A Life For and With Others

The late President Michael R. Lovell touched the hearts of many in his all too brief time with us. He engaged, involved, collaborated with, cared for and inspired people until those around him became the embodiment of the words he spoke shortly after his inauguration in 2014: “Success is the breadth and depth of the impact you make on the lives of others.” 

Such impact, indeed such breadth and depth, is clear in the words shared by those who knew him well and those who knew him in spirit. Words such as compassion, kindness, energy and infectious enthusiasm. Love and leadership.  Championships and losses. Amid the immense sense of loss that we all navigate, these words remind us that what remains of this great life and its influence is boundless.

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.

— Shaka Smart, Marquette head men’s basketball coach (from X)

Mike Lovell was someone who saw the good in everyone. And I mean everyone. He believed in you before you believed in yourself. He was kind, fair, generous and thoughtful. He wrote the most beautiful notes, handwritten and genuine. He loved a surprise. And winning. He listened. He followed through. He checked in on you. He lit up with joy talking about his kids. He was so proud of each of them. Oh and how he adored his wife, Amy. A love and partnership that one could only dream of. I will be forever grateful for the short time I had with Mike … and for the chance to witness
a phenomenal human being change the world.

— Kate Braasch, Grad ’09, chief of presidential affairs at Marquette (from Instagram)

Dr. Lovell had that unique characteristic that pulled/pushed everyone forward. His energy was infectious; his drive to make Marquette/Milwaukee/the world a better place was limitless, and he energized those around him to also do more. The world lost a great leader a couple of weeks ago. As he taught us: “When you give of yourself to help others, you get back more than you gave.” 

— Bob Hau, Bus Ad ’87, Fiserv executive vice president and chief finance officer (from LinkedIn)

Your legacy will live on throughout everyone you touched, especially me. 

— Dwyane Wade, Hon Deg ’22, former Marquette basketball player, NBA Hall of Famer (from LinkedIn)

He was physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually so strong. Milwaukee will miss Mike Lovell’s leadership on so many crucial issues. Think of all the boards he’s been on. If you were to get the list of where his mind has touched, it’s very long. In my mind … he’s irreplaceable. It’s a huge, huge loss. But if he were here, he would say, “Guys, don’t talk like that. Let’s just carry on. Let’s go for a jog. Let’s find a kid to talk to.” That was Michael Lovell. 

— Frank Cumberbatch, vice president of engagement at Bader Philanthropies and a founding board member of Scaling Wellness in Milwaukee (from WTMJ-TV)

Mike loved Marquette University. He loved being able to share his faith with others. He loved the students. And every decision he made, he made with their experience in mind.

He valued every single relationship he had. He loved going to student events, working out in the Al with the athletes, trainers and coaches. He loved walking across campus and having conversations and loved spending time with MUPD’s dog, Blue. He loved sports and cheering on teams, and not only the championships, but also the hard losses. They were all special and meaningful to him.

Mike cared deeply for the people he served. He never made a decision without praying or running to clear his head. He prayed for the people his decisions would affect and always found the good in every person he encountered. …

Being human, he made plenty of mistakes. And there were some things he wished he could do over, but he always moved forward, knowing he was using his gifts and talents for the right reasons and leaning on God. He knew even when he got it wrong, God would help him get it right. 

— Amy Lovell, Dr. Lovell’s wife of 30 years (from her eulogy)

There is no question that Mike was a disciple of God. He loved everyone and he loved Marquette. And one of the things I will say is he loved our students and there are a lot of things that he would do with them. Giving donuts out during finals week. When COVID shut us down and students were quarantined, going room by room to be able to give them treats and tell them that they were going to be okay. Going to Joan of Arc Mass at 10 p.m. even though he had to be up for a 7 a.m. meeting, knowing that he probably wasn’t going to get home until 11:30 or later. Continuing to teach so that he was part of the classroom and being with the students.

Now if you were ever with him on campus, you had to get used to becoming his photographer, because all of the students wanted pictures with him. They cared that much about Mike.

— Dr. Kimo Ah Yun, acting president, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs (from his eulogy)

He was a gentle giant. Dr. Lovell loved Marquette, and we loved him right back. He cared deeply about our students educationally. More importantly, he cared about their growth as people and future leaders. 

