University leaders reflect on a semester defined by resilience, compassion, and community partnership following the Woodworth Middle School fire.
As the K-12 academic year comes to a close, Marian University is reflecting with gratitude and pride on the opportunity to welcome Woodworth Middle School students and staff to campus following the devastating fire that displaced the school community earlier this year.
What began as an emergency response quickly became something much more meaningful — a partnership rooted in compassion, resilience, and community.
For the last three weeks of the spring semester, Marian University opened its doors to Woodworth students, providing classroom space and support during an incredibly challenging time. Hallways, classrooms, dining spaces, and shared moments across campus became reminders of what can happen when a community comes together in service of others.
“While none of us could have anticipated the circumstances that brought Woodworth to our campus. We are incredibly honored to have played a small role in helping students and educators continue their school year,” Aaron Sadoff, Marian University President, said. “Their resilience, positivity, and determination inspired all of us at Marian University.”
The presence of Woodworth students brought energy and life to campus each day, while Marian faculty, staff, and students embraced the opportunity to support their neighbors in a time of need. From assisting with logistics to simply offering encouragement and kindness, the Marian community embodied its values of service, community, and social justice.
Marian University also expressed deep appreciation to the teachers, administrators, families, and students at Woodworth Middle School for their flexibility, partnership, and perseverance throughout the transition. Sadoff realizes this is a team effort, “I also want to sincerely thank the incredible staff and faculty of Marian University for stepping up in so many ways with the additional energy and activity of Woodworth on campus. Their flexibility, teamwork, hospitality, and commitment to serving others continue to reflect the very best of our Marian community.”
“As the school year ends, we celebrate not only academic accomplishments, but the relationships and sense of community that grew from an unexpected situation,” Sadoff continued. “This experience reminded us that education is about far more than classrooms — it is about people showing up for one another.”
Marian University wishes the entire Woodworth Middle School community continued healing, success, and strength in the months ahead and remains grateful to have shared this journey together.
About Marian University
Marian University was founded in 1936 by the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes, a group of pioneering sisters, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. The University has a rich tradition of dedication to the education of the whole person and offers a variety of undergraduate, master’s, and adult learning degrees at its main campus and online. For more information on Marian University, please visit marianuniversity.edu
Date posted: June 3, 2026