About the Alumni Association
Contact Us
Alumni Association
alumni@bellarmine.edu
(502) 272-8333
Meet the Alumni Office
Bethany Padgett
Director of Alumni Relations
bpadgett01@bellarmine.edu
502.272.7063
Bethany Padgett joined the Bellarmine alumni team in 2020 and is currently the Director
of Alumni Relations. Bethany is a Louisville native, Sacred Heart Academy alumnae,
and a proud two-time graduate of Bellarmine University. Bethany earned a Bachelor
of Arts in Communication in 2019 and a Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership
and Social Justice in 2025.
She serves as a member of the Sacred Heart Academy Alumnae Board, where she chairs
the Class Rep and Reunion Committee. She was the 2024 winner of the Cura Personalis
Award, a staff nominated recognition that is given to an individual who demonstrates
care for each person as an individual, and for each individual as a whole person,
thereby modeling a key core value of the Bellarmine community. Bethany was also the
winner of the Wilson W. Wyatt Fellowship for Academic Excellence Award and the Fred
C. Florence Koster Scholarship in 2019.
As a senior, she interned with the Alumni Relations Office, helped plan Trivia Knight,
and fell in love with supporting fellow alumni. Bethany now oversees the execution
of many beloved Bellarmine traditions like Trivia Knight, Brew at BU, Knight at the
Bats, and many more exciting events.
Jacob Gagel
Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement
jgagel@bellarmine.edu
502.272.7486
Jacob Gagel joined the Bellarmine alumni team in 2023 and is currently the Assistant
Director of Alumni Engagement. He is a Louisville native, Holy Cross High School alum,
a member of both the 2021 and 2022 graduating classes of Bellarmine University. During
his time at Bellarmine, Jacob helped direct, produce, and create social content for
Bellarmine’s TEDx program.
As a senior and beyond graduation, he interned with the Office of Development, Alumni
Relations and Special Events, before transitioning into his current role as a member
of the Alumni Team. Jacob oversees our communication and social media as well as planning
our recent 50th Reunion Celebration and our Lunch and Learn events. In addition, he
works with our Honors Program, Affinity Groups and more. Jacob is excited to be not
only a two-time graduate, but also to be working alongside his fellow alumni.
Caroline Weikel
Assistant Director of Alumni Relations
cweikel@bellarmine.edu
502.272.8485
Caroline Weikel joined the Bellarmine alumni team in 2026 and is currently the Assistant
Director of Alumni Relations. A Louisville native, Caroline graduated from Sacred
Heart Academy. She received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Centre College in 2020
and a Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary English from Spalding University in 2022.
As an undergraduate, Caroline spent all 4 years as a Student Development Fellow and
Ambassador, wherein she assisted with admissions and alumni events, fundraising campaigns,
and other on-campus initiatives. She also served as Director of Event Planning for
Centre’s Student Advancement Board and President of Centre Action Reaches Everyone.
Caroline oversees the execution of many beloved Bellarmine events—including Brew at
BU, Knight at the Bats, and the Bellarmine Golf Classic—and supports volunteer initiatives.
Additionally, she serves as the staff liaison to the Alumni Board Events Committee
and assists with alumni communications. She is thrilled to work alongside Bellarmine’s
storied alumni.
If you ever need anything from Bellarmine University or your Alumni Association, please do not hesitate to contact us at alumni@bellarmine.edu or by calling the Alumni Office at 502-272-8333.