MILWAUKEE — Marquette University President Michael Lovell died Sunday in Rome after a three-year battle with cancer. He was 57.
University officials said in a news release posted on X, the social medial platform formerly known as Twitter, that Lovell had been suffering from sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that develops in the bones and soft tissues. Lovell and his wife, Amy, were in Rome on a Jesuit formation pilgrimage when he fell ill and was taken to a hospital, according to the news release.
“When you don’t know how much time you have left, you want your days to be impactful and you want to do things that you love,” Lovell said in an interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in 2022. “And so you ask me, why do I want to work? Well, you know, there are days that are hard, to be honest with you, and the last few years weren’t easy, but I love being on this campus. I love being in our community.”
Marquette officials are planning a prayer vigil for Lovell with details to be announced on the university’s website when they become available, campus officials said in the news release.
“The days ahead will be full of heartbreak,” they said. “In this time of grief and sadness, let us come together as a community linked by faith and love.”
Lovell took over as the university’s 24th president in 2014. Prior to become president he served as chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
He helped create the Near West Side Partners, a nonprofit focused on economic development, housing and safety in Marquette’s neighborhood in Milwaukee, according to a profile on the Marquette website. He also helped start a number of other initiatives in Milwaukee, including the Midwest Energy Research Consortium, which promotes growth in the energy sector, and the Water Council, which focuses on innovation in fresh water technology.
He served on multiple boards, including the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities and the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. He earned three mechanical engineering degrees, including a doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh.
Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers, who played for Marquette in the early 1980s, issued a statement calling Lovell a “gentle giant.”
“Dr. Lovell loved Marquette, and we loved him right back,” Rivers said. “He cared deeply about our students educationally. More importantly, he cared about their growth as people and future leaders in our community. My deepest condolences to his family. Thank you for sharing him with us. We are Marquette.”
Marquette University President Michael Lovell passed away unexpectedly while on a trip to Rome, leaving the university community in shock and mourning. Lovell, who had been serving as president since 2014, was known for his dedication to the university and his commitment to fostering a strong sense of community among students, faculty, and staff.
News of Lovell’s passing spread quickly through the Marquette campus, with students and staff expressing their sadness and disbelief at the sudden loss of their leader. Many remembered Lovell as a compassionate and approachable president who always made time for students and took a personal interest in their success.
During his tenure as president, Lovell oversaw a number of important initiatives aimed at improving the university’s academic programs, campus facilities, and overall reputation. Under his leadership, Marquette experienced significant growth in enrollment, fundraising, and research funding, solidifying its position as a top-tier institution in the Midwest.
In addition to his work at Marquette, Lovell was also actively involved in the Milwaukee community, serving on various boards and committees dedicated to promoting economic development, education, and social justice. His impact extended far beyond the walls of the university, earning him respect and admiration from all who knew him.
As news of Lovell’s passing continues to reverberate throughout the Marquette community, plans are already underway to honor his memory and legacy. A memorial service is being planned on campus, where students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members can come together to celebrate Lovell’s life and contributions to the university.
In the meantime, interim leadership has been appointed to ensure continuity and stability at Marquette during this difficult time. The university has also set up a support system for those who may be struggling with grief or need assistance in coping with the loss of President Lovell.
While the Marquette community mourns the loss of a beloved leader, they also take comfort in knowing that Michael Lovell’s vision and values will continue to guide the university forward. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of knowing him, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.