— Doc Rivers, Arts ’84, former Marquette basketball player, Milwaukee Bucks head coach (media statement)

Of the innumerable contributions Dr. Lovell made to Marquette, what stands out most for me was his inspiration and drive to install the Grotto of the Blessed Virgin behind St. Joan of Arc Chapel. In the midst of a lively, sometimes hectic campus, this “sacred space” dedicated to Mary offers solace, peace and contemplation for all. In Dr. Lovell’s words: 

“Throughout my life, Mary has been a steadying guide and a reminder that Jesus is God, but also human like every one of us. When we take time for reflection, Mary teaches us so much about simplicity, grace and strength. My hope is that this grotto will serve as a special and sacred place of devotion, inspiration and prayer for Marquette students, faculty, alumni and staff for decades to come.”

— Monica (Schlickman) Oliver, Sp ’81, former president, Marquette University Alumni Association  (shared with Marquette)

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. 

— Very Rev. Karl J. Kiser, S.J., provincial of the USA Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus (shared with Marquette)

Dr. Lovell was such a pivotal part of the Marquette community and of my Marquette experience. I loved how active he was on campus, frequently spotted at Tuesday night Masses and off-campus races. He knew so many students by name, which was so special, especially for a figure with such a grand title and position.

— Dr. Cassidy Bannon, H Sci ’17, PT ’19, physical therapist (shared with Marquette) 

I am deeply saddened by the loss of President Lovell. As soon as he arrived in 2014, I sent an email introducing myself and inviting him to tour the instrument. Within hours he replied, “Yes!” He was so interested in the mechanism of the carillon and bounded up the stairs to the playing chamber to enjoy the music from the instrument. I am grateful for his energy, interest and enthusiasm for the carillon and my work. May his soul rest in peace enjoying the choirs of angels and maybe even some bells!

— Dr. Mark Konewko, digital media and performing arts professor of practice, university carillonneur (shared with Marquette)

Throughout my two years as an international master’s student at Marquette, I knew President Lovell as someone who genuinely cared about students’ experiences and well-being. His commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive campus environment was evident in everything he did. Whether attending student events and games, being present on residence hall move-in day, interacting with parents, or having lunch sessions with students — one of which I attended — his empathy and kindness shone through.  … He wasn’t just a president; he was a mentor, a supporter and a friend to so many.

— Mercy Egbuikwem, Grad ’24, student affairs professional (shared with Marquette)

Dr. Lovell started at Marquette the same year as the Class of 2018. I’ll never forget the way he made us less nervous about college, because in his own words, “We will figure out this first year of Marquette together.” His humility, kindness and joy for students will never be forgotten. 

— Mustafa Anwar, H Sci ’18, assistant director for first-year initiatives at Loyola University Chicago (from Instagram)

I’ve never met anyone who so enthusiastically said yes to everything. 

Michael Lovell had just been named the new president at Marquette University, and about the only thing I knew about him was he was a fast runner and a hardcore triathlete. Being a fellow running nerd, I reached out to him and invited him to a small running group. To my surprise, he got back to me right away about this seemingly trivial matter, when he had so many important things to do. I still have the message: “Count me in for the Monday and Thursday runs! I appreciate you reaching out and look forward to working together. Best, Mike.”

What followed changed my life, personally and professionally. And it showed me what a true leader looks like, without pretense or artificial barriers. 

— Tim Cigelske, Comm ’04, Grad ’18, ’20, vice president of marketing at Marquette University High School (from Facebook)

At O-Fest in 2018, I chased him down because I was writing a story for the Marquette Wire about his unique shoes that had the Marquette stripe on them. I was nervous because I was going to be interviewing Marquette’s president. But he quickly put me at ease with his kindness and approachability. We chatted for a few minutes about his shoes, then we took a selfie, and from that moment on he never forgot my name. 

We became Facebook friends shortly after and then I would send him certain articles I wrote and share what I was doing during my final two years, and he was always extremely supportive. He would read all my articles and always loved to hear what I was up to, and this continued way after my graduation in 2021. We communicated every few months, and I would update him on my life and he would tell me about Marquette. I loved still having a connection with my alma mater even if I wasn’t on campus anymore.

— Zoë Comerford, Comm ’21, assistant athletic director at DePaul University (shared with Marquette)

Mike was a total rock star.  So many memories of Mike going back to grade school (Little League), junior high (8th and 9th grade football), and high school scholastics (our valedictorian), athletics and more.  He was a good friend. The guy was brilliant, and no offense to anyone else, but I don’t think we could have had a better valedictorian for the Class of ’85. RIP Mike. Your work here is done. Well done my friend.

