Death; Michael R. Lovell Obituary, Marquette University President Has Passed Away: Death of Michael R. Lovell The devastating news of Marquette University President Michael R. Lovell’s demise struck the campus community on Sunday, June 9. President Lovell passed away from sarcoma, a rare kind of cancer, that he had been fighting for three years. He was in Rome on a Jesuit formation pilgrimage with members of the Board of Trustees and the Society of Jesus. President Lovell guided Marquette for ten years with an innovative, entrepreneurial, and deeply committed vision for community development.
Based on the Catholic, Jesuit mission of the university, his leadership changed the organization and had a lasting impact on the Milwaukee community. President Lovell’s unwavering pursuit of excellence and rejection of the status quo characterized his presidency. Being an entrepreneur at heart, he pushed limits and spurred change by asking Milwaukee and Marquette to consider novel ideas. President Lovell maintained a close relationship with the university community despite his hectic job, participating in many activities and even instructing undergraduate students in his product realization course.
His sincere devotion to the Marquette family was demonstrated by his efforts to cultivate meaningful relationships with students, staff, and faculty. President Lovell was well-known in the Milwaukee community outside of the university, having held positions on numerous local boards and national higher education consortiums. His contemporaries respected him for his ability to work well with others, his modesty, and his ability to solve challenging problems. President Lovell has a long-lasting effect on the community’s well-being by tackling mental health concerns in the area with his wife, Amy.
Marquette is coming together to support one another during this trying time as the campus laments the passing of President Lovell. To make sure that teachers, staff, students, and faculty have access to the resources they require, Campus Ministry, the Faber Center, the Counseling Center, and the Employee Assistance Program are making resources available. There will be chances for the community to gather in memory and contemplation as plans are in place for a prayer vigil and funeral. Even if there may be heartache in the days to come, President Lovell’s legacy will live on and inspire future generations. The Marquette community is united by love, religion, and the unwavering spirit of a leader whose influence will live on as it moves through this difficult time of loss.
