President Kimo Ah Yun and a team of University Advancement leaders are capping off the first phase of Charting Our Course — a coast-to-coast journey to introduce the president to alumni, parents and friends.
The team made eight Charting Our Course tour stops. The fall semester tour launched on campus for Founders Society members and proceeded to the Twin Cities, Seattle, Palo Alto, West Hollywood, New York City and Chicago. The first phase of the tour will conclude in Milwaukee on Dec. 5 for President’s Society members.
At each stop, President Ah Yun shared stories of Marquette students, highlighting university momentum, and expanding on his inaugural theme: “Open your heart. Find your compass. Change the world.” In 2026, the team will continue the tour with visits to Denver, Scottsdale, Florida, Washington, D.C. and St. Louis.
“This experience has been incredibly uplifting, as we’ve witnessed the spirit of our passionate Marquette community across the nation,” President Ah Yun said. “Our Catholic, Jesuit mission is flourishing, and our momentum is contagious.”
University Advancement and the Office of Undergraduate Admissions teams collaborated to invite prospective students and families to attend the events held across the nation.
“The Charting Our Course nationwide events have been an energizing opportunity to connect President Kimo with Marquette alumni, parents and friends and hear from one another about why we all feel that Marquette is a Catholic, Jesuit university community unlike any other,” Vice President for University Advancement Tim McMahon said. “One of the hallmarks of our Marquette alumni is the way they show up and support the university and Charting Our Course is an inspiring example of our Marquette spirit in action.”
Interviewing President Ah Yun
At each tour stop, a Marquette alumna or alumnus interviewed President Ah Yun to help attendees get to know our president on a personal level
- Milwaukee – Mary Ellen Stanek, Arts ’78
- Minnesota – Nicole Michaels, Bus Ad ’93
- Seattle – Jim Eschweiler, Bus Ad ’91
- Palo Alto – Aparna Bawa, Bus Ad ’99
- West Hollywood – Jenna Santoianni, Comm ’06
- New York City – Marcelo Bartholo, Bus Ad ’01
- Chicago – Tracy, Comm ’89, and Jim, Arts ’89, Ryan
- Milwaukee – Ray Manista, Arts ’87, Law ’90