— Steve Baiera, classmate at Meadville (Pa.) High School (from Facebook)

President Lovell and I were both diagnosed with cancer within weeks of one another. When I heard about his diagnosis, I sent him a message telling him that I am fighting next to him and wishing him the best. I received a beautiful message back where President Lovell said I am in his prayers and that we will “win this fight together and make Marquette proud.” I know he did just that.

I am so grateful to him for his kind words as we went through our cancer journeys side by side. Rest in Peace Dr. Lovell. You will be so very missed by us all. You and your family will be in my prayers and, as you said at the end of your message to me, “I look forward to our paths crossing again.”

— Kelly Korek, Ed ’15, Greendale High School math teacher (shared with Marquette)

I never had the chance to meet President Lovell, but his kind, genuine spirit could be felt through social media. My student is 1,000 miles away from home, but I somehow found comfort because the university was being led by someone caring, down to earth and of integrity. 

— Colette Edwards, Marquette parent from Houston (shared with Marquette)

Dr. Michael Lovell’s vulnerability with his own childhood trauma, and his ultimate resilience and success, are worthy of respect.  Sharing personal mental health challenges to create awareness, programs and momentum in Milwaukee, in an effort toward healing, deserves immense regard. I am very grateful for his cognizance in this important area. 

— Karen Krane, Marquette parent from New Berlin, Wisconsin (shared with Marquette)

One of the top reasons my family accepted Marquette University for my son Damarius to attend was having the honor to visit with Dr. Lovell in his office and hear him express why he wanted my son to attend his college, other than his skills on the basketball court.

There was a gentle smile on Dr. Lovell’s face as he spoke kind words of encouragement to me and my family — about how the Marquette family would take care of Damarius on his life’s journey. I visited multiple universities, and I didn’t see or hear from any other president at those universities. Wow, what a game- changer. With his gentle smile and hand-to-shoulder prayer, I’ll never forget the love he showed me and my family on that day. 

— Anthony Owens, father of student-athlete Damarius Owens (shared with Marquette)

Mike Lovell is irreplaceable — as a husband, a father, a friend to me personally, and as the leader of our beloved university. He was an incredible man who inspired all who knew him, and his legacy will impact Marquette University for generations to come.

— Todd Adams, chair of Marquette’s Board of Trustees, chairman and CEO of Zurn Elkay Water Solutions (shared with Marquette)

Mike Lovell’s leadership was inspirational and transformational. He lived life to the fullest and inspired others to do the same. Faith-filled, family-first, innovative while striving to Be The Difference, he led Marquette to new heights. Highly engaged in Milwaukee, he valued and embraced Marquette’s role as a leader in Milwaukee’s future.

Mike truly was a servant leader. He led by example, always looked to find the good and to focus forward to build a brighter future for all. His legacy shines bright for all of us.

— Mary Ellen Stanek, Arts ’78, managing director, co-chief investment officer of Baird Advisors, Marquette trustee emerita (shared with Marquette)

Mike always saw the big picture.  He was a true friend and colleague. His stellar success, first at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, and then at Marquette was not surprising. What an amazing legacy he has left.

— Larry Shuman, engineering faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh (shared with Marquette)

I had the honor of speaking when Mike was installed as the UWM chancellor and as Marquette’s president. It was so obvious to me how committed Mike was to making these universities special places of scholarship, fellowship and tolerance. The outpouring of sentiments from everyone with Mike’s passing shows his enormous impact as a scholar, leader and wonderful human being on UWM and on his beloved Marquette University.

Mike Lovell leaves an amazing legacy in so many ways … as an academician, university leader, philanthropist, husband, father and colleague/friend. While his life was cut short by cancer, his impact will be with all who knew him for years to come. Thank you, Mike, for a life wonderfully lived.

— Dr. Harvey Borovetz, bioengineering professor at the University of Pittsburgh (shared with Marquette)

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 (from bigeast.com)

Yes, Michael was a great engineer. Yes, Michael was a great administrator. Yes, Michael had a great ability to have a vision of what a program should be, and then he would not just do it himself, but he knew the people to choose to make that program become a success. The Jesuits picked the right person. … We need gifted laymen as leaders in the church who have that vision and that ability to approach people in a humble way in order to join on the path of building communities that are vibrant, inclusive, tops in education, and most of all, willing to be part of the whole community, not little islands of intellectualism in the midst of cities that are struggling.

— Rev. Bryan Summers, lifelong pastor and adviser to Mike and Amy Lovell (from his eulogy)

Mike’s unwavering dedication to education, coupled with his selflessness and contagious enthusiasm, inspired all who had the privilege of working alongside him. His commitment to fostering partnerships between our institutions has left an indelible mark on our collective efforts in education and the community. While we mourn the loss of a dear friend and leader, we take solace in knowing
that Mike’s spirit of service and dedication will continue to guide us in our shared mission.
— Dr. Vicki Martin, retired president, Milwaukee Area Technical College (from herawisconsin.org)

Every once in a while, you meet a person that you know will not only change your life but shape the future of a community. Michael Lovell was one of those incredibly special and rare people. 

It’s hard to put into words how much he meant to so many in the Marquette and greater Milwaukee communities, and his impact will be felt for generations to come. Mike was a visionary with an endlessly compassionate heart and a tireless drive to make life better for those around him. When he was selected as the first lay president of Marquette, the university was at a crossroads. Mike’s leadership didn’t just turn the page on a difficult period in Marquette’s history; it dawned a new era. 

During my senior year of college, I had the distinct privilege of serving as the first student government president during Mike’s tenure as president of Marquette. I witnessed something special — a mission-driven leader called to serve in an organization that shared the same mission. 

In every fiber of his being, Mike embodied what it meant to be a servant leader. He cast a vision for Marquette that was inclusive, ambitious and challenged all of us to answer the call of St. Ignatius to “go forth and set the world on fire.” Marquette will forever be changed by his kind, thoughtful leadership and I will forever be grateful for the mentor who taught me what it means to lead with heart, courage and conviction.

— Kyle Whelton, Arts ’15, producer and relationship manager at Ep6ix (from LinkedIn)

And now there’s a crater-sized void in our world. But because of you and your inspiration, we are going to work together, bit by bit, to fill that void. We are going to continue your work. We are going to honor your legacy by how we choose to act, interact and respond. 

You were truly one-of-a-kind, which is why our most powerful emotion must be gratitude. Thank you for uplifting us, for loving us, for showing us the way, and now, for watching over us. We will forever be connected. We are Marquette.

— Shaka Smart (from X)

The catechism teaches us that saints are people in heaven who lived virtuous lives, offered their lives for others. They share in the tradition of prayers by the example of their lives. They contemplate God, they praise him, and they constantly care for those that they leave on earth. I believe heaven gained another saint on June 9 in Rome; I know that Mike will work to intercede for those he leaves behind.

I challenge all of us to channel Mike in our lives. Don’t put off what you can do today. Don’t judge because you don’t know what’s going on with someone else. Find the good, share your love, your smile, and don’t back down from a challenge.

— Amy Lovell (from her eulogy)

If you knew him, I only ask a few things:
   – Smile a little more. It was his secret weapon.

   – Listen a little longer. He was the best at this
elusive skill to me and many.

  – Sweat every day. He inspired so many of us
to prioritize our physical activity.

   – If you have Faith — be faithful.

   – When you have an idea you believe in, pursue it.

   – Serve others. To help others is to be like Mike.
You never know how the little things can make
all the difference.

   – Get quiet and try to discern where you can make
the biggest impact. Go there and do that.

   – Remember to smile a little more (written twice
for extra emphasis).

— Tim McMahon, vice president for university advancement at Marquette (from LinkedIn)

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

Thank you, President Lovell, for being the driving force for us as Marquette students to push toward self accountability, perseverance and grace. 

May your soul rest knowing you provided the vehicle to myself and countless others to grow within ourselves and become the change we want to see in the world.

— John Connors, Comm ’23, business development specialist at Clear-Flow (from LinkedIn) 

Cardinal Newman, who is an extraordinary English theologian and a convert, had a motto, cor ad cor loquitur — heart speaks to heart. Michael’s heart spoke to you. Michael’s heart spoke to me. Let his heart continue to speak to you.  

— Rev. Bryan Summers (from his eulogy)

More tributes to President Lovell can be found at marquette.edu/remembering-president-lovell