Dr. Madeline Schmidt, Gil Peri join President Kimo Ah Yun on WTMJ’s ‘The Upswing’

Dr. Madeline Schmidt, assistant dean for undergraduate programs in the College of Nursing, and Gil Peri, CEO of Children's Wisconsin and Marquette trustee, joined President Kimo Ah Yun on this month's episode of 620 WTMJ's "The Upswing."

Partnership emerged as a central theme of the discussion, with President Ah Yun and Peri highlighting the longstanding pipeline between Marquette's College of Nursing and Children's Wisconsin. That relationship continues to play a vital role in preparing future nurses while helping meet real-time health care needs across the region. Schmidt described what host Jeff Sherman characterized as a "whole child, family approach," emphasizing that nursing extends beyond clinical care to include deep relationship-building with patients and families. As demand for nurses grows amid increased competition from peer institutions, Marquette continues to position nursing as both a career and a calling, particularly for Gen Z students seeking meaningful, human-centered work.

Mental and behavioral health also emerged as a priority, with Peri noting the increasing need for support not only for patients, but for health care professionals navigating evolving workplace pressures. At the same time, panelists pointed to the importance of balancing technological advancement with the human touch that defines the profession. President Ah Yun underscored Marquette's commitment to maintaining that balance in both teaching and practice.

"The Upswing" highlights the ever-changing world of business and commerce in Milwaukee and across the state of Wisconsin. President Ah Yun is joined each month by an expert from campus to discuss their work.