock and roll in Milwaukee—Aug. 28, Shepherd Express:

The popular Marquette professor helped write the history of rock and roll in Milwaukee

08/25/2026

Dr. Peter Staudenmaier, associate professor of history in the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, discusses his new book, which examines the ideas and influence of Italian thinker Julius Evola, an increasingly popular author within the far right.

Dr. Peter Staudenmaier discusses his new book, which examines the ideas and influence of Italian thinker Julius Evola, an increasingly popular author within the far right.

08/19/2026

Dr. Sergio Gonzalez discusses his new book about how sanctuary activists have organized one of the most robust civil disobedience movements in American history.

08/19/2026

Our team is diligently installing three new exhibitions with the overarching title “The Otherworld is Home”. The museum-wide presentation explores themes of personal reclamation, cultural identity, spiritual passage, and connection across Africa’s many diasporas. Shows open on Aug 28. The Fall Opening Reception is free and open to the public on Thurs, Sept 10. See our Events webpage to register.

07/30/2026

Dr. Chima Korieh discussed, among other things, the importance of teaching history in Nigeria's school system—July 30, Nigerian Tribune.

A Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago, USA, and Fellow of the Institute of African Studies, University of

07/28/2026

It has been a difficult summer for Marquette historians as we share news of another colleague's passing. If there is a positive side, it is hearing wonderful memories about all of them.

I sometimes would tease Phillip Naylor that his teaching alone could sustain a History program--he developed so many fantastic courses in his research field of Middle East and North Africa and a global emphasis for the grad programs. His love of music also brought him into teaching US History through the lens of rock and roll. But he also was my fellow medievalist, teaching about the intricacies of Byzantine History and encouraging students to explore the more distant pasts. If you took this class or another, or knew him from following the Western Civ Blues Band, please share!

View Phillip John Naylor's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/21/2026

While our last post was lighter, the History Department is also remembering two colleagues who recently passed away.

Dr. Karel B***a taught at Marquette from 1970-1999, where he helped lay a foundation in the department for scholarship on immigration and ethnicity.

Dr. John Krugler also had a long career at Marquette--46 years! He taught early American History and founded the Public History Program.

Links to their obituaries will be in the comments. We'll share remembrances of both with their families.

07/21/2026

Earlier today, Marquette University's Facebook home page asked its followers to name their favorite professors and explain why they were unforgettable. We're not surprised that several historians have been mentioned--Phillip Naylor, Ron Zupko, Steven Avella, and Thomas Hachey appeared several times in a quick scroll through the posts. What do you remember about them, or who would you add?

As a picture tax, here's Michael Wert in class on a Halloween with two students who dressed up as him!

07/20/2026

Sergio Gonzalez and collaborators have just published a new collection of essays --check it out!

07/13/2026

Marquette Today has a nice feature on the growth of CURTO--the Center for Urban Research, Teaching, and Outreach--under Rob Smith. Check it out here

At the Center for Urban Research, Teaching and Outreach, Dr. Rob Smith is building a thriving hub where research, teaching and community partnerships intersect, equipping students and neighbors to drive real-world change.