MARQUETTE, Mich.—Dr. Mark Lovell, a leader in neuropsychology and sports-concussion research, will deliver the keynote address and receive an honorary Doctor of Science degree at NMU’s spring commencement on Saturday, April 30.  

            A 1977 NMU graduate, Lovell recently retired from the University of Pittsburgh Medical School as director of the sports medicine concussion program and professor of orthopaedic and neurological surgery. His work has also addressed head injuries among soldiers returning from the war in Iraq.

Lovell consults with many professional sports organizations on the neurocognitive effects and management of concussions. He co-developed a software program called ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) that is used by more than 3,000 universities and high schools, including NMU, for baseline testing of athletes to determine when it is safe for them to return to the game after a concussion. Lovell also attended the Vancouver Winter Games to assist the U.S. ski, snowboard, hockey, biathlon and bobsled teams with ImPACT testing.

Lovell earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Northern and was previously honored by his alma mater with the 2003 NMU Distinguished Alumni Award.

Northern’s commencement will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the Superior Dome. It will be broadcast live on WNMU-TV and streamed online through B2 Networks at www.b2now.com.