Marquette University President Kimo Ah Yun summed up the first-day-of-class buzz with one word: energetic.
Ah Yun spent part of his morning on Aug. 25 behind the Sendik’s on 16th Street, handing out breakfast items like donuts, fruit and energy drinks to students before their semesters began.
The breakfast handout is an opportunity for students to come together at the start of a new year, and Ah Yun said his biggest priority for the academic year is to retain students by making them feel supported and successful on campus.
“We’re really focusing on that right now, because that’s that entry point to be able to get them here to their senior year and graduate them,” Ah Yun said.
Recent years have produced the two highest first-to-second year retention rates in Marquette history; 91% for the Classes of 2022 and 2023. The acceptance rate for the Class of 2029 also dipped below 80% for the first time since 2016.
The Marquette Wire was able to speak with Ah Yun about the upcoming academic year. Here’s what he said.
Campus spaces and upcoming projects
Ah Yun said he has two goals for the year regarding capital projects.
The first is to think about moving forward on a proposed sciences district that would include labs, research spaces and classrooms. Ah Yun said he wants to come up with a definite plan.
The sciences district is the only capital project on Marquette’s $600 million campus master plan that hasn’t been completed. University Spokesperson Kevin Conway said the major projects like the science district are not presented tothe Board of Trustees until physical solutions and funding plans are solidified.
Ah Yun said his second goal is to analyze student housing and see if changes need to be made. This effort was first introduced at the end of the 2025 spring semester, but no further information on a timeline has been announced.
Ah Yun said the university has made a lot of headway with new buildings on campus, most recently including the Lemonis Center for Student Success and the Wellness + Helfaer Recreation facility. He hopes the spaces help foster community amongst students.
“When I was at move-in, I got to meet a lot of the parents and new students, and they’re just quality individuals who are looking at to be part of this community,” Ah Yun said.
Ah Yun’s interpretation of this year’s Ignatian theme
Ah Yun said this year’s Ignatian theme, “I have called you friends,” also makes him think about community. He said it calls people to think about how they’re helping others and transforming lives.
“That’s what we’re called to do,” Ah Yun. “How do we live that out?”
This story was written by Mia Thurow. She can be reached at [email protected].
