Sept. 14, 2022

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University continues to fundraise for transformational Wellness + Recreation facility

MILWAUKEE — In recognition of their “tremendous leadership to address mental health across Milwaukee and the region,” Marquette University Board of Trustees Chair Robert J. Eck made a major announcement honoring President Michael R. Lovell and Amy Lovell.

The board of trustees will name the third and fourth floors within the university’s planned wellness tower in the Lovells’ honor, Eck said.

Marquette leaders are raising funds for a new, transformational Wellness + Recreation facility on campus that will overlook the Marquette Interchange at 525 N. 16th St. The project includes a new three-story, 30,000-square-foot wellness tower in the center of the facility — its third and fourth floors will be named the Lovell Center for Student Well-Being.

Marquette alumni, parents and friends have contributed $14 million to date for this signature Time to Rise capital project, said Vice President for University Advancement Tim McMahon. “We invite our university community to consider giving in honor of Mike and Amy Lovell’s inspirational leadership and in support of this important project which, when realized, will benefit all our students,” McMahon said.

“Mike and Amy have been trailblazers when it comes to directly addressing our region’s mental health issues,” Eck said. “Together, they continue to devote countless hours of energy to reimagine a community of care and silence the stigma that too often surrounds mental illness.”

Integrating student-centered wellness and recreation services under one roof

During his 2022 Presidential Address, Lovell highlighted the “significant opportunity to serve our students by integrating recreation, fitness, and clinical and mental health services under one roof.”

The university expects more than 200,000 annual visits to the Wellness + Recreation facility.

“We are deeply honored to have space within the university’s new wellness tower named for us,” said Mike and Amy Lovell. “We are passionate about mental health and student well-being, and to have our names associated with this important project is very humbling.”

The Lovell Center will contain many important, proactive services that will help Marquette students thrive, with spaces ranging from counseling to spirituality and meditation.

“As a design team, we have been focused on creating dynamic spaces that support the programs and services that our students need to thrive in their wellness,” said Vice President for Planning and Facilities Management Lora Strigens. “By bringing all key aspects of wellness, medical, fitness and recreational programming under one roof, we have a unique opportunity to provide an environment where students enter the doors knowing they are welcome and supported.”

In addition to mental health and wellness services, the Marquette Medical Center will be prominently housed on the second floor of the wellness tower, directly below the Lovell Center.

“One of the many lessons that we learned during the pandemic is that caring for our students through a combination of health services — encompassing mental, physical and spiritual health — is a major key to their success,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Xavier Cole. “Offering these services in a combined wellness tower and recreation center will instill healthy habits and behaviors in our students that will last a lifetime.”

Amy Lovell’s efforts spur progress

For more than a decade, Amy Lovell has led mental health reform in the Milwaukee area. In response to several youth suicides in the region, Amy started a Milwaukee-based youth mental health advocacy nonprofit called REDgen in 2013.

Together, she and Mike established Scaling Wellness in Milwaukee (SWIM) in 2018, an organization that addresses the adverse effects of trauma and its impact on mental health across the Milwaukee community. SWIM unites public officials, social workers, health care professionals, academic and nonprofit leaders to address deeply rooted trauma across the region.

“One of Amy’s most impressive traits is her willingness to tackle the most difficult issues — even the most devastating and tragic issues,” Eck said. “She provides hope by rolling up her sleeves and bringing people together.”

Time to Rise campaign continues to forge ahead

Marquette’s historic Time to Rise campaign continues to gain momentum driving the university’s Catholic, Jesuit mission forward, recently surpassing $600 million toward its $750 million goal. In a letter to alumni, parents and friends, Eck highlighted the dedicated volunteer leadership from Time to Rise National Campaign Co-chairs Mary Ellen and Dr. Scott Stanek, and Chuck and Karen Swoboda.

The campaign has already secured more than 58,000 donors with more than 27,000 (47%) of these donors making their first-ever gift to Marquette. Building on its founding mission to provide an accessible education, Marquette has raised $245 million in scholarship funds. In addition, 666 donors have given $100,000 or greater in commitments, and more than 120 donors have given $1 million or greater.

About Marquette’s planned Wellness + Recreation facility

Nearly 50 years ago, a transformational gift from the Helfaer family established Marquette’s current recreation facility, dramatically improving its campus. Today, the university looks to build on that culture of wellness and cura personalis — care for the whole person — through a complete renovation that will transform the Helfaer Tennis Stadium and Recreation Center into the new Wellness + Recreation facility.

A passionate alumni couple gave $10 million to launch this effort, and the university has raised an additional $4 million to date. Learn more about the project and please consider a donation to the fund in honor of Mike and Amy Lovell to help grow a culture of wellness across Marquette’s campus.