Web Posted: June 2007
The AMU team has many successes to celebrate when we look back over the past academic year. This group of fulltime and student employees operates with a commitment to community and continuous improvement.
The demands for technology and opportunities with technology are ever changing, but fortunately we have been able to respond. The Varsity Theater lighting and Annex viewing upgrades were the most recognizable accomplishments in this area, but continued expansion of smart meeting rooms, surveillancee coverage, electronic door counters, and enabling access to the campus wireless network in the Annex were significant improvements.
To continuously improve we must also improve. A Staff Development Committee identified growth opportunities and subject matter experts to facilitate learning opportunities monthly that included QPR Suicide Prevention Training, OWLS leadership and team building activities, Facebook, customer service training, and behind the scenes tours. Student development programs were built on already successful All Staff, and fall/spring student manager workshops by inviting guest presenters such as Keenan Grennell on diversity, Jon Dooley on leadership, Corey Lansing on team building, Joe Terrian on professionalism, Toby Peters on tranformational leadership, and Art Scheuber on commitment. Active involvement in national associations such as ACUI, NACA, NACAS, NACCU, EMBS and Catersource stimulated new ideas and built networks. New student internship positions with Pepsi, and Campus Kitchen Project @ MU, along with the continued program in Events Management gave students out of class experiences. Four people received recognition for their commitment to excellence this year. Dan Abler, AMU Assistant Director won the Richard Christie Award given to a union and student activities professional in recognition of their exemplary service and outstanding contributions to the field at the ACUI Conference. Annette Conrad, AMU Associate Director accepted the 2006 USI Innovation Award by Ungerboeck Systems International, Inc. on behalf of Marquette University at the annual user's conference. Kristen Duncan, AMU Student Employee Coordinator was recognized during Student Employee Appreciation Week as one of the 5 finalists awarded for their exceptional workplace contributions. US Bank teller, Sharron Monique Smith was awarded the Annual Star of Excellence for exceptional service.
Living the university's mission through service to others and building on Marquette's traditions were also embraced by the staff this past year. Our unified power mobilizing teams for Al's Run/Walk, two All University Blood Drives, and Hunger Cleanup service initiatives. The spirit of service also came alive through the donation of over 1,300 Spanish books sent to Honduras and Guatemala by the Book Marq, the cash and can donations to CKP@MU through the winter break parking promotion, and the custom labeled fund raiser coffee program launched by Stone Creek. LateNIGHT programs, dances, basketball shuttles and Annex viewing parties were traditions kept alive through expert planning and staff commitment. The Annex athletic archives were also updated with many new items for basketball, volleyball and soccer. Symbols of our mission became present in the AMU with the collection of 20 crucifixes from around the world displayed in meeting rooms. Thanks to Sodexho's Global Chef program we were able to enhance ethnic awareness programs with authentic foods.
Moving from Good to Great provides many opportunities in the months ahead. Responding to the Marquette communities' thirst for technology, demand for activity space and determination for diversity will motivate us to act. We will continue to sheppard the renovations in the Varsity Theater and the Annex audio visual upgrades. During the summer installations of Creative Sharp Circle of Life mural will stimulate cultural awareness and the resurrection of the Father Brooks mosiac will enhance mission identity and connect alums to the past.
We are committed to building community at Marquette University!
Todd Vicker
Executive Director
AMU/Auxiliary Services
