The Time Of My Life - A Marquette University Reflection

I recently came across this video that Marquette University put on their YouTube page.

I'll admit it. I choked up a little after watching it. I've always been the emotional type, and those who are close to me will tell you that.  After graduation on May 22nd, my family took a two week trip to Munich and Prague. Now that I'm back in the states and it's been just over three weeks since graduation, it's just starting to set in that the best four year ride of my life has come to an end. As Marquette Preview for the class of 2015 begins this week, I decided to write this post about my four years at Marquette.

It seems like only yesterday that I was dropped off at Abbottsford Hall as a freshman with no concept or idea of how I would change over the next four years - the relationships I would make, the things I would learn, and the unforgettable experiences that were soon to follow.

In the classroom, Marquette provided me with the perfect support system to learn and improve. I was challenged and pushed to be my best, and as I walked across the stage three weeks ago, I felt confident in my ability to be the difference in the real world with the knowledge that my professors and fellow students imparted on me. That's something you'd hope to have at every college.  At Marquette, it's merely the tip of the iceberg.

When someone asks what I will remember most about my time at Marquette, I'm not sure exactly how I'm going to be able to boil it down to a clear, concise answer.

I know I'll remember Tuesday nights at Joan of Arc Chapel, where I've never seen such a joyful, passionate display of sharing the faith with one another on a weekly basis. Lifelong friendships were forged under that tiny roof listening to Father Naus and sharing hugs, laughs, and signs of peace with one another.

I'll remember the events that helped make a difference. Hunger Clean Up. Al's Run. St. Ben's. The experiences I heard from friends about MAP Trips, which unfortunately I never had the chance to be a part of.

I'll remember the first few weeks of freshman year, having that taste of freedom for the first time and being able to share it with your new and future best friends.

I'll remember the ability to do fun things entirely on a whim - a Brewer game, a walk down to Bradford beach, a pick up game of football or baseball, or a trip to the zoo.

I'll remember intramural sports and how it brought fun times, laughs, and strengthened the bonds between new and old friends. Three-peating in intramural softball is no small feat.

I'll remember Jimmy Johns, Qdoba, Gyros, Real Chili, and Dogg Haus. And how if you made the commitment to walk just a little bit further to the south, you'd be treated with a double Sobelman and a Sprecher Root Beer (until you were of age, that is...).

I'll remember the all nighters at Raynor and Memorial, and despite how bad they seemed at the time, how they helped instill a work ethic that Marquette would be proud of.

I'll remember the buzz that permeated campus as January and February turned to March, and basketball season heated up. The long walks down to the Bradley Center, the hours spent bundled up outside the doors, the mad rush to the seats, the national anthem, Alma Mater, Where The Streets Have No Name, Thunderstruck, and two hours of yelling yourself hoarse.

I'll remember the seasons - how beautiful the campus looked after the leaves first turned or after the first fresh snowfall, and how as spring turned to summer, the AMU and Central Mall were overrun with frisbees, baseballs, and people looking to get a head start on their tan.

I'll remember the great nights out in downtown Milwaukee making unforgettable memories with your best friends only to return back to campus and be greeted at Caffrey's or Murphy's by hundreds more of your friends - all celebrating another successful night together.

More recently, I'll remember the last few months and weeks leading up to graduation and how we all finally began to appreciate what this place and these people meant to us. Senior Week, Baccalaureate Mass, and graduation - how beautiful, joyful, and slightly sad it was that these were the last times we were all going to be together as one group, the class of 2011.


As I reflect with a bit of sadness that it's over and a whole lot of joy that it happened, I now understand that when Marquette built their four pillars - faith, leadership, service and excellence - they have every intention of making that difference in your life so you can be the difference after you leave. I still don't know what I want to do with my life or what the next years will bring, but I know I'm better off as a professional and even more better off as a person for having been lucky enough to attend Marquette University.

To all the people at Marquette who help make it possible year after year - the professors, administrators, Jesuit priests, RAs, etc. - Thank you for having a hand in making Marquette University one of the best institutions on earth.

To any prospective students - if you're looking for a place where you'll have the ability and resources to chase your dreams, the chance to make life long friendships, and grow as an academic and a person, I would never hesitate to recommend Marquette University.

To current students - Please heed my advice. As freshmen or sophomores you may not realize it yet, but you're in the midst of something pretty amazing. Don't take it for granted. Cherish every moment. Be involved. Get the most out of the academics, and just as importantly, get the most out of those times with friends that you'll never, ever get back.

And most importantly, to my fellow graduates from the class of 2011 - If you get the opportunity to read this, thank you for making this the best four years of my life. I'm proud to call myself an alumni with all of you, I cherish the relationships we've built over the past four years, and I hope you'll remember me as much as I remember all of you.  If you haven't had the chance yet since graduation, take a moment to really reflect on all we've done here. How we've all changed. And how we're never going to be the same.

I'd love for any of my classmates, former students or current students to comment with their memories or stories of what makes Marquette so amazing to them.  Please share.

-Dan Kowalsky
Marquette College of Business '11