University continues to fundraise for transformational Wellness + Recreation facility
In just four months since Board of Trustees Chair Robert J. Eck announced that the university will honor President Michael R. Lovell and Amy Lovell in its transformational Wellness + Recreation facility, Marquette alumni, parents and friends have generously given more than $5 million in honor of the Lovells.
“Marquette is a special community, and the outpouring of support from across the world is a remarkable tribute to both Mike and Amy Lovell’s leadership,” Eck said.
In September 2022, Eck shared that the Lovell Center for Student Well-Being will encompass the third and fourth floors within the university’s planned wellness tower and he cited their “tremendous leadership to address mental health across Milwaukee and the region.” The Lovell Center will be a key component of the reimagined facility that will overlook the Marquette Interchange at 525 N. 16th Street.
The Lovells have worked intensively to highlight the importance of mental health progress for wellness initiatives across the region. Continuing the spirit of that work, the Lovell Center will contain many important, proactive services that will help Marquette students thrive, with spaces ranging from counseling to spirituality and meditation.
“We are sincerely moved by the generosity of our Marquette community,” Mike and Amy Lovell said. “We thank each and every one of you who has joined our vision to help ensure our students thrive in every aspect of their lives.”
Marquette leaders continue to invite the university community to consider giving in honor of Mike and Amy Lovell’s inspirational vision and in support of this important project.
Vice President for University Advancement Tim McMahon shared that Marquette alumni, parents and friends have contributed $21 million to date overall for this signature Time to Rise capital project. “Our Marquette community has generously stepped forward to answer the call once again,” McMahon said. “We are inspired by this effort to both honor two tremendous leaders and propel Marquette University forward as we create an innovative home for student well-being.”
The Board of Trustees officially approved the overall Wellness + Recreation project in December 2022. When it opens in January 2025, the approximately 180,000-square-foot facility will bring together campus fitness and recreation facilities with the Counseling Center and the Marquette University Medical Clinic — centralizing student services that are currently dispersed across campus. The university expects more than 200,000 annual visits to the facility, which will increase in recreation space by 25 percent and nearly double the wellness and medical space offered on campus today.
Marquette’s historic Time to Rise campaign continues to gain momentum, approaching $650 million toward its $750 million goal. Eck highlighted the dedicated volunteer leadership from Time to Rise National Campaign Co-chairs Mary Ellen and Dr. Scott Stanek, and Chuck and Karen Swoboda.
The Time to Rise campaign has secured more than 60,000 donors with more than 29,000 (48%) of these donors making their first-ever gift to Marquette. Building on its founding mission to provide an accessible education, Marquette has raised $264 million in scholarship funds. In addition, 719 donors have given $100,000 or greater in commitments, and more than 120 donors have given $1 million or greater.