Bellarmine is celebrating the successes of its graduating class with a host of events, activities, and commencement ceremonies. The university will award approximately 781 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees on May 10 at Freedom Hall. Our Great
Grads represent a cross-section of our student body's many accomplishments, backgrounds, majors, stories, and interests. We wish them and the entire Class of 2025 the very best.
Julien Allen
Hometown: Floyds Knobs, I
Major: Foreign Language and International Studies Minor: Biology: Pre-medical Track
BU activities/honors: Bellarmine Honors Program and the African Student Association
Career plans: I plan to become an osteopathic physician. I am starting courses at the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine in July.
Why Bellarmine? I chose Bellarmine because it felt like a family from the first moment I stepped on Bellarmine's campus.
How would you describe your BU experience? My experience has been nothing short of a transformative adventure since my first day at Bellarmine University. My time at Bellarmine has continually allowed me to learn more than I desired, pushed
me to accomplish more than I thought possible, and grown me to become more than I ever dreamed. This has shaped my personal growth by teaching me the power of community and challenging me to make an impact beyond the classroom. During my last four
years, I have had the privilege of learning so many new things, forming amazing relationships, and having the opportunity to chase my dreams.
Was there anything that made your Bellarmine experience unique or special? Something that made my Bellarmine experience unique was the fact that I was able to do more than just learn in the classroom and instead was able to connect this to
my passion to give back to the community. This involved my Honors Thesis project, in which I wrote, directed, and performed a musical play with international youth in the Louisville area.
Did anyone at Bellarmine make an exceptional difference during your time here?
I have had so many friends and faculty pour into me during my time at Bellarmine. Notable professors include Dr. David Porta and Dr. Joseph Sinski. Dr. Sinski taught my general chemistry class, which was one of the hardest courses I had taken up to that
point. I was hesitant to take the course because I thought my math skills were bad, and I struggled with critical thinking skills. However, Dr. Sinski was never afraid to explain things to me over and over again and did everything he could to relate
to us students and get us through. Likewise, I had the pleasure of having Dr. David Porta for courses during my first and fourth years. Dr. Porta helped me by investing his time and heart into his courses and showing he cared as an instructor and
a friend.
I enjoyed the fact that my field of study was interdisciplinary and allowed me to take classes ranging from Spanish and Anthropology to Chemistry and Cell Biology. This holistic approach allowed me to make connections between courses and apply them
to my career path.
Did you feel like your program prepared you to succeed in your field?
My program prepared me not only to become a competent physician but also to be able to relate to different cultures and communicate in Spanish.
Anything else that you’d like us to know about you or your time at BU?
I have loved Bellarmine most of all for its people. To me, the Bellarmine Experience is the faculty and staff who make Bellarmine feel like a family. Additionally, I am extremely grateful to Bellarmine for allowing me and encouraging me to
share my faith. I hope that my legacy at BU is that I have shared the love of Jesus in the best way I could.
Annaliese Billings
Hometown: Bethesda, Maryland
Major: Communication Minor: Digital Media
BU activities/honors: TEDxBellarmineU, Club Volleyball, Intramural Volleyball, Kentucky Air National Guard Member
Career plans: Ultimately, I want to be a Public Affairs Specialist for the FBI Louisville Local Regional Office and will continue working with the Kentucky Air National Guard upon graduation. I am completely open to any and all opportunities
that come my way!
Why Bellarmine? The community, scholarships, and other amazing opportunities Bellarmine provides to its students.
How would you describe your BU experience? As a freshman, I was nervous but also excited to start college at a local university close to home. The scholarships they provided to me was too good to pass up. The community is the absolute best
here and I could not be more thankful and grateful for the amazing people i’ve met here and the opportunities provided to me as a student here. They’ve continued to support my education and involvement as a military member in the Kentucky
Air National Guard.
Was there anything that made your Bellarmine experience unique or special? As a young person, I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I grew up. When I was majoring in Biology as a freshman to be a Veterinarian, I soon figured out that’s
not what I wanted to do. I enlisted in the Kentucky Air National Guard and changed my major to Communications with a minor in Digital Media. As a result, I have had multiple opportunities to showcase my strengths for the community and grow my skill
sets to help those on and off campus and within the military.
