After an August break, Marquette University President Dr. Kimo Ah Yun reconnects with WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman for a new episode of The Upswing’s regular “Marquette on the Move” show, reflecting on the energy of a new academic year, a meaningful summer trip overseas, and Marquette’s ties to the Milwaukee community.
Dr. Ah Yun looked back on move-in day and welcoming the Class of 2030 to campus. He shared that today’s students, particularly in the post-COVID era, seem especially focused on building relationships and meeting new people alongside their academic goals.
The conversation also touches on the emotions of parents sending their children to college for the first time. Parents often tell Dr. Ah Yun to take good care of their children, and he and Sherman agree that move-in day is ultimately a moment for families to let go, trust the process, and allow students to grow independently.
Dr. Ah Yun brings a personal perspective as the parent of two Marquette students—one pursuing postgraduate studies and another beginning her sophomore year. Sherman, who recently dropped his son off at college in West Virginia, shares his own experiences and feelings about the transition.
Over the summer, Dr. Ah Yun and his wife traveled to Rome, where they met Pope Leo XIV alongside other Catholic and Jesuit university presidents. The pope, a Villanova graduate, spoke about the role of Catholic higher education in “shaping men and women for and with others” and encouraged the group to approach that work with hope.
Following their time in Rome, Dr. Ah Yun and his wife visited the original home of Marquette’s Joan of Arc Chapel and learned more about the chapel’s remarkable journey to Milwaukee.
Back home, Dr. Ah Yun discusses meeting with Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson to prepare city streets and surrounding areas for Marquette students’ return to campus. As Sherman notes, the larger goal is to encourage students to remain in Milwaukee after graduation—or, if they leave, to eventually boomerang back.
The episode also highlights support available to first-year students, including a one-credit course designed to help students build essential college-life skills such as studying, scheduling, and navigating campus resources. Dr. Ah Yun also outlined the many ways new students can make connections and find community at Marquette.
Sherman and Dr. Ah Yun discuss Marquette’s partnership with Children’s Wisconsin and the upcoming Rally Round for Children’s Wisconsin at the Milwaukee Mile, which the president encourages Marquette students to attend.
Looking ahead, Dr. Ah Yun shares an update on campus infrastructure planning, including potential new residence halls that could eventually allow Marquette to retire older facilities such as Mashuda Hall—a building with its own piece of music history, having once hosted the Beatles.
The episode closes with Dr. Ah Yun’s hopes for the Marquette men’s basketball season and a recommendation from his fall reading list.
The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.
