WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomed back Marquette University president Dr. Kimo Ah Yun and his guest for this month’s edition of “Marquette on the Move,” Marilyn Jones, Marquette’s inaugural director of the Lemonis Center for Student Success.
Jones is both a first-generation student and a first-generation immigrant from Costa Rica. She previously served as a faculty member at Cardinal Stritch University before joining Marquette.
Ah Yun, who recently marked his one-year anniversary as Marquette’s president, spoke about the importance of the Lemonis Center in supporting student retention. Jones emphasized the significance of upward mobility and stability for first-generation students enrolling at institutions like Marquette. The center creates a dedicated space focused on student success by providing essential resources such as tutoring and helping students overcome common challenges like procrastination.
“What I love most is that students feel like they’re in a safe space where they can speak up,” Jones shared. Ah Yun noted the Catholic Jesuit institution’s commitment to inclusivity and fostering a supportive environment both inside and outside the student success center.
Voices are always heard at Marquette. The university president regularly meets with student government to help nurture the sense of community. Jones also highlighted how the Lemonis Center builds community and offers students opportunities to serve broader Milwaukee communities beyond campus.
Ah Yun addressed frequently asked questions about artificial intelligence from audiences inside and outside the university.
With Thanksgiving break approaching, both Dr. Ah Yun and Marilyn Jones offered advice for students taking time away from school to visit family, along with sharing their own Thanksgiving traditions and what they plan to share at the dinner table. Sherman closed the show with some thoughts and ideas on how to keep the civic pride we all felt during the Milwaukee Brewers playoff run alive and well in our communities.
The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.