Did anyone at Bellarmine make an exceptional difference during your time here? My best friend who also changed her major at the same time I did, Hayley Barger has been a pivotal part of my journey here at Bellarmine University. I wouldn’t
be here without her help and support, and the support of my family, friends and loved ones who have uplifted and encouraged me through my academic career!
What did you like best about your field of study? The best thing about my field was the relevance of how it applied within our modern society. I learned more about networking and communicating organizations’ missions, not just on campus,
but also for smaller organizations as well.
Did you feel like your program prepared you to succeed in your field?
I absolutely feel prepared to go into the big world, get a big girl job and put my big girl pants on! I feel ready to take on anything life throws at me, and I’m so excited to graduate with a wonderful group of well-prepared, intelligent and outstanding
group of students!
Anything else that you’d like us to know about you or your time at BU?
I just want to say I’m so grateful and to humbly thank everyone who has helped me get to where I am today: close friends, family, and other loved ones. What a surreal last year this was, and an amazing time to look back on all my hard work. My Christian
faith has been the beacon of my positive attitude, kind generosity, and warm heart to others. I thank God, my Lord and Savior, who saved me when I was at my lowest. He gives me grace even when I mess up, and He continues to wake me up each morning,
and for that I am eternally grateful. Students at Bellarmine University, don’t let anything hinder your determination or perseverance, and always continue to strive for excellence! Go Knights!
Avery Bryanton
Hometown: Granby, CT
Major: Double-Major in History and Sports Administration Minor: Political Science
BU activities/honors: Pre-Law Society, Alumni Mentor Program, Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society
Career plans: I will attend law school in the fall at Suffolk University Law School in Boston, Massachusetts. After law school, I hope to become a litigation attorney.
Why Bellarmine? I chose Bellarmine because of the tight-knit community and small class sizes. The small classes allow for valuable seminar-like discussions that are hard to replicate at larger universities. They also allow for courses to be
molded to fit the needs of each student, which creates a deeper understanding of the material.
How would you describe your BU experience? During my time at BU, I have felt nothing short of supported. The faculty has gone above and beyond to help me achieve my goals, and I could not be more grateful for that. I have enjoyed my classmates
who have pushed me to think more deeply and critically about the material that I am learning. Bellarmine students are incredibly driven and ambitious, and this has had a positive effect on my learning experience. I am lucky to have attended an institution
that pushes its students to go above and beyond in their education by means of community engagement and involvement with the greater Louisville community. This is what sets Bellarmine students and graduates apart from the rest.
Was there anything that made your Bellarmine experience unique or special? My Bellarmine experience was unique because I began undergrad as a STEM major. I decided to go pre-law after my freshman year, which was a daunting task. As a prospective
first-generation law student, I was going to have to navigate the law school preparation and application process on my own. However, the faculty in all of my fields of study, along with the amazing people in the Bellarmine Career Development Center,
helped me to set up a plan of action so that I could be a competitive candidate for law school. Because of their support, my law school application cycle was extremely successful, and I ultimately got to choose where I wanted to attend.
Did anyone at Bellarmine make an exceptional difference during your time here? Dr. Laura Ping from the History Department has made an exceptional difference in my time at Bellarmine. I have had the pleasure of taking four of her courses, as
she is an amazing professor who is rapidly advancing how students learn and interact with history and the world around them. She is a professor who promotes critical thinking through class discussions. Through these discussions, she teaches her students
to be confident and concise when sharing ideas. This method of teaching promotes professionalism, tolerance of opposing ideas and ideologies, and valuable communication skills that will help students excel in their future careers. Dr. Ping has been
a big help in preparing me for a career in law by transforming the way that I present arguments and convey information to others.
What did you like best about your field of study? What I liked best about my fields of study was how different they each were in terms of class instruction. History courses tend to be lecture-based with class discussions on the material. Sports
Administration courses are heavily team-oriented with lots of group work that demands high levels of communication and cooperation. Political Science courses are a mix of both, with seminar-structured classes and classes that require group studies
using data analysis. This difference in class style kept me engaged and encouraged me to use different learning and study techniques. This dynamic course load made me a more versatile student.
