On this month’s edition of “Marquette on the Move” on The Upswing, Jeff Sherman welcomed back Marquette University President Dr. Kimo Ah Yun and Tim Rabolt, Manager of Recovery at the university.
Dr. Ah Yun began by addressing recent vandalism at the Church of Gesu, which occurred just after the historic parish completed renovations, and shared how the campus community is responding. He also reflected on Marquette men’s basketball missing out on this year’s NCAA Tournament and noted that, despite the disappointment, the university has not seen a decline in student applications or engagement.
The conversation also highlighted Marquette students’ academic drive beyond the court, including the Big East Undergraduate Research Symposium at Madison Square Garden during the Big East Tournament, where undergraduates showcased faculty-mentored research in a marquee setting.
Tim Rabolt explained his role in Marquette’s collegiate recovery program that promotes sobriety on campus. He spoke about his own experience in AA and with sobriety, and described the university as “wellness forward.” He also spoke about his past work across the country developing university social cultures not centered on alcohol. Dr. Ah Yun noted he has seen student success through their recovery program.
With Brewers Opening Day around the corner, they also talked about “Sober Tailgates.” Rabolt told Sherman that he was inspired by sobriety communities in other cities, including a recovery night at a Twins game in Minneapolis. He said he’s looking into creating a vibrant party experience with no alcohol needed. With non-alcoholic beer and zero-proof options becoming more common at bars and in retail, Dr. Ah Yun signaled new interest in NA partnerships at Marquette, including potential collaborations with Marquette alumni like the founder of Luba Libations.
Dr. Ah Yun discussed Marquette’s commitment to the responsible use of AI in teaching, learning, and administration. He framed AI as a tool that should be guided by Jesuit values—ethics, discernment, concern for the human person—rather than simply efficiency or novelty.
As graduation approaches, Sherman asked about what Dr. Ah Yun called the “fruits of their labor”: job prospects and life after Marquette for the Class of 2026. Dr. Ah Yun pointed to the university’s deep alumni network, mentorship programs, and career resources that help students translate four years on campus into meaningful work and service in Milwaukee and beyond.
The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.
