Dr. Kimo Ah Yun was introduced as the 25th president of Marquette University on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Marketing and Communication Photographer Patrick Manning was there to capture all the moments of his whirlwind first day in his new role.
In the morning, President Ah Yun recorded a video message sharing his gratitude for the Marquette community, insight into his vision for the university and updates about two leadership positions.
President Ah Yun and First Lady Catherine Puckering take photos on the campus they’ve called home since 2016.
“We are called to serve God,” President Ah Yun shared in his introductory press conference. “The way that we’re called to serve God is by transforming the lives of our students and engaging in research that makes the world a better place.”
President Ah Yun was presented with a No. 25 basketball uniform, signifying his selection as the 25th president in the university’s history. As he received the uniform, he joked that he once told men’s basketball coach Shaka Smart “I have four years of eligibility. And he said, ‘there’s a reason for that.’”
Following his introductory press conference, President Ah Yun exited through a tunnel of cheering students in the Alumni Memorial Union before meeting with members of the campus community in front of the MU letters on Eckstein Common.
President Ah Yun hosted a meet-and-greet session at the Lemonis Center for Student Success, which houses services that build a culture of mentorship and engagement at Marquette from first day to first destination.
Blue, the Marquette University Police Department community support dog, even made a special appearance at the Lemonis Center.
President Ah Yun’s day concluded with a visit to the Jesuit Residence to meet with Marquette’s Jesuit community.
A congratulatory message for President Ah Yun is shared on the Varsity Theatre marquee.
Fast facts about President Ah Yun:
Personal information:
- Full name: James Kuuipo Choy Ah Yun, Jr.
- Age: 59
- Hometown: Compton, California
- Family:
- Spouse: Catherine Puckering.
- Children: Benjamin (22), Molly (21), Haven (17).
- Benjamin is a senior at Marquette studying criminology and computer
Science. - Molly is a senior at the University of Southern California as a pre-law student
studying law, history and culture. - Haven is a high school senior who enjoys performing in choir and
participating in musical theatre.
- Benjamin is a senior at Marquette studying criminology and computer
- Children: Benjamin (22), Molly (21), Haven (17).
Professional information:
- Acting President, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Marquette University
- Previous positions:
- Dean, J. William and Mary Diederich College of Communication, Marquette University
- Associate Dean, College of Arts and Letters, California State University
- Chair, Department of Communication Studies, California State University
- Director, Center for Teaching and Learning, California State University
- Professor, Department of Communication Studies, California State University
Education:
- Ph.D: Communication; Michigan State University, 1996
- Master’s: Speech; Kansas State University, 1992
- Bachelor’s: Communication Studies; California State University, Sacramento, 1990
Personal trivia:
- First job: Newspaper boy for the Sacramento Bee
- Favorite hobby: Listening to live music
- Favorite book: “A Grammar of Motives”
- Favorite travel destination: Hawaii
- Best advice: Be curious, not judgmental.
- Favorite quote: “Life’s not the breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away.” – George Strait
- Unique talents: I am like a human homing pigeon in that I have an excellent sense of direction and am a great navigator.
- Favorite meal: Plate lunch, which is a common multicultural meal in Hawaii.
