When my sisters and I were growing up in California, our parents introduced us to Hawaiian traditions, celebrations and the language that helped us understand, live and appreciate our Hawaiian heritage. It is who we are and part of all that we do. A Hawaiian phrase they taught us is mahalo nui loa, which means “thank you very much.”
Mahalo nui loa is significant today because I am filled with thanks and gratitude for the family members, friends and colleagues whose love, support and mentorship have prepared me to serve as Marquette’s 25th president. I am especially thankful for my wife, Catherine, and our children Benjamin, Molly and Haven, who are the best parts of my life. They inspire me, humble me, make me proud, put up with my jokes, and add humor to my life. I love each of them without end. They are my ohana makamae, my beloved family.
I also appreciate the students, faculty, staff and alumni; members of the Society of Jesus; current and emeriti members of the Board of Trustees; elected officials, civic and religious leaders and community partners; and higher education leaders and delegates who have joined to celebrate today’s inauguration. I am mindful of all who have contributed to our university’s rich and storied heritage since our founding in 1881 by the Most Reverend John Martin Henni, the first Archbishop of Milwaukee.
Marquette is blessed to be experiencing tremendous momentum. This momentum is the result of Dr. Michael Lovell’s visionary, passionate and selfless leadership of Marquette University as our 24th president from 2014 to 2024. I was honored to call Mike a colleague, friend and mentor and I am dedicated to carrying on the work that he began. As the leader of this great Catholic, Jesuit university, I am committed to providing our students a transformational experience that prepares them to make our world better by becoming women and men for and with others.
Since I arrived on campus in 2016, a favorite part of my work — whether as dean, provost or president — has been spending time with our students. They add joy to each day and every encounter, as they eagerly share what they want me to know about their Marquette experience, and they give us purpose. Each of our students represents why we should all have hope for the future — and they remind me why I answered the call to be an educator.
I appreciate your continued prayers and good wishes for the Marquette University community.
Mahalo nui loa,
Dr. Kimo Ah Yun
President of Marquette University
