Expect Magis from the AMU
Web Posted: July 14, 2008

Looking back on the 2007-08 academic years…

The first thing I think of when I look back on another academic period, the dedicated AMU staff comes to mind.  The AMU was open all but a dozen or so days in 2007/08 with 1,175,415 guests passing through our doors and another 82,161 visiting the Annex.  Services to a million plus guests only tell part of the story.  Our staff coordinates all tech services for events at the Al McGuire Center, concessions at the Al and Valley Fields, non-academic reservations campus-wide, catering campus-wide, Varsity events, the Weasler events, picnics in Central and Westown Malls, employment of over 400 students, Carmel practice spaces, practice space North, 15 off-campus MarquetteCASH merchants, Annex shuttles, the MCTS UPASS program, AxisTV content, and the University information center services.  Cura Personalis is alive in the AMU!  We aim to create community, tradition, and provide services that the MU community needs.  The list of key accomplishments from 07/08 is extensive, but a few victories really stand out. 

Installation of the Brook’s Mosaic began in the summer of 2007 and much of the work was up in time for Alumni Reunion Weekend.  The history of the mosaic and Father Brook’s life as told through the work was also on display.  Resurrecting the Father Brook’s Mosaic has not only helped us connect students from the past, but has rekindled his spirit for building community.  This spirit to serve is alive and well in our efforts to mobilize teams for Al’s Run/Walk, coordinate two All University Blood Drives, and fill teams for Hunger Cleanup.  New and existing programs contributed to Marquette’s mission to serve such as: the installation of campus community service boards, initiation of the coffee bean fund raising program, and Food Services sold cotton candy during the “Pink Out For Cancer” women’s basketball game and donated all proceeds.  Community is also built through bingo, bowling, viewing parties, cultural programs, Late Night activities, Annex Trivia, Sodexo global Chef Visits, and our student employment program.

The improved commuter lounge and meeting room project was coordinated to respond to student needs for space.  Phase 2 of the Varsity Theater audio and lighting improvements were completed with the final phases of the project planned this spring and started in May.  Merging our events software system with the Registrars increased access and efficient use of all campus spaces available for meetings or events.  A few key initiatives were completed to improve customer service through technology; the MarquetteCASH marketing videos, Sodexo dining website, and the on-line space request option.   Investments to existing systems improved services such as the ballroom audio project, Annex sound system replacement, new catering china, and increased inventory of tech equipment.

This staff is not afraid to implement change or take on more responsibility to help improve and contribute to Marquette’s continued quest to be a top tier Catholic University.  Assuming responsibility for academic space reservations, managing tech services at the Al, coordinating multiple space locations for students space needs, and implementing the food services meal program changes are all specific examples of AMU staff exercising Magis!

Todd Vicker
Executive Director
AMU/Auxiliary Services