Letter from the Director                                                                                                                                            Web posted: December 7, 2006

Working at an institution that can celebrate 125 years of existence is a privilege.  While we celebrate faith and learning in action we are taking time to reflect on the past and point toward the future.  The pillars of faith, leadership, excellence, and service have created a solid foundation with clear expectation.  We expect to distinguish ourselves as one of the top three catholic universities in the nation.  Our students expect not only a great education, but great experiences during their time at Marquette.  The AMU team willingly accepts the opportunity to transform students through our programs and services.  Therefore, we cannot and have not sat idle.  This fall we can reflect on the many great accomplishments.

Thanks to funding from the Edward Simmons Religious Commitment Fund and the Office of Mission and Identity, the AMU has procured and installed twenty crucifixes in conference rooms throughout the AMU.  They represent nine different nations throughout the world.  These symbols of our faith have a visible presence throughout the AMU.

The Region 8 Association of College Union International (ACUI) Conference was held at Marquette in October.  Hosting the conference was a collaborative effort between the AMU team and the Office of Student Affairs.  The host committee include full-time staff from OSD, the AMU and students along with 45 AMU student managers who volunteered 4-6 hours of their time over the course of the weekend to ensure its success.  Marquette welcomed over 110 colleagues from 21 institutions throughout northern Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan's UP.  Student representatives made up almost half of all delegates.  Dan Abler, assistant director at the AMU, 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.  Providing leadership education outside the classroom through our employment program and experiences such as the ACUI conference is an integral part of our mission.

Installation of ten 42" plasma TVs, HDTV ready programming, and a new high tech data projector for large screen viewing was completed in the Annex.  Sports programming draws many fans into the Annex for NFL football, NBA basketball, and certainly college basketball.  Hundreds of Bears' fans have gathered each week to enjoy their success.  A capacity crowd of 700 basketball fans cheered the Men's Basketball team during the CBE Classic semi-final game against Texas Tech.  This excellent environment is the next best thing to being there.

The AMU Management team coordinated a showcase event this fall in conjunction with MUSG and OSD.  Registered student organizations were invited to learn more about coordinating an event; 186 students attended representing 114 different student organizations.  All AMU Event Coordinators, Catering, Building, Tech, Retail Dining and Annex Managers were present to explain services and meet customers.  New menu items were presented along with meeting and event equipment options.  Food Services presented a new casual catering menu along with an offer for 20% off the Marquette University Catering Guide to student organizations.  Service to the growing numbers of active students is our mission.

Annette Conrad, associate director of the AMU, accepted the 2006 USI Innovation Award by Ungerboeck International, Inc. on behalf of Marquette University at the annual user's conference.  USI provides the Events Business Management Software for Marquette University.  The purpose of the award is to recognize best practices and achievements of clients for creative and inventive approaches to the event business management field using USI technology.  Providing great service includes a dedication and commitment to be the best.

Thank you for the opportunity,

Todd Vicker                                                                                              Executive Director                                                                                 AMU/Auxiliary Services