Mary Janz, senior director of housing and residence life, has announced her intention to retire after 33 years at Marquette, Luis de Zengotita, vice president for student life, belonging and well-being, announced today.
“I have been blessed to be a part of a wonderful department and division for so many years,” Janz said. “Marquette University has afforded me an abundance of opportunities to grow as a professional and to contribute to the field of housing and residence life. I will miss working with wonderful colleagues across campus and I will take with me heartfelt memories.”
Janz started at Marquette as the assistant to the director and outreach program coordinator for the Counseling Center in June 1993. She moved to Residence Life in 1997, first as assistant dean for staffing before being named associate dean for residence life in 1999.
In 2014, she was named senior director of housing and residence life, with her responsibilities later expanding to include supervising sorority and fraternity life.
“For more than 30 years, Mary has helped generations of students make Marquette their home through her extraordinary dedication, care and commitment to excellence,” de Zengotita said. “She has built an exceptional residence life team and fostered a transformative residential experience that helps students find belonging, grow as individuals, and develop into leaders who serve others. We are deeply grateful for Mary’s leadership, her unwavering commitment to our students and the lasting legacy she leaves at Marquette.”
Janz received the Presidential Service Award in 2024 and the Parthenon Award as a Pillar of the Profession in 1997 from the Association of College and University Housing Officers – International, the world’s leading organization for campus housing and residence life professionals. The American College of Personnel Administrators named her Mentor of the Year in 2001.
At Marquette, Janz received the Excellence in University Service Award — Marquette’s highest honor for staff members — in 2011 and was named the Division of Student Affairs Employee of the Year in 2000. Her alma mater, Eastern Illinois University, bestowed her with its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022.
Marquette has launched a national search for its next senior director of housing and residence life. Watch Marquette Today for updates.
