Dear UWM Community,
I’m deeply saddened to share the news that Marquette University President and former UWM Chancellor Michael Lovell has passed. Mike’s impact on UWM, Marquette and the greater Milwaukee community was immense, and so is the grief we all feel upon learning of his loss. We will forever admire his dedication to improving lives through education and the selflessness with which he served so many. The UWM community stands with the Marquette family, his loved ones and all those whose lives he touched.
Mike joined UWM as College of Engineering & Applied Science dean in 2008 and became our eighth chancellor in 2011. His distinguished record of success continued after Marquette University named him its president in 2014. Mike’s leadership of southeastern Wisconsin’s two largest higher education institutions spanned 13 years—a remarkable feat in today’s world. Mike and I, and our institutions, together forged unprecedented relations that have resulted in community impact in education, business, health care, water and other areas.
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.
My family’s prayers go out to Amy, all the Lovells, and the Marquette community, sharing your deep sense of sorrow and pain. I am assured that Mike is now at rest in a good place, closer to God, in fitting with his deep Catholic faith.
Support is available for UWM employees through Acentra Health at 833-539-7285 or online at sowi.mylifeexpert.com. Sign in using UWM’s password: SOWI.
The UWM community joins everyone at Marquette in mourning a leader who changed all of us for the better and left a legacy of spirit, action and service.
Sincerely,
Mark A. Mone, PhD
Chancellor