Last week’s Presidential Address gave me the opportunity to share my gratitude with all who have helped make my first year serving as Marquette’s president so fulfilling, recognizing how everyone within the Marquette community is contributing to the incredible momentum we are experiencing. I also had the chance to highlight just a few of our exemplary students, faculty and staff who give me hope as we build on our university’s proud and strong 144-year legacy.
I would like to thank the Gospel Choir, under Debbie Duff’s direction, who opened the address with two beautiful songs. Remember, their fall concert is Sunday, Nov. 23, at 4:30 p.m. in the Weasler Auditorium. I also would like to thank MUSG President Julianne Brown for reading the Land and Water Acknowledgment, and Rev. Greg O’Meara, S.J., rector of the Jesuit Community and associate professor in the Law School, for delivering the invocation.
Telling the Marquette story at MMAC and Rotary Club
In the address, I shared that one of my primary responsibilities is advocating for the university, our people and our programs by sharing the Marquette story. I had the opportunity this week to present at two of Milwaukee’s most influential organizations — the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) and the Rotary Club of Milwaukee.
Dr. Thomas Gibson, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee chancellor, and I met with the MMAC board of directors to discuss the state of our respective institutions, regional and national higher education trends, and how businesses can help remove barriers to our success. It was a robust discussion, and I look forward to continuing the conversations and deepening the connections with our business community leaders that lead to experiential learning opportunities for our students.
The Rotary Club is one of our community’s most esteemed assemblies of business, professional, academic and community leaders. I provided an update on the university statistics, highlighted the factors contributing to our momentum, detailed my vision for a student-centered university and shared what gives me hope at the Nov. 18 meeting. Many of the Rotarians are Marquette alumni or have other connections to the university and are committed to advancing our mission.
Pope Leo welcomes Jesuits, Catholic university leaders to Vatican
Among the many groups Pope Leo welcomed to the Vatican last month were two of interest for Catholic, Jesuit higher education. On Oct. 24, 100 global provincials, regional superiors and conference presidents from the Society of Jesus gathered for a meeting with the pope. Then on Oct. 31, the Holy Father met with members of the Organization of Catholic Universities of Latin America and the Caribbean who were on pilgrimage to Rome for the Jubilee of the World of Education.
As I reach the first anniversary of being named Marquette’s 25th president, I am struck by the way Pope Leo’s reflection on the Society’s Universal Apostolic Preference — accompanying young people on a hope-filled future — can serve as a compass to guide our work: “The youth of today are diverse: students, migrants, activists, entrepreneurs, religious, and those on the margins. Despite their variety, they share a thirst for authenticity and transformation. They are ‘on the move,’ searching for meaning and justice. The Church needs to find and speak their language — through actions and presence as well as words. As a result, it is important to form spaces where they can encounter Christ, discover their vocation, and work for the Kingdom.” Here at Marquette, our combined efforts strive to do just that.
Enjoying dinner and discussion with faculty and staff
Meals with faculty and staff members are always a highlight of the semester. They provide opportunities to have candid conversations and make connections that otherwise might not happen. We learn about what drew us to Marquette, what keeps us here, how we support our students, and something that we’ve learned about ourselves during our time here. I think the picture from the most recent dinner reflects how much we enjoyed each other’s company. Thanks to Sarah Erickson-Bhatt, Don Trimboli, Jen Sherer, Tracie Sparks, Rob Smith, Molly Eldridge and Mike Grimm for the great discussion.
Student ROTC members meet Valkyrie
In a partnership with Intercollegiate Athletics, I welcomed six students from Marquette’s Army and Navy ROTC branches to the men’s basketball game at Fiserv Forum last Wednesday. The students enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the arena and had photos taken with Valkyrie, a majestic bald eagle from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center making a special appearance for the national anthem in honor of Veterans Day. It was a small gesture to thank the students for their leadership and future service to our country.
Charting Our Course fall tour concludes
I had the pleasure to meet with hundreds of alumni, friends of the university, and parents of current and future students at a series of Charting Our Course events this fall in Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Seattle, Palo Alto, West Hollywood, New York City and Chicago. Thanks to Vice President for University Advancement Tim McMahon and the University Advancement team for their coordination of the tour and event logistics. We’ll be back on the road in the spring, sharing exciting updates about our momentum and learning how a Marquette education and experience continue to impact so many.
At the conclusion of each Charting Our Course event, the host asks questions to help the guests get to know me a bit better. I thought I would share some of those questions and answers in this month’s column.
First concert? Al Jarreau (I only recently learned he was a Milwaukee native!)
First job? Sacramento Bee delivery boy (The newspaper still publishes a print edition six days a week, quite the anomaly for print journalism.)
Most instrumental mentor in your life? Dr. Bill Schenck-Hamlin, whom I met when I was a graduate student at Kansas State University. He was the first person who helped develop me as a leader. He also taught me the importance of being the best I could be and what excellence looks like in the higher education space.
My favorite …
Musician? Garth Brooks (He’s playing twice during Summerfest at American Family Insurance Amphitheater and, yes, I already have tickets for both shows!)
TV show growing up? “Ultraman”
Place on campus to reflect? St. Joan of Arc Chapel. Whether it’s the 10 p.m. Mass on a Tuesday or Thursday evening or finding quiet time during the day, the chapel provides me a place where I can answer what God is calling me to do, and return my focus to the people I am serving and how I can be the best version of myself.
As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to share my appreciation for how you bring our mission to life. I am so grateful for everything you do to help our students achieve their dreams, to propel Marquette forward and build on the university’s incredible legacy, and to make Marquette one of the very best universities in the nation. I hope you enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends.
We Are Marquette!
Dr. Kimo Ah Yun
President
