Those worldwide who are mourning the loss of President Michael R. Lovell have shared support, prayers and condolences for his family and the Marquette community since his heartbreaking passing.
President Lovell displayed a deep commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and community renewal and development during his 10 years of leadership at Marquette University. He was a fixture of the Milwaukee community, serving on multiple local boards and national higher ed consortiums, where his peers valued his collaborative spirit, humility and ability to advance complex ideas.
Mike was at all turns guided by his faith and an unwavering moral compass, and we will always remember him for his courage, energy and determination to make any situation better than the way he found it. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Amy, his family and the entire Marquette community during this exceedingly painful time.
Val Ackerman, commissioner of the Big East Conference
Whether it was in the classroom, the boardroom or on the sidelines of a crucial game, his joyous love for Marquette and its students came first and foremost. As Marquette’s first lay president, Mike’s dedication to the ideals of a Catholic, Jesuit education meant that every student was given the opportunity to partake in the richness of a 500-year tradition of excellence.
V. Rev. Karl J. Kiser, S.J., provincial of the USA Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus
His faith was deep, and his commitment to service went beyond the boundaries of the campus. He promoted community service, he worked to improve public safety, and his leadership with the Near West Side Partners elevated that organization in ways that would not have been possible without him.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson
I don’t know how you did it, but you made everyone you touched better, without exception. You somehow balanced compassion and kindness with the relentless pursuit of excellence — and you did so with such grace and presence. The only thing that exceeded your energy was your will. You taught us all that we are capable of more.
Men’s Basketball Head Coach Shaka Smart
Dr. Lovell was an exceptional leader, a strong student advocate, and a wonderful human being. He had a significant, positive impact on higher education in the state of Wisconsin and on his many friends and colleagues.
Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges & Universities
As president of this prestigious institution, he led Marquette with vision, compassion and skill: he left it well poised for its future. He ran the race with strength and enthusiasm, and we will miss his many gifts and good humor.
Rev. Michael J. Garanzini, S.J. and the staff of Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities
He was a relentless advocate for change, always present and eager to make a difference. His leadership was defined by empathy and compassion, qualities that touched everyone around him.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley
Mike was a great partner and a remarkable leader with energy and vision who shared the same passion for providing quality education to students in the Milwaukee area.
Dr. Vicki J. Martin, president of Milwaukee Area Technical College
Mike Lovell was a high-achieving, high-impact professional who was an even better person. I was sad to see him leave Pitt but was thrilled with the opportunities that he found in Milwaukee. His death at such a young age is a tragic loss, but he touched countless lives through all of the wonderful work that he did while he was among us.”
Mark A. Nordenberg, former chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh
Mike was a dear friend to many of us and had a profound influence on me. Whether it was working out with students, modeling a positive spirit, planning the next strategic partnership, or inspiring employees with a clear, strong vision for how we could better educate, conduct research, or engage in the community, Mike’s energy and enthusiasm were contagious. He was an engaged, highly effective leader who is already missed.
Dr. Mark Mone, chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
He cared deeply about Milwaukee and the students and faculty he led, and I was always uplifted by his positive and professional manner. Truly a loss.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers
Kathy and I are sending our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and campus community.
Michael Lovell was a dedicated leader and educator who cared deeply about Marquette, its students and our city and his passing is a terrible loss for all of us. An important voice in support of Fiserv Forum being built, President Lovell stood firmly for progress and innovation, and we will always be grateful for his longtime friendship with the Bucks.
Milwaukee Bucks
Dr. Lovell was a titan. He singlehandedly transformed the Marquette community and all those within it forever. His greatest gift to us was his ability to be present. I will forever be grateful for all the small moments we shared.
Men’s Lacrosse Head Coach Jake Richard
Mike was a Marquette High parent and a champion for Jesuit education. He was quick to say yes to speaking at MUHS events and being involved in the community, and always gave of himself as a servant leader. He valued making connections and openings for students to thrive at Marquette and beyond, through partnering and expanding programs like Marquette Pathways, Urban Scholars and All-In MKE.
Marquette University High School
My heart goes out to Mike’s family and the entire Golden Eagles community. Mike’s commitment to Marquette, his students, the faculty, and the Milwaukee community knew no bounds and his loss will be felt.
Sen. Tammy Baldwin
Your legacy will live on throughout everyone you touched, especially me.
Dwyane Wade, former Marquette basketball player and NBA Hall of Famer
I knew Mike to be a man of great integrity with a deep faith. He had an unwavering commitment to student success both while a dean and chancellor at UWM as well as president of Marquette. He leaves an enduring legacy.
Jay O. Rothman, Universities of Wisconsin president
His leadership and dedication to education have had a profound impact on Milwaukee. The future of our region is better because of his contributions.
Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce
