MILWAUKEE – Marquette University has a brand new business school building at 16th and Wisconsin, the former site of McCormick Hall.
The new building marks a historic moment for Marquette University, as it is the university’s largest construction project entirely funded by donors.
Dr. EJ and Margaret O’Brien Hall is a $60 million facility, with every dollar coming from donors.
Tuesday was the first day of classes for Marquette University students at the new business school.
TMJ4’s Charles Benson was there to get his first look inside.
If you want to develop the business leaders of tomorrow, why not involve them in a new facility that represents the future?
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“It’s perfect for the learning environment you want, the social interaction you want, and it’s very open,” says Catherine Taphorn, a student at Marquette University.
Both Taphorn and student Charlieu Hua talked about their new spaces, including the Baird Applied Investment Management Lab, which offers real-time stock and business news.
“It’s very similar to a real trading floor in Chicago or New York,” Hua said.
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Not only do they have the feel of being on the stock exchange, students actually manage approximately $3 million in college funds and make big decisions about buying and selling stocks.
“We have these pitches every week, so we’re buying and selling stocks every week,” Hua said. “So we’re adding to the portfolio.”
Acting Dean of the School of Management Tim Hanley was as excited as the students.
In a highly competitive environment for college admissions, Hanley is already seeing results.
Benson asked, “How does the building intersect with these goals?”
Hanley replied: “Last year we saw a 40 percent increase in the freshman class.”
Hanley said they are using 360-degree camera technology in classrooms.
“We knew we were going to have to design products that could be delivered in person and delivered remotely,” he said.
And provide students with the results on the first day of class.
“Even in the two classes I took today, I saw a lot of small business rooms that you could book for collaborative meetings with people on group projects,” Taphorn said.
Early return on investment in a large community.
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