President Lovell Passes Away

[The Sultan]

https://x.com/marquetteu/status/1799924616141402207?s=46&t=ppua9BCUAa7dWM9-SthPmg

[The Sultan]

I am legit sad about this. He lived his faith. Did great work for the University as well.

[brewcity77]

Dr. Lovell passed away yesterday while in Rome. Marquette just shared the post on Twitter. Rest in peace, a giant loss for the entire Marquette community.

https://x.com/marquetteu/status/1799924616141402207?s=46&t=y09G3XF0pbaZZc_-K-dYSw

[We R Final Four]

Wow.....wow. This is terrible. crap.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

I just received the email and am in shock.

I saw him at the NYC Circles event in March and he seemed in a good place.

Just very shocking and it sounds like he was in Rome so I hope the family is OK getting back.

[Pakuni]

Ugh. Awful news. From what little time I interected with him, and what else I know about him, he seemed like a legitimately good guy.
RIP.

[warriorchick]

A huge loss for the Marquette community.  He was a great person in every respect.

I talked to him at an MU Christmas party last year and he assured me that he was doing fine. I don't know if he was putting on a brave face,  or he took an unexpected turn for the worse.

I suspect the latter,  as I doubt he would have traveled if he knew how gravely I'll he was

[Herman Cain]

Dr Lovell was completely devoted to MU. The intensity of his effort was always how I will remember him. From everything I observed , he was genuinely dedicated to the students .

[Oldgym]

Well said, everyone. A huge loss. May he rest in peace.

[NCMUFan]

I feel very sorry for his family and the Marquette community.

[mu_hilltopper]

Wow, huge loss.   Wow.  Awful.

[Miss Katie’s]

So incredibly sad.  A wonderful person and the core of the MU community. May he rest in peace. 

[Elonsmusk]

Very big loss for the Marquette community and Greater Milwaukee.  Lovell was a God-send after the trainwreck of Pilarz.  He was the model for what MU needs in a President - innovative, entrepreneurial, and a business perspective and acumen that was beyond past MU Presidents.  Peace be with his family at this tragic time.

[Hards Alumni]

RIP to a good man, and a great representative of Marquette.

[Goose]

Prayers to his family.

[Lennys Tap]

I am legit sad about this. He lived his faith. Did great work for the University as well.

100% agree. He was dedicated to his family, his faith and Marquette. So sad.

[MuggsyB]

Ughhh.  Awful news.  My deepest condolences to his family. 

[21Jumpstreet]

Incredible man who meant a ton to us and our Marquette community

[Warriors4ever]

Very sad to hear this.

[tower912]

Thank you for your guidance and leadership. 

[MU82]

My wife and I were very sorry to hear about this. He was a fine man.

[Boston Warrior]

He was a true North Star for the university. Sometimes MU struggled to execute his vision. This is a tremendous loss for the university and community. They have a big leadership void.

My thoughts and prayers to the family.

[Uncle Rico]

Sad day for the university and family.  Also a sad day for the greater Milwaukee community. 

[Zog from Margo]

Very sad. My condolences to the family. He battled his illness and still moved MU forward. That takes a lot of heart.

[Skatastrophy]

I couldn't see how anyone could step into Fr Wild's shoes, and Dr Lovell did a wonderful job of excelling while amply filling big shoes.

Sad sad day - https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/education/2024/06/09/marquette-president-michael-lovell-dies/74038897007/

[Sir Lawrence]

Horrible news.  Horrible disease.  Such a high character guy.  May he rest in peace.  Prayers that he had a gentle journey.  Goose, as your father said, "too soon the sun sets in the west."

[Billy Hoyle]

I never had the honor of meeting President Lovell but deeply appreciate what he did for our alma mater and the love he showed for it. MU is in a better place thanks to him. On a personal level, we followed each other on Peloton, and we often took many of the same rides as we apparently have similar tastes in music and instructors. He was HARD to beat on the leaderboard!

May his family be comforted by His light and given His peace during this difficult time.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I'm heartbroken over this.  He was an incredible leader and genuine human being. I feel for his family

[Goose]

Sir

This really is sad news and my Dad's words hold true with this loss.

[mu_eyeballs]

Heartbreaking I talked to him for a few minutes in Hawaii at the MU service project.  We talked about his Cancer and my dad and father-in-law who both had died of cancer over the past few years.  He was kind and caring. The fact that he was at the service project was pretty impressive.  He was a great leader for the University and he will be missed.

[dgies9156]

He was a leader and a follower of Jesus in the best traditions of our shared faith.

Prayers for his family. I'm sure this has been a really tough moment for them.

[JustinLewisFanClubPres]

Terrible news. He was a great leader for the university and, by all accounts, a good man. MU is better and stronger thanks to Dr. Lovell. Prayers and condolences to his family.

[Shooter McGavin]

Damn!  What a loss.  Prayers for his family. Will be hard to replace.  MU has big big decisions coming up.

[GoFastAndWin]

Most nights at 10pm, when the wind is out of the NE, from my rented place in Green Oaks, IL, I can clearly hear the playing of Taps from the nearby Naval Station Great Lakes. For some reason, tonight, without yet hearing the news of Dr Lovell's passing, as taps began to play, I just felt something different hit me. I couldn't even complete the task of folding laundry, and started to get just a little emotional at all the people I've lost in my life in the last few years. I thought about how taps is rightly played to make us pause and reflect at the profound sacrifice of so many lives. Dr Lovell was the kind of guy who served his school and his community with everything he had, despite the health Goliath he faced every single day. I am just stunned and saddened right now, and I pray for his family.

[Hallmarq]

Very sorry to hear this.

But also, this is the best of Scoop, everyone coming together.

[GoldenEagles03]

This is really sad.

I didn't go to Marquette, nor did I ever meet Dr. Lovell, but you can tell good people apart from just people...and he was a special person.

Enjoyed seeing him involved with athletics and how the student athletes gravitated towards him and appreciated him. Enjoyed seeing him represent Marquette courtside at MSG over the past few fun seasons at the Big East Tournament.

May he Rest in Peace.

[cheebs09]

Really sad news for both Marquette and the Milwaukee community. Also, as the first Lay Leader, I'm sure there was some added pressure on him. It sounds like things were really hitting their stride and MU is well positioned in the changing landscape.

I saw him only a few weeks ago at a 5K. Tough to believe he passed so soon after as he looked good. Prayers for his family as they navigate this.

[MUfan12]

Val Ackerman's statement:

"The BIG EAST was devastated to learn of the passing yesterday of Marquette President Dr. Mike Lovell, who was traveling in Rome as part of a Jesuit pilgrimage.  As many of us knew, Mike had waged a brave, years-long fight against sarcoma, and through it all he remained a vibrant, selfless and compassionate leader who approached life with vigor and optimism, inspiring us all.   He cared deeply about the success of his students, for whom he sought to provide an unparalleled educational experience, and his support for athletics as a way to develop young people and strengthen community bonds was second to none.  Mike was also a well-liked and respected figure in our meeting rooms, serving over the years on our Audit & Finance, New Business Initiatives and Executive Committees, and he could always be counted on to offer thoughtful, practical and values-driven counsel no matter the topic.

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.   He will be very deeply missed."

[Goose]

GoFast

Your post made me get a bit emotional about loved ones lost. My youngest son is getting married in two weeks and I have been thinking about lost loved ones for the past few weeks. Life is fragile and needs to be lived every day. Someone sent a PM on FB telling me those very words:)

[The Sultan]

I wonder what they are going to do with the AD position now. Continue the search? Ask Scholl to stay for another year?

[warriorchick]

I wonder what they are going to do with the AD position now. Continue the search? Ask Scholl to stay for another year?

Really?  That's what you are thinking about?

[The Sultan]

Really?  That's what you are thinking about?

Yes actually. How the University is going to function moving forward is something I am thinking about.

[warriorchick]

Yes actually. How the University is going to function moving forward is something I am thinking about.

Of all the things affected by Dr. Lovell's passing, Athletic Department is probably far down the list of the Board of Trustee's concerns right now.  It has to be addressed, but it can probably wait until, you know, after the funeral.

[lawdog77]

Of all the things affected by Dr. Lovell's passing, Athletic Department is probably far down the list of the Board of Trustee's concerns right now.  It has to be addressed, but it can probably wait until, you know, after the funeral.

To be fair to Sultan,I don't  think he is related to Dr. Lovell.

[JakeBarnes]

What an incredible loss--not just for the university, but the world. This one hurts quite a bit. I didn't cross paths often with Dr. Lovell, but when I did get to chat with him, he always had a presence that made you feel like your conversation was his singular focus at that time. Gonna miss those genuine conversations (about life and basketball, mainly) in places like the waiting chute at a triathlon we both were participating in.

He was a great leader and will be sorely missed.

[mikekinsellaMVP]

A magical moment in a magical season, and Shaka drops this on us:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/IchUJNAAWPA?si=5ZVc-GESt_1SRWKs&start=2397

I immediately thought of it when I got the email yesterday.  Dr. Lovell was one of one.

[The Sultan]

Of all the things affected by Dr. Lovell's passing, Athletic Department is probably far down the list of the Board of Trustee's concerns right now.  It has to be addressed, but it can probably wait until, you know, after the funeral.

Of course.  But that makes it out of bounds to think about?

[MUfan12]

A magical moment in a magical season, and Shaka drops this on us:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/IchUJNAAWPA?si=5ZVc-GESt_1SRWKs&start=2397

I immediately thought of it when I got the email yesterday.  Dr. Lovell was one of one.

This popped into my mind-

"Marquette was, in many ways, a grander version of what he had at VCU. The school president, Dr. Michael Lovell, is a cancer survivor and someone who feverishly supports MU's ambitious athletic endeavors.

On Thursday, as Marquette found itself in a banger against eighth-seeded St. John's in the Big East quarterfinals, Lovell could be seen slapping the floor alongside Marquette athletic director Bill Scholl. Two gray-haired men as emotionally as invested in a win or a loss as the guys in uniform.

That's why Shaka came to Marquette."

https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/a-perfect-pairing-how-shaka-smart-quickly-changed-the-trajectory-of-marquette-and-the-big-east/

[Scoop Snoop]

Of course.  But that makes it out of bounds to think about?

Think about it and keep those thoughts to yourself? Sure.

I agree with warriorchick here. Your post hit me the same way.

[Lennys Tap]

Think about it and keep those thoughts to yourself? Sure.

I agree with warriorchick here. Your post hit me the same way.

Sultan was the very first Scooper to express his genuine sadness at President Lovell's passing. There nothing wrong with also thinking about what comes next when a great leader has been lost.

[SaveOD238]

Sultan was the very first Scooper to express his genuine sadness at President Lovell's passing. There nothing wrong with also thinking about what comes next when a great leader has been lost.

I'm gonna own up to doing exactly the same thing.  It's a natural instinct to wonder what comes next.  I was with a more connected friend when I found out to whom my first question was "was it known that his cancer had progressed?" followed shortly by "there's gotta be a succession plan in place, right?"

Will the university have formal meetings about it anytime soon?  Of course not.  But I guarantee those conversations have been had amongst the muckety-mucks already.

[Billy Hoyle]

Sultan was the very first Scooper to express his genuine sadness at President Lovell's passing. There nothing wrong with also thinking about what comes next when a great leader has been lost.

agreed, especially since this is a very critical time for our university as an institution.

[Goose]

I agree that Sutan gets a very hard pass here. He was not out of line, imo.

[The Sultan]

I'm gonna own up to doing exactly the same thing.  It's a natural instinct to wonder what comes next.  I was with a more connected friend when I found out to whom my first question was "was it known that his cancer had progressed?" followed shortly by "there's gotta be a succession plan in place, right?"

Will the university have formal meetings about it anytime soon?  Of course not.  But I guarantee those conversations have been had amongst the muckety-mucks already.

I would hope so. My guess is that there will be an interim of some sort next year - perhaps from outside the community? A former Trustee? A Jesuit?

We will see.

[GoldenWarrior11]

Read the news last night and my heart sank.  Just reading the opening of the press release, I was thinking "please, no one pass away".  It had the somber, serious tone right off the bat. 

President Lovell was an amazing, compassionate leader for Marquette with a grand vision.  He has done so many positive advancements for the school and community.  I always remained in awe how student-facing he was.  He was regularly involved with the student body and epitomized being a servant leader.  So many thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, colleagues and to our Marquette as a whole.  His legacy will live on for a very long time. 

Would be very cool for a Marquette/UWM game to take place in his honor, with donations/sales of the game to cancer research.  Would be a great thing for the city as well. 

[The Sultan]

Would be very cool for a Marquette/UWM game to take place in his honor, with donations/sales of the game to cancer research.  Would be a great thing for the city as well. 

That is a really cool idea.

[Billy Hoyle]

Would be very cool for a Marquette/UWM game to take place in his honor, with donations/sales of the game to cancer research.  Would be a great thing for the city as well.

such an event would quality for an exemption and not take away from the permissible scrimmages, or have UWM take up a regular season home game. We could do it at the Al too. Let's get it done for President Lovell, MU.

[Scoop Snoop]

Sultan was the very first Scooper to express his genuine sadness at President Lovell's passing. There nothing wrong with also thinking about what comes next when a great leader has been lost.

I agree that Sutan gets a very hard pass here. He was not out of line, imo.

Fair enough. You both made very good points. It does not change my take, but I get what you are both saying.

[Jay Bee]

I would hope so. My guess is that there will be an interim of some sort next year - perhaps from outside the community? A former Trustee? A Jesuit?

We will see.

Kimo in

[The Sultan]

Kimo in

https://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=66204.msg1662851#msg1662851

[MarquetteMike1977]

Have been grieving. Am so very sorry to hear of your and our loss of President Lovell. Thoughts and prayers are with and for, President Lovell and his family.

[GoldenEaglePAC]

such an event would quality for an exemption and not take away from the permissible scrimmages, or have UWM take up a regular season home game. We could do it at the Al too. Let's get it done for President Lovell, MU.

I have been hit very hard by all of this, too -- and have an additional, perhaps even more intriguing idea:

President Lovell loved running, as most of us well know;
Marquette used to have an annual run that was started by a beloved basketball coach that was recently shuttered for good.

I know it is very early days --what if we could bring back this run in both of their names?! With the proceeds going to his local healthcare system or a sarcoma/cancer foundation of the family's/university's choice??

IDK, it seems like, pardon the phrase, a match made in heaven. I honestly can't think of a better way to honor him.

my 2¢

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

I have been hit very hard by all of this, too -- and have an additional, perhaps even more intriguing idea:

President Lovell loved running, as most of us well know;
Marquette used to have an annual run that was started by a beloved basketball coach that was recently shuttered for good.

I know it is very early days --what if we could bring back this run in both of their names?! With the proceeds going to his local healthcare system or a sarcoma/cancer foundation of the family's/university's choice??

IDK, it seems like, pardon the phrase, a match made in heaven. I honestly can't think of a better way to honor him.

my 2¢

Al and Mike's Run for Cancer

[THRILLHO]

Al and Mike's Run for Cancer

Personally I think it should be against cancer

[lawdog77]

Personally I think it should be against cancer

Markus not invited?

[mu_hilltopper]

Al and Mike's Run for Cancer

You had me at hello.

[The Sultan]

The reason that Children's dropped Al's Run is because it was a low margin fundraiser that took a ton of staff time to pull off. It was better when you had Briggs as a title sponsor, and that was only because George Thompson was on their executive team, but there were legit reasons why it was sunsetted.

The basketball game with UWM makes more sense because you would theoretically be building it on top of an exhibition game that you are already staging.

[The Sultan]

Shaka really is a wonderful representative of Marquette.

https://x.com/CoachShakaSmart/status/1801238154931753039

[Scoop Snoop]

Shaka really is a wonderful representative of Marquette.

https://x.com/CoachShakaSmart/status/1801238154931753039

Beautiful!

[brewcity77]

Markus not invited?

I laughed out loud. Bravo.

[The Lens]

The reason that Children's dropped Al's Run is because it was a low margin fundraiser that took a ton of staff time to pull off. It was better when you had Briggs as a title sponsor, and that was only because George Thompson was on their executive team, but there were legit reasons why it was sunsetted.

The basketball game with UWM makes more sense because you would theoretically be building it on top of an exhibition game that you are already staging.

There are legitimate reasons why it no longer worked for CHW howver, it can work as a low margin but high visibility, community goodwill event for MU. Getting 1000s of people down to the MU campus during prime running weather is a win for MU.

[The Sultan]

There are legitimate reasons why it no longer worked for CHW howver, it can work as a low margin but high visibility, community goodwill event for MU. Getting 1000s of people down to the MU campus during prime running weather is a win for MU.

"Community goodwill" is a really fuzzy concept. Getting 1000s of people onto the MU campus might indeed be good for MU. But at what cost? What are people at MU no longer going to do in order to do this?

As someone who has seen and organized dozens of similar events, it may not be the "win" you think it might be. They may do the math and run with it. (Get it?) But event-based fundraising is really high-margin stuff, which is why most schools got out of that business long ago.

[warriorchick]

As someone who has seen and organized dozens of similar events, it may not be the "win" you think it might be. They may do the math and run with it. (Get it?) But event-based fundraising is really high-margin stuff, which is why most schools got out of that business long ago.

I think you meant "low-margin stuff".  the higher the margin, the more money the school would make.

[The Sultan]

I think you meant "low-margin stuff".  the higher the margin, the more money the school would make.

You are correct. That's exactly what I meant. Thanks.

[Lennys Tap]

Shaka really is a wonderful representative of Marquette.

https://x.com/CoachShakaSmart/status/1801238154931753039

Beautiful and obviously heartfelt tribute to President Lovell. Shaka inspires students and alumni in addition to our basketball players. Everyone associated with Marquette is lucky to have him in their orbit.

[Shooter McGavin]

Beautiful and obviously heartfelt tribute to President Lovell. Shaka inspires students and alumni in addition to our basketball players. Everyone associated with Marquette is lucky to have him in their orbit.

Yep.  No doubt Lenny.  We are lucky to have him.  Hope the new president doesn't mess with happy.

[warriorchick]

Memorial service details have been released:

https://www.marquette.edu/remembering-president-lovell/

[Skatastrophy]

Nice that they'll have a Livestream

[Warriors4ever]

I watched the livestream- if you have a chance, go watch the eulogies and the homily, and one can get a real sense of a very special person. I am completely in awe of his wife, I don't know that I would have been able to speak as she did.