Marquette will receive the 2016 Higher Education Civic Engagement Award for its Near West Side Partners initiative and several other partnerships that address issues of public concern.

Marquette was chosen from 100 nominations and is among five universities and colleges nationwide to receive this honor.

The Near West Side Partners initiative is a nonprofit founded in 2014 by Marquette and four other Milwaukee businesses — Aurora Health Care, Harley-Davidson, MillerCoors and Potawatomi Business Development Corp. The nonprofit is dedicated to revitalizing residential areas and businesses on the West side.

President Lovell noted that community outreach is a part of the Jesuit mission.

“As a Catholic and Jesuit Institution, an important aspect of our mission is to make a significant impact in our community,” Marquette President Michael R. Lovell said. “This award signifies that we are making strides toward fulfilling that mission.”

The award is being presented by The Washington Center, an independent, nonprofit organization where students work and learn in Washington, D.C., for academic credit.

Lovell will accept the award at a luncheon and gala in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 26.