• Marquette's annual Supper for 12 Strangers program took place last weekend
• About 120 students visited the homes of more than 30 Marquette alumni, faculty and staff for a home-cooked meal and conversation
• The program has been an annual event since 1973
• The Tribune profiled Brian Wroblewski, a Marquette alumnus who participated in this year's event

There's nothing better than good conversation over a home-cooked meal.

However, most people typically don't include complete strangers in such a gathering.

This past weekend, more than 30 alumni, faculty and staff did just that when they opened their homes to about 120 Marquette students as part of the Supper for 12 Strangers Program, said Jennilee Berry, associate alumni relations officer.

Berry said the program was established in 1973 and has been running annually ever since. Though the program is named to reflect Jesus' last supper with his 12 apostles, Berry said the supper is meant to be a social and welcoming event for students of all denominations.

The Tribune got a glimpse into this long-standing tradition in the home of Brian Wroblewski, a 1998 graduate of the College of Business Administration and a 2004 graduate of the master of business administration program.

Wroblewski and his girlfriend Jessica Janoska, 25, hosted seven Marquette students Sunday evening.

The group bonded over make-your-own pizzas, with toppings ranging from classic pepperoni to more unusual selections, such as goat cheese and mozzarella balls. Kim Sheffield, a freshman in the College of Education, described the dinner as "a welcome change from the dining halls."

"(Wroblewski) was also a really good representative of the college," Sheffield said. "You could tell he was very enthusiastic about Marquette."

Wroblewski's enthusiasm may have stemmed from one of the more unusual extracurricular activities he participated in while in college.

"I was actually the very first Golden Eagle mascot after Marquette switched from the Warriors," Wroblewski said.

Wroblewski reminisced about the hostility expressed toward his character by giving an account of the game at which an overzealous fan ripped his tail off.

In addition to the thick skin he developed during his brief stint as the Golden Eagle, Wroblewski's said his Marquette experience provided him with the connections that led him to his current job at Assurant, a health insurance company. Wroblewski said he began an internship with the company as an undergraduate junior, and has since risen through the ranks. He is approaching his 11th year with Assurant and currently runs his own division that negotiates with doctors and hospitals.

Though this was his first year hosting a group, Wroblewski said he is definitely no stranger to the program. He said his positive experience with the event when he participated as an undergraduate freshman inspired him to sign up as a host.

"I couldn't even tell you who I was with or who my hosts were, but I just remember what a great time I had," Wroblewski said.

After the leftover pizza was packaged and the chocolate fondue pot was scraped clean, the group left amidst a chorus of appreciation for their hosts.

Ali Baumann, a freshman in the College of Communication, said she was very happy with the overall experience.

"Not only was the food excellent, but I also got to see what the life of an actual Marquette student is like after graduation," Baumann said. "It was like I was getting a glimpse into what my future could be."