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By Sam Lucero
(OSV News) – During a pilgrimage in Italy, Michael R. Lovell, Marquette University’s acclaimed first non-clerical president, passed away at 57. Lovell, who had been facing a three-year battle with sarcoma, fell ill in Rome amid a Jesuit formation journey with Marquette’s board of trustees and members of the Society of Jesus. His wife, Amy Lovell, was accompanying him at the time of his hospitalization.
Since the institution’s founding over a century ago, Lovell stood as the only lay leader in its 133-year timeline, serving as the 24th president of the Jesuit university.
The Marquette community received news of Lovell’s death through an announcement by Todd Adams, the chair of the university’s board of trustees. He applauded Lovell’s forward-thinking leadership that echoed the university’s core Catholic and Jesuit values.
“President Lovell’s profound dedication to innovation, fostering community strength, and academic growth resonated with the university’s spiritual mission, one that fervently moved him,” recounted Adams, in a communique also endorsed by Provost Kimo Ah Yun and Joel Pogodzinski, both who are part of the University Leadership Council. Ah Yun has since been named the interim president by the trustees.
During his term, Lovell was a ubiquitous figure at campus happenings and retained his post teaching undergraduate product realization classes, a role from which he said he drew much inspiration and vigour from the Marquette community members.
Before assuming Marquette’s presidency in 2014, Lovell held influential roles at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, including as UWM’s chancellor and dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science.
Lovell reflected on his unexpected spiritual path to Milwaukee and Marquette’s presidency in a 2014 media event, expressing gratitude for following an unforeseen plan laid before him.
As per a statement to Marquette Wire, the institution’s student media outlet, this April, Lovell had aspired to visit Portugal in June and experience the famed pilgrimage, El Camino de Santiago, marking an item on his bucket list.
Lovell expressed a profound desire to undertake the pilgrimage, noting the importance of embracing such life experiences in times of good health and appreciating the deepening of his faith journey amidst his cancer battle.
Milwaukee’s Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki lamented Lovell’s death, celebrating him as a beacon of faith and courage.
Lovell leaves behind his wife and their four children. Marquette University is arranging a prayer vigil in his honor.
Details regarding Lovell’s funeral will be shared on Marquette’s website at today.marquette.edu.
Sam Lucero is a Wisconsin-based contributor for OSV News.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who was Michael R. Lovell?
Michael R. Lovell was the 24th president of Marquette University and the first layperson to hold the position in the institution’s 133-year history. - What illness did Michael R. Lovell have?
Michael R. Lovell had been battling sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, for the past three years. - What were President Lovell’s contributions to Marquette University?
President Lovell was known for his commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, community renewal, and the pursuit of the university’s Catholic, Jesuit mission. He also taught undergraduate students and was actively engaged in campus life. - Who will serve as Marquette University’s president following Lovell’s death?
Provost Kimo Ah Yun has been elected by the board of trustees to serve as the acting president of Marquette. - Are there any funeral arrangements for Michael R. Lovell?
Details regarding Michael R. Lovell’s funeral arrangements will be shared on Marquette University’s official website at today.marquette.edu. - How can the Marquette community and others pay respects to President Lovell?
A campus prayer vigil is being planned, and information about the vigil and other opportunities to honor his memory will be available through university communications.