Did you feel like your program prepared you to succeed in your field? My program definitely prepared me to succeed in my field. The practice of law requires attention to detail, advanced reading comprehension skills, the ability to work with
others to achieve goals, and the ability to convey arguments and ideas confidently and concisely in person as well as in writing. The combination of my majors and minors has not only given me each of the skills listed above but has also advanced the
way that I view learning and the importance of education. There is always an opportunity to learn and grow as an individual, as a student, and as a professional. It is important that we always strive to increase our understanding of the world around
us. I believe that this is a major determining factor of success.
Dee Clegg
Hometown: Canyon Country, CA
Program: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Career plans: Physical therapy focusing on pelvic health
Why Bellarmine? I loved the DPT program and the opportunities it had for students, and the school's values aligned with mine.
How would you describe your BU experience? I spent three years of schooling with some amazing faculty mentors and classmates in the DPT cohort. I was given an opportunity to go to Italy for one of our clinical rotations. I really felt supported
and had a wonderful time learning and growing here.
Was there anything that made your Bellarmine experience unique or special? I had two babies while going through the program! It was tough and challenging, but I am very proud and grateful I’ve come this far and made it through the program.
I’m much older than my classmates and served in the military before I started the program.
Did anyone at Bellarmine make an exceptional difference during your time here? Dr. Beth Quinn and Dr. Callie Latham. Both were so supportive when I found out I was having the babies.
What did you like best about your field of study? I love that I can help people and make them feel better, live better lives, and improve their overall health.
Adriana Eggen
Hometown: Elizabethtown, KY
Major: Health Care Administration Minors: Public Health and Psychology
BU activities/honors: Student Government Association, Delta Sigma Pi, Delta Sigma Pi, Alpha Lambda Delta, Peer Coach; previously involved in National Residence Hall Honorary, Residence Hall Association, Bellarmine Reproductive Justice Association,
and Bellarmine University Dance Marathon.
Career plans: In my future career, I plan to work with nonprofit hospitals to ensure quality, impactful care among all patients, educate people on their health, evaluate health outcomes, and improve the organizational structure to promote
efficiency in care; however, most of all, I want to be an advocate for those who can't advocate for themselves. I want to work in upper healthcare administration to incorporate public health measures into our system and address social determinants
and barriers to health access.
Why Bellarmine? I grew up visiting Bellarmine whenever my family drove up to Louisville, and my dad always said that if my sister and I worked hard, then maybe we could go somewhere as nice as Bellarmine. My whole life, Bellarmine had been
the standard. In 2020, when my sister committed here and entered the Class of 2024, I visited her and could stay the night, attend major events, and see what it felt like to be a student. I knew this was where I wanted to spend the next four years.
How would you describe your BU experience? Bellarmine helped me discover who I was and what I was passionate about. Being involved allowed me to explore different facets of campus life and find what clicked with me. I found my best friends
who hold similar values and goals, and learned valuable life lessons along the way. I have learned how to be a leader and have had many amazing mentors and leaders to look up to. The Bellarmine Impact is indescribable, and I wouldn't be who I am today
without the late-night McDonald’s trips, support to follow my dreams, and resources to make my visions come alive.
What did you like best about your field of study? Within healthcare administration, you can create change on a widespread level with policy and operations, as well as by leading an organization with the mission in mind. I'm always intrigued
to see how technology, policies, and different patient outcomes impact the healthcare system and the changes they make in our lives. Additionally, I love how public health goes hand-in-hand with it, addressing challenges and inequalities within our
communities, and then finding answers and solutions.
Anything else that you’d like us to know about you or your time at BU? There will always be challenges and hurdles to overcome, but being at Bellarmine gave me the support I needed to overcome those obstacles and become the best version
of myself. By having strong faculty members who exemplify kindness and advocacy, a close-knit community of students, and dedicated staff who possess strong leadership skills and the ability to connect with students, Bellarmine made the difficult times
seem a little less difficult.
Lillianna Evans
Hometown: Louisville, KY
Major: Mathematics and Economics
BU activities/honors: Vice President of the Bellarmine Math Club, Treasurer of the Knights of Valor (BU Student Veterans' Association), EFI (Economics, Finance, and Investment) club member, Two Bellarmine-connected study abroad trips
Career plans: After graduation, I plan to become an actuary. Actuaries use mathematical and financial principles to measure risk. As a current actuarial intern at Humana, I am on a great path to reaching this goal! I first learned about the
actuarial profession while attending Bellarmine Math Club meetings. Here, I was exposed to the daily life of an actuary and the exam