Whether you are new to Marquette or returning for your senior year, there are some things on campus and in Milwaukee that never get old. Here is a compilation of activities to cross off a Marquette “bucket list.”
Make the Bradford Beach Trip
Many students, such as Robbie Shimp, a 2011 graduate of the College of Communication, agree that one of Milwaukee’s highlights is the trip down to Lake Michigan.
“Especially for new students, it’s easy to take the bus down there and spend a whole day at the lake,” Shimp said.
Students can take the 30 bus route from campus all the way to Prospect Avenue and North Avenue on the weekends and Lake Drive and North Avenue on weekdays.
“I think freshmen year is about is freedom, and walking down to the lake with my friends was a big part of my freshman year,” said Liz Stone, a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Attend Mass at St. Joan of Arc Chapel
“Tuesday night mass is a cool community,” said Tracy Sheehan, a senior in the College of Education. “It’s an upbeat atmosphere and a good way to start off the week.”
Natalie Campbell, a junior in the College of Education, said the 10 p.m. mass Monday through Thursday would be the first item on her bucket list.
Shimp said he would also recommend a mass at St. Joan of Arc Chapel, although not necessarily on a Tuesday night.
“Everybody will tell you to go to the Tuesday night mass at Joan of Arc, but my challenge would be to attend a non-Tuesday-night mass there,” Shimp said. “Tuesday night is different, it’s more of a collective community thing.”
Go Academic
Marquette has over 50 clubs and organizations labeled “academic or professional” that students can get involved with, according to Marquette.edu.
Thomas LeNoir, a junior in the College of Business Administration, said most majors also have academic-based clubs associated with them.
“You learn stuff you don’t get to know in classes,” LeNoir said. “But with the clubs, you get to seek out who you want to talk to and learn more about what you’re interested in.”
Shimp also said students can join organizations and honors societies on campus they are interested in and meet people with similar interests while also building resumes.
Have A Volunteer Effort
Many students recommend volunteering efforts or service organizations. There are many different options for students on campus and throughout Milwaukee.
“I was involved in Midnight Run most of my semesters here and volunteered at women’s shelters,” Sheehan said, “it was really humbling to talk to people and a neat experience to have a sense of community there.”
LeNoir, also a resident assistant, said he recommends his residents volunteer in one capacity or another. He stressed the ease and the variety of options, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Hunger Clean Up and Repairers of the Breach.
“My hope for volunteer activities is that it’s not a one-time thing, and students find something they enjoy to help out and do in Milwaukee,” Campbell said.
Take Advantage of the Brew City
A brewery tour is something adults of any age can enjoy, but they can be more interesting when you sample a brewery’s craft.
The MillerCoors’ Milwaukee Brewery offers a free tour Monday through Saturday year-round, and daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day, said Kindra Loferski, guest relations manager at MillerCoors.
“Our tour consists of a brand new video, packing lines, our warehouse, brewhouse, historic Miller cave and a sampling of three brews for those 21 and over,” Loferski said.
Loferski stressed that MillerCoors offers students a social place to sample beer and to learn to drink responsibly.
“Especially if you’re a student here in Milwaukee, it’s really something you should experience,” Loferski said.
Experience Sobleman’s – The Marquette Bar
Considering popularity and the new “Sobelman’s @Marquette” location, Sobelman’s Pub & Grill on St. Paul Avenue has become a Marquette staple.
“Sobelman’s is really, uniquely Milwaukee,” Sheehan said. “It has a really chill atmosphere.”
Dave Sobelman, owner of both locations, attributes his popularity with Marquette and in Milwaukee to the restaurant’s appearance on the Food Network show Food Wars, as well as the quality of his food.
Sobelman said the goal for the new location is for it to “be one of the coolest college bars around.” From paint choices in renovations to future menu items, he hopes his establishment will belong solely to Marquette.
Shop Milwaukee Public Market
Milwaukee’s Public Market on North Water Street offers an indoor food and shopping experience.
Shimp said he enjoyed the Public Market as a place off campus when needing something different.
“It’s nice to get out and to see the Public Market with friends and look around at all the different things they have going on there,” LeNoir said.
He also mentioned the cooking lessons offered and the various stalls, such as one that sells a variety of cheeses, that make the experience unique.
“I’d recommend to go there and get a sample and try something new,” LeNoir said.
Stay the Summer and Do Outdoor Activities
“If you can, you should definitely do a Summer in Milwaukee,” Shimp said. “Most people get a job or take classes in the summer and just being there with friends and without classes was different but cool.”
Sheehan also recommended musical festivals that Milwaukee hosts in the summer, such as Summerfest and Jazz in the Park, the latter of which she said was “really chill” and good for having dinner, listening to music and taking a break from campus.
Retreat
Whether for religious reasons or just to clear your head, students recommend Campus Ministry‘s retreats for religious or non-religious reasons.
“I’ve done a couple of retreats, and it’s the perfect way to get away for a weekend and see nature,” Campbell said.
Campbell said there are usually retreats for everyone to apply for if interested. Shimp also recommended Campus Ministry.
“Get involved in Campus Ministry if you have any inclination to,” Shimp said. “Regardless of your faith, Campus Ministry has excellent resources for students.”
Explore Milwaukee
There are many areas in Milwaukee that students frequent or find interesting, such as the Third Ward or Brady Street.
“Taking a casual stroll down to Brady Street is a good idea,” LeNoir said.
He also recommends students venture downtown to different restaurants, such as The King and I or Rock Bottom Brewery, both within walking distance of campus.
“The Farmer’s Market has all local vegetables, beautiful fresh flowers — I remember we all used to walk down there from Cobeen in the morning and get flowers,” Sheehan said. “It’s good to there early so you’re not wasting your day.”
Visit The Milwaukee Art Museum
Along with the Milwaukee Children’s Museum, this architectural great that sits on Lake Michigan is not just a city-wide symbol thanks to architect Santiago Calatrava. The museum also houses collections of 15th century and modern art, according to the museum’s website.
According to the Milwaukee Art Museum’s latest estimates, the combination of the War Memorial Center, Quadracci Pavillion and Cudahy Gardens houses about 20,000 works of art for students to enjoy. Students receive a discounted admission of $12, and the museum has free admission the first Thursday of every month.
Be Sporty
Marquette offers a variety of men’s, women’s and coed club and recreational sports for a variety of interests, from water polo to Tae Kwon Do.
“I did a bunch of smaller things here and there … like intramural sports, club sports which I enjoyed,” Shimp said.
According to Marquette.edu, the club and recreational sports provide
“competitive, recreational and instructional sports for students.”
Be a Social Butterfly
Getting involved in social activities, cultural and special interest clubs on campus may allow students to meet others with similar interests, or fall in love with Marquette in a new and exciting way.
“I recommend new students to think back to high school and what they were most interested in then, because we have so many clubs and activities on campus,” LeNoir said. “Also, be mindful of the News Briefs that come out because they announce stuff to go to or get involved with, like Soup with Substance. I’ve been to a bunch of those type of things and have found them really helpful.”
Stone considers social experiences such as Greek life and Orientation Staff pertinent to her college experience.
“I couldn’t imagine my college experience without Greek life,” Stone said, “and O-Staff was really big in my life … the people in it are just really good role models, and they want what’s best for you, and you meet really genuine people.”
Stone said through activities such as Orientation Staff, she learned a lot about Marquette and found she appreciated it more because she knew more about operations and the University.
Catch a Show at the Rave
The Rave may be right on campus, but some students may not know what kind of shows there are or who performs throughout the year.
For those interested in national bands or artists from hip-hop, rock, techno and similar genres, there is a full schedule of shows happening during first semester.
Go Marquette
Marquette’s study abroad programs, spring break and winter break service and academic programs, the Les Aspin Center for Government in Washington, D.C., Marquette Action Program (MAP) trips are just some of the ways students are journeying off campus and expanding their Marquette experiences.
“Definitely study abroad if at all possible,” Shimp said. “That’s a massive experience and great experience for people.”
Campbell recommends volunteer programs such as those through Habitat for Humanity at Marquette or the MAP trips, as they get students involved outside of Milwaukee.
Check Out Late Night Activities
Marquette also offers Late Night Marquette — activities through the Office of Student Development, which provide students with weekend programming on campus.
“I remember the guy from the ghost hunter shows was at one, and I thought it was interesting,” LeNoir said, referring to Late Night Marquette Halloween in 2010, which hosted Dustin Pari of Ghost Hunters International.
LeNoir also emphasized the alternative Late Night Marquette programs provide for students.
“Late Night gave me a great alternative for the weekends,” LeNoir said. “They have stuff like Make Your Own Late Night, carving pumpkins, and everything that is just as fun as sitting in your room and playing video games.”
Complete a Campus Scavenger Hunt
Exploring the different buildings and places on campus can not only reveal new study spots, but can also help you keep up with what’s going on around campus.
“I really like the area outside St. Joan of Arc Chapel, where the garden is,” Stone said. “It’s one of the places that show me why I love to fall in love with Marquette. It’s a great place to center myself, to just sit in the courtyard and refocus.”
Shimp recommended getting into each of the Marquette buildings, if possible and with correct access. He said he made a point before graduation to visit most of them, and it was a great way to keep in touch with the different groups and activities around campus.
“Stay in touch with what’s going on with different Marquette activities, and keep in touch with different speakers and who comes to campus,” Shimp said. “We’re really lucky and have good programs here at Marquette, so take advantage of (them), because you can meet and hear some great people that way.”
Culture Yourself with Student Productions
Marquette’s student-produced theater productions on campus and special art exhibits at the Haggerty Museum of Art allow students to take in fine art without leaving campus.
“Go see exhibits and shows at the Haggerty and the Helfaer,” LeNoir said. “I’ve seen exhibits like one on the Black Panthers and one on the Colors of God, where they had different artistic depictions of God, like as a woman or a black man, which was really cool.”
LeNoir also said he frequents student productions at Helfaer Theater on campus, where “they always have something interesting they’re working on.”
Race to the Pettit Ice Skating Center / Outdoor Ice Skating in Milwaukee County
Take advantage of Milwaukee’s harsh winters by enjoying outdoor and indoor winter ice skating at Red Arrow Park and the Pettit Ice Skating Center.
“Ice skating in the winter is also one of my favorite things to do,” Stone said. “Downtown in the winter there is a park with a nighttime a winter wonderland theme that has an ice rink.”
As an Olympic training facility, the Pettit Ice Skating Center boasts a speed skating track and currently offers public skating from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays, according to www.thepettit.com.
“Ice skating at Pettit is always a good time,” Sheehan said. “They have a speed skating track there that can be open to skate on, and it’s always lots of fun to go with a large group.”
Take Me Out to a Brewer’s Game
“This year, if you miss a Brewer’s game this fall, you know, it’s going to be shameful. You’re definitely going to want to do Brewers games,” Shimp said.
According to Brewers.com, this upcoming week there will be Time Warner Cable Student Nights (Sept. 1 and 9), where students will receive half-off tickets for certain reserved and bleacher seating.
For many students, a “Marquette Experience” consists of how time is spent, and those who work with incoming students, such as LeNoir, understand such importance.
“People often don’t want to, but if you’re considering doing something, you should try it,” LeNoir said. “Because even if you do end up wasting a few hours, you’d be doing that anyway.”