Marquette University President Michael R. Lovell received the Dr. Wesley L. Scott Education Award from the Greater Milwaukee Urban League at its 61st annual Equal Opportunity Day luncheon on Wednesday, Feb. 23. The Wesley Scott Education Award recognizes a recipient’s longstanding commitment and dedication to the education of children in the greater Milwaukee area. The award is named after Wesley Scott, the longtime executive director of Milwaukee Urban League who, for 22 years, focused Urban League efforts on programs to reach and serve young people.
Lovell was recognized for being instrumental in standing for equity and equality in his key leadership role at Marquette. Lovell has “influenced lives and raised awareness through his personal stories made public, thus demonstrating his commitment and understanding of mental illness and the impact it has on families and across communities,” the organization noted.
“It is an incredible honor to be recognized by the Greater Milwaukee Urban League for the work we have accomplished at Marquette University,” Lovell said. “It is part of our Catholic, Jesuit values to care for the whole person. We have a community dedicated to those values, which is an inspiration to lead. I am especially proud of the ways in which we live out our mission in partnership with our neighboring community organizations to positively impact our surrounding communities and greater Milwaukee.”
Each year, the Greater Milwaukee Urban League hosts the Equal Opportunity Day Luncheon to renew its commitment to providing programs and services for those who seek opportunities for an improved quality of life. Guests come from across the political, social and economic spectrum to celebrate diversity and inclusion, and to hear from leaders who are making an impact in the community. The Equal Opportunity Day Luncheon also honors individuals and organizations who champion equity and equality, and who advocate on behalf of the underserved and reflect the league’s mission of “Empowering Communities and Changing Lives.”
The Greater Milwaukee Urban League was founded in 1919 and is one of the oldest Urban League affiliates in the country. It focuses on developing successful workforce development and education programs that promote economic vibrancy in Milwaukee’s African American community.
