Marquette University receives $8 million
An $8 million planned gift from alumnus Jim Meier will support scholarships in the Urban Scholars and Lovell Scholars programs, alongside business
Marquette University has received an $8 million planned gift from alumnus Jim Meier. The donation, announced by President Kimo Ah Yun, will fund scholarships, business education, and athletics.
Meier, a 1984 graduate of the College of Business Administration, established scholarships for two key programs. His gift supports the Urban Scholars program and the Michael R. Lovell Scholars program. He also committed funding to strategic initiatives in the College of Business Administration and Marquette Athletics, including a portion for the men's basketball Excellence Fund.
"It has largely been with the passage of time that I came to realize that Marquette provided me with a very solid academic and personal foundation that I used to build my career and future," Meier said. He identified five areas he believes the university must nurture for a strong future.
Investing in distinctive programs
The gift will bolster Marquette's Urban Scholars program. This initiative has provided full-tuition, need-based scholarships to high-achieving students from the Milwaukee area for nearly two decades. The program includes a network of support, mentorship, and opportunities. Historically, more than 90% of Urban Scholars have graduated from Marquette.
Funding will also benefit the Lovell Scholars program. This national presidential scholarship honors the legacy of the university's 24th president, Dr. Michael R. Lovell. It supports outstanding students committed to the pillars of Marquette's mission: excellence, faith, leadership, and service.
Vice President for University Advancement Tim McMahon called Meier's desire to provide more students with a Marquette education "inspirational." McMahon noted Meier's consistent volunteer service and said his generosity will help shape the university's story for future generations.
Bolstering business and athletics
A portion of the $8 million is directed to Marquette Athletics. Meier, a fixture at athletic events, said his gift will provide leadership with resources to handle the changing NCAA landscape. He emphasized the importance of supporting student-athletes.
"Marquette has really stayed true to the concept of what it means to be a student-athlete," Meier said. "That has never been more important." The funding aims to ensure student-athletes receive high-level support on and off the field.
Vice President and Director of Athletics Mike Broeker said the gift will lift up the university's 330 student-athletes. He described Meier as a valued partner who understands the role of athletics in developing leaders.
Supporting business education
Meier's career as a finance executive with MillerCoors informs his support for business education. His gift will aid the College of Business Administration, known nationally for academic excellence and applied learning. The college's nationally ranked programs include real estate, finance, supply chain management, accounting, and business analytics.
Andrew DeGuire, James H. Keyes Dean of the College of Business Administration, said such philanthropic support helps expand student opportunities. He expressed gratitude for Meier's belief in the college's mission and commitment to its growth and innovation.
President Kimo Ah Yun thanked Meier for his generosity and longstanding volunteer service. He stated the significant gift is opening doors for students and investing in the university's people and programs.
