After serving the university for nearly 50 years, Rev. John Naus, S.J., chaplain of the Alumni Memorial Union, is retiring from Marquette University.  The university announced the retirement today via various media including Facebook.  

"Father Naus has touched the lives of so many Marquette students, alumni, faculty and staff," said Rev. Fred Zagone, S.J., assistant to the vice president for University Advancement. "He especially loved it when former students stopped by his office and introduced their high school age children who were here for a Marquette tour. Everyone he met was added to his Christmas card list. Marquette is so much a better place because John was here. We all join in prayer that his spirit and laughter will always permeate this campus."

Father Naus is well-known throughout Marquette and Milwaukee for many things: his history as Tumbleweed the Clown, his famous Christmas cards and his long tradition of celebrating 10 p.m. Mass at St. Joan of Arc Chapel on Tuesdays.

Ordained at the Church of the Gesu in 1955, Naus returned to Marquette in 1963 as Dean of Students. Since then, he has served the university in a variety of capacities, including 40 years in the Office of the President, 28 years as chaplain of Schroeder Hall, the director of spiritual welfare and in a teaching capacity as associate professor of philosophy.

He has concelebrated Tuesday night Mass at St. Joan of Arc Chapel for more than 25 years.  Father Naus will continue to reside at the St. Camillus Jesuit Community in Wauwatosa, and plans to continue sending his famous summer Christmas cards each year.

A celebration of Father Naus' ministry, legacy and service to Marquette will be held at a later date.