A Milwaukee Public Television "I Remember Special: Marquette University, 125 Years Old and Going Strong," shown Monday night, celebrated Marquette's 125th anniversary by illustrating the university's transformation from its establishment in 1881 into what it is today.

The 26-minute presentation on MPTV-10 provided an overall history of the university. The special also highlighted some of the integral moments and events in the university's history.

The special also focused on the university's influence in the nation as well as in the local community. It combined the varying views and experiences of several guests to show the university's overall impact.

Tim Kummer, a senior in the College of Nursing, was interviewed for the special. Kummer talked about what initially attracted him to Marquette, and what part of the university has been most beneficial to him.

Kummer was also asked to discuss his experiences with social justice at the university. Kummer traveled to Kenya in 2004 to help with HIV/AIDS efforts and is now involved in Watumishi, a Marquette student organization focusing on AIDS awareness.

"My life isn't just about being at Marquette and then getting a job," said Kummer. "For me personally, HIV and AIDS are an important part of my life, whether it be bringing in speakers or helping students to see how it affects them at Marquette."

Pascual Rodriguez, principal of the Bruce Guadalupe Middle School, 1028 S. Ninth St., and 1997 Marquette alumnus, also spoke on the program.

"Having professors and mentors here that were able to guide me and share their experiences with me helped me to round my perspectives on life, Rodriguez said.

Other guests on the special included University President the Rev. Robert A. Wild; Thomas Jablonsky, associate professor of history; U.S. Federal Court Judge Diane Sykes; Mary Ellen Stanek, managing director of RW Baird and the university board of trustees' first female chair and Gregory Stanford, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel editorial writer and columnist.