MILWAUKEE — The Marquette community came together on Saturday to run in memory of their late president, Dr. Mike Lovell.

Lovell, who died at 57 after a three-year struggle with cancer, was a runner. It’s a passion he shared with many, or perhaps, more accurately, a passion Lovell inspired in many.

Mike Broeker, a longtime friend and colleague, remembers Lovell’s persistence when it came to inviting him on those long runs.

“One day I got a marathon plan in my inbox from one of the running groups and he said, ‘Dr. Lovell said you wanted this,’ and I said, ‘I never asked for it,’” said Broeker.

It was a nudge that turned into a passion. Broeker found himself drawn to the camaraderie of those on-campus runs.

“Before he got sick, we were running long distances,” said Broeker. “We didn’t talk very much, but we were there for one another. He taught me personally, and I know I’m not the only one, just the power of presence.”

For Broeker, it became more than just miles logged. He discovered something more valuable.

“A lot of it is to build lifelong friendships and the uniqueness in it for me was, it was six people I had not known before,” said Broeker. “Mike brought those people together.”

Over a hundred people laced up their shoes Saturday to remember the man they all knew and loved.

“He was special, and he was super nice to me,” said 9-year-old Christian Bailey. “I knew him because my dad knew him too.”

Broeker remembers his friend who got him started.

“I’m sure he’s finding a place to run today,” he said.

Correction: This story previously misspelled Mike Broeker's name. This has been corrected. (June 17, 2024)