Feb. 13, 2025
MILWAUKEE — Marquette President Kimo Ah Yun announced that the university will launch the Michael R. Lovell Presidential Scholarship program in fall 2025 in honor of the late president.
President Lovell served for a decade at Marquette as its 24th president. His leadership was marked by a deep commitment to innovation, excellence, and community renewal and development — consistent with the university’s Catholic, Jesuit mission that animated him.
In a letter to alumni, parents and friends, President Ah Yun shared that this prestigious scholarship program was created in partnership with the Lovell family, who contributed a gift to make this program possible and offered guidance throughout its development.
The Lovell Scholars program will benefit outstanding students who are grounded in humility and committed to the same values with which President Lovell lived his life. These values make up the pillars of Marquette’s mission: Excellence, Faith, Leadership and Service.
“Our admissions team is excited to invite high school seniors from across the country to apply for our inaugural Lovell Scholars cohort. This is a prestigious honor that demonstrates Marquette’s ongoing commitment to transforming the lives of our students,” said Vice President for Enrollment Management Brian Troyer. “We look forward to welcoming these dynamic student leaders to campus this fall.”
Marquette University will award up to four full-ride academic scholarships annually (including full tuition, housing and fees). When fully realized through additional fundraising efforts, four Lovell Scholar cohorts will combine to result in up to 16 total Lovell Scholar recipients on campus at a time.
President Ah Yun shared that an alumni couple — Chris and Mary Swift — made a $5 million leadership gift to bolster the Lovell Scholars, broadening the program’s reach into a cohort model. Beyond the gift from the Swift family, others are stepping forward to drive the program’s growth. President Ah Yun expressed his appreciation for those who are inspired to give in honor of the Lovell Scholars program.
“Dr. Lovell was, in so many ways, an embodiment of our Marquette mission pillars of Excellence, Faith, Leadership and Service. The Lovell Scholars will now be one profound way to keep his legacy alive as we seek to attract future generations of humble Marquette leaders to grace our campus,” said Vice President for University Advancement Tim McMahon. “We are also inspired to fully fund this program in the coming years and remain grateful to the Lovell family, Chris and Mary Swift and other benefactors who are helping to establish our early efforts for what is the most prestigious scholarship program at Marquette.”
“An Ignatian leader to his core, President Lovell embodied a servant’s heart, a growth mindset and what it means to constantly strive for excellence. He always wanted to be the best version of himself and to help others become the best version of themselves as well,” President Ah Yun said. “I know that our Marquette family will join me in feeling great joy knowing his name and legacy will live on in exceptional, service-oriented scholars.”
Those interested in giving in honor of the Lovell Scholars program can do so online.
About Marquette University
Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university located near the heart of downtown Milwaukee that offers a comprehensive range of majors in 11 nationally and internationally recognized colleges and schools. Through the formation of hearts and minds, Marquette prepares our 11,100 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional students to lead, excel and serve as agents of positive change. And, we deliver results. Ranked in the top 20% of national universities, Marquette is recognized for its undergraduate teaching, innovation and career preparation as the sixth-best university in the country for job placement. Our focus on student success and immersive, personalized learning experiences encourages students to think critically and engage with the world around them. When students graduate with a Marquette degree, they are truly prepared and called to Be The Difference.
Kevin is the associate director for university communication in the Office of Marketing and Communication. Contact Kevin at (414) 288-4745 or kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu.
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