Memories of a Meal

On March 26, UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Michael Lovell announced his leave for Marquette University.  There was no celebration dinner at UWM for this event.

However, back in October of 2013, Chancellor Lovell hosted a dinner at his UW-Milwaukee home. The guest list was comprised of student orientation leaders and academic faculty. Orientation is a two-day summer program used to prepare and excite incoming freshman during their transition into college. Students who were at this dinner had a chance to interact with the chancellor more personally than others who just knew his name or saw him from afar; they agreed to share their thoughts with Media Milwaukee in the wake of Lovell’s sudden departure from UWM.

Sophomore and Student Orientation Leader Olivia Collins, said she was devastated when hearing the news of Lovell’s departure. “I have not yet received a personal e-mail [from Lovell].”

Collins’ expectation for a personal e-mail wasn’t farfetched. She shared a close relationship with Lovell, beginning with her position as a summer orientation leader. The relationship grew when she gave a speech alongside Lovell at the 2013 Fall Welcome celebration. And in October, she was invited to have dinner in Lovell’s home.

Colin Daly, Assistant Director of Student Success, guided Collins during orientation. “My favorite memory about Chancellor Lovell was when he invited our orientation leader staff to his house for dinner. He really recognized the intensive work that we did with a brand new overnight program.”

On October 1, 2013, the orientation leaders arrived at the chancellor’s home for dinner. The student leaders piled their plates with pulled pork, homestyle macaroni and coleslaw. The dessert was even better. An array of pie, ice cream and pumpkin bars awaited in the next room.  It was a celebration to recognize the work of the student orientation leaders. The meal is a memory all orientation leaders will share.

Lovell had only been the chancellor for a mere three years, the shortest chancellor term at UWM.    His announcement to leave for Marquette was unexpected.

Lovell’s released statement read, “I know that many of you will be surprised by my decision. Those closest to me, however, know how important my Catholic faith is in my life, and having the ability to integrate my religious life with my professional life is something that I always wanted to do in my career.”

Junior Meranda Teller was also invited to the orientation leader dinner. She says she supports Lovell’s decision. “I understand how important faith is in people’s lives, and to incorporate it into your career is a great opportunity.”

Lovell’s religious tie can be understood, but how does one feel about Lovell choosing a rival school?  Daly says he does not feel inferior.

“When I was doing my search to come here, I purposefully sought out UWM. While Marquette has a lot of good things going for it, I think UWM, for me professionally, afforded more opportunities because it’s in its growth stage. UWM has attracted world class faculty, competitive staff members, and that’s why I wanted to be here.  Those kinds of opportunities just aren’t available at Marquette.”

But Daly says he appreciates the work Lovell did in his time at UW-Milwaukee.

“He pushed lawmakers and the decision makers to really rethink how they were playing with our schools.  He was such an advocate for UWM and I hope whoever we have in this next post will continue to do that. He laid a lot of good foundation and a lot of groundwork.  We’ll need someone who’s student centered, we’ll need someone who’s intelligent who’s not afraid to go to bat for us, and I think we’ll be able to find that. But it defiantly will be a transition.”

This transition will be hard on Collins. Her close relationship with Lovell was the reason she stayed at UW-Milwaukee. She considered transferring to MATC after her first year.

“He’s very inspirational and he can make you feel like you can do things, and want to do things that you never even thought of. He’s inspired me to want to work in higher education, and prevent students from dropping out.”

Collins said she wishes Lovell the best, but leaves Marquette students with this message:

“I would tell Marquette to appreciate him. And to appreciate the energy he gives off. I’m jealous…He was here first.”