Marquette University

08/30/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/30/2024 09:54

Marquette remembers President Michael R. Lovell at Mass, candlelit vigil

Marquette remembers President Michael R. Lovell at Mass, candlelit vigil

Campus community to honor late president throughout the year

  • August 30, 2024
  • 3min. read

Members of the campus community gathered in prayer on Tuesday, Aug. 27, to remember President Michael R. Lovell, who passed away June 9 while in Rome with his wife, Amy, members of the Society of Jesus and the Board of Trustees on a Jesuit formation pilgrimage. For the past three years, President Lovell had been battling sarcoma, a rare form of cancer.

Students, faculty and staff came together on the second day of the academic year for a Mass in the Chapel of the Holy Family and a candlelit vigil in the courtyard outside St. Joan of Arc Chapel. For many who were away from campus during the summer, it was the first opportunity to collectively mourn President Lovell, who connected deeply with the Marquette community during his 10 years as the university's 24th president.

Marquette will honor President Lovell throughout the 2024-25 academic year through spiritual opportunities, athletic uniform patches and other special events.

Monthly Masses to be held in St. Joan of Arc Chapel

During the fall semester, Campus Ministry will host monthly Masses at St. Joan of Arc Chapel to honor and remember the life of President Lovell, with the next Mass on Monday, Sept. 9, at noon. All are welcome to attend.

Additional Masses will be held on:  

  • Wednesday, Oct. 9, at noon 
  • Saturday, Nov. 9, at 10 a.m. 
  • Monday, Dec. 9, timing to be announced

Prayer cards, lapel pins, stickers available

Prayer cards, lapel pins and stickers honoring President Lovell are available at various locations around campus.

The lapel pins and stickers depict sunflowers that include President Lovell's name and the number 24 - recognizing his legacy leading the university as its 24th president. The sunflower is a familiar symbol for sarcoma awareness, a reminder to those affected by cancer that there is hope for a brighter future.

Pins and stickers can be found in the following locations around campus through Friday, Sept. 6. After that date, those interested should contact the Office of University Relations.

  • Alumni Memorial Union
  • Eckstein Hall
  • Engineering Hall
  • O'Brien Hall
  • Raynor Library
  • School of Dentistry
  • Spirit Shop
  • St. Joan of Arc Chapel
  • Zilber Hall

Golden Eagles to honor President Lovell with patches

Marquette Athletics will honor President Lovell throughout its 2024-25 seasons with "Lovell 24" patches on each team's uniforms. Teams will also observe a moment of silence at the start of their first home event of the season in President Lovell's memory.

The women's volleyball team will celebrate President Lovell's life with a "Gold Out" for the team's home opener against Stanford on Wednesday, Sept. 4. The team encourages fans to wear gold and donate to the American Cancer Society to support the fight against sarcoma and other forms of cancer.

Mental health resources available

Mental health resources remain available for members of the campus community.

For faculty and staff, counselors are available 24/7 through Marquette's employee assistance program. Counselors can be reached at 1-800-634-6433 or through the website. Use password MU1.

Marquette Counseling Center staff are available for students for drop-in visits and by appointment in Holthusen Hall; visit or call 414-288-7172. The Counseling Center is staffed in-person, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the week, and counselors are available 24/7 via phone.

President Lovell's impact

In the days immediately following President Lovell's tragic passing, those he impacted shared condolences for the Lovell family and inspiring words about how he led with authenticity, creativity and a deep care for those around him. Many of these tributes can be found on the Remembering President Lovell website.

Leaders from around the world honored President Lovell, offering prayers and support for his family and Marquette community. Rev. Fred Zagone, S.J., university chaplain, offered a prayer on his loss, reflecting on the tremendous impact he will have on generations to come.

A full remembrance of President Lovell's legacy is available on Marquette Today.

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