Father Greg Lucey, former VP for planning and development, dies

(Updated Oct. 1, 2021) 

Gregory Lucey, S.J., who served as Seattle University’s vice president for planning and development in the 1980s, died this morning after a recent diagnosis of melanoma. He was 88 years old.

Father Lucey played a critical role in Seattle U’s first-ever fundraising campaign, which exceeded its $20 million goal to bring in $26 million for the construction of new buildings and other initiatives that were key to the university’s growth and development.

After a decade at Seattle U, Father Lucey went on to serve in a number of leadership roles, most notably as president of Spring Hill College (Mobile, Ala.) from 1997 to 2009 and again from 2013 to 2015. He also served as president of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, president of the Jesuit Conference USA and rector of the Jesuit Community at Marquette University. Father Lucey retired as chancellor of Spring Hill College in 2019 and returned to his home state of Wisconsin, residing at the St. Camillus Jesuit Community outside of Milwaukee.

AJCU's current president, Rev. Michael J. Garanzini, S.J., said: “Fr. Lucey gave most of his life’s energy to working in Jesuit education, especially in higher education. Anyone who worked with or knew him saw his wisdom and his care for people and for our schools—most especially Spring Hill College, where he served as president and chancellor. His deep concern came from his indomitable spirit of optimism. What we have learned from him is something we need to be reminded of today: the Lord guides our projects. The difficulties and challenges we experience today can be managed if we rely on Him even as we work as if everything depends on our good efforts. This was St. Ignatius’ advice and Fr. Lucey lived it.”

Read a full tribute at AJCU »

A funeral will be held in Milwaukee, and memorial Mass and burial will take place at Spring Hill College.

With thanks for his many contributions to Seattle University and Jesuit higher education, our prayers are with Father Lucey’s loved ones and Jesuit brothers.

(Pictured: Father Lucey during his time at Seattle U.)