,”Toby Peters, associate vice president for administration, talks with Tribune about the latest on the Marquette Interchange project, his two daughters and his favorite food.

How long he's been at Marquette:

Started at Marquette in 1980 until 1985 and returned in 1992 until present.

Marquette Connection:

Peters worked as the assistant director for operations at the Brooks Memorial Union from 1980 to 1985. In 1992 he returned to Marquette as the director of the Alumni Memorial Union. In 2000 he became the associate vice president for administration.

Biggest pet peeve:

"I love the opportunity to work with students particularly with social justice issues that students want to address. But one of my pet peeves is individuals who complain about things but do not wish to be part of the solution."

Favorite food:

"Mexican or Central American food."

Dream vacation:

"I really enjoy the kindness and sense of community I've found in Honduras. I could see spending an extended amount of time down there. It would be fun to do with my family."

Current project:

Peters serves as the primary liaison with the state on the interchange project. Peters has been working on the interchange project since it started about seven years ago when it was first determined that the interchange was going to be completely reconstructed. Since then he has worked between Marquette and the state to find solutions to difficulties such as noise, street access and safety.

Goal of the project:

The project is now winding down "but the goal now is to recap the assets of the project that will benefit the university. And there are going to be many, such as a real attractive gateway into the university."

Biggest challenge:

"Encountering individuals who just want to complain for complaining's sake."

Favorite spot on campus:

"Anywhere in the Alumni Memorial Union. The AMU is a place that everyone is on common ground and there's no differentiation between students, faculty and staff. Everybody is there as a member of our community."

Why Marquette:

The sense of community and general caring for people.

"I truly believe people care about each other on this campus. There is a greater degree of that here than anywhere I've seen."

Most needed change on campus:

"I think Marquette is very good at assessing need and addressing it. I don't feel strongly that there is anything that requires real significant change. An important goal for us is to continue to be perceived as a great value. It's been repeatedly demonstrated that this is a high quality education for our students."

Proudest Moment:

"When my two daughters were accepted to Marquette and chose to attend."

Children at Marquette:

Peters has two daughters, Kiley and Paige, who both attend Marquette. Kiley is a senior in the College of Communication, and Paige is a sophomore in the College of Engineering.

Do they enjoy having their father on campus?

"I honestly don't think there's ever been a conflict and I'm quite certain they would say the same thing. I believe we have a very close relationship so it's just fun to have them here and we always try to find time to be together to chat and have lunch."

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