Michael Lovell, the President of Marquette University, passed away during a trip to Italy, as announced by the university on Sunday.
Lovell, who was 57 years old, had been fighting sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, for the past three years.
The university stated that Lovell and his wife were in Rome with members of the Society of Jesus and the Marquette University Board of Trustees on a Jesuit formation pilgrimage when he became ill and was taken to a hospital.
Lovell became Marquette’s president in 2014, making history as the university’s first-ever lay president. Before him, all 23 Marquette presidents were Jesuits. University leaders praised his commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and community development, in line with the university’s Catholic, Jesuit mission.
During his time at Marquette, Lovell made significant changes to the university’s strategic plan while continuing to teach undergraduate students in his product realization class. He was known for attending numerous campus events each year.
Before Marquette, Lovell served as the chancellor for the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and as a dean of its engineering college. He was a recognized engineering scholar, holding several academic and research leadership positions at universities across the country and publishing over 100 articles in leading engineering journals. He also held seven patents, 14 provisional patents, and was a member of the National Academy of Inventors.
In addition to his academic achievements, Lovell was actively involved in the Milwaukee community, serving on various boards and committees. Despite his busy schedule, he always prioritized his faith and family.
Lovell is survived by his wife, Amy Lovell, and their four children. Marquette University has made support and resources available for the campus community, including Campus Ministry, the Faber Center, the Counseling Center, and the Employee Assistance Program. A campus prayer vigil is being planned, and funeral arrangements will be shared in Marquette Today when they are available.