08/26/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/26/2024 14:09
On the first day of classes, the Lemonis Center for Student Success at Marquette University officially opened its doors to students, contributing to Marquette's student success strategy of building a culture of mentorship and engagement "from first day to first destination."
Alumnus Marcus Lemonis, star of HGTV's The Renovator, CNBC's The Profit and chairman and CEO of Camping World, and his wife Bobbi donated $15 million to create the Lemonis Center for Student Success. The center is a primary tool in enhancing and scaling the university's efforts to drive its Student Success Initiative forward.
"The opening of the Lemonis Center for Student Success is going to be a great boost to the Student Success Initiative launched by President Michael R. Lovell in 2021," said Dr. Kimo Ah Yun, acting president, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. "President Lovell's vision with the SSI and the Lemonis Center was to increase student support in critical areas of need, thereby improving retention and lowering the cost of a college education. We are appreciative to Marcus and Bobbi Lemonis, whose generosity has made this center that will enhance the Marquette student experience possible."
Centrally located and highly visible, the Lemonis Center, which formerly housed Memorial Library, will provide wraparound services for students across all majors, academic abilities and backgrounds to enrich and expand student opportunities from the moment they step on campus until they graduate. Building on Marquette's Catholic, Jesuit tradition, the Lemonis Center will help students engage in thoughtful discernment that is infused in Ignatian education, emphasizing a deep sense of connection and meaningful engagement.
"We are all very excited for the opening of the Lemonis Center for Student Success and for this space to come to life with students," said Marilyn Jones, director of the Lemonis Center for Student Success. "So many people have worked hard to design a space which is welcoming and functional, inviting students to return when they need services, but also as a welcome space to study, gather and relax on campus."
To that end, the center will house seven "anchor programs" to provide support for students at each stage in their journey:
The Lemonis Center's design and layout will make it flexible enough to provide satellite space for other student support areas, such as the Office of Disability Services or programming to support the future Wellness + Helfaer Recreation facility. The center also provides flexible open spaces for students to gather and study.
Lemonis Center for Student Success facts
Additions, notable changes
University Initiatives
Campus Life, University Initiatives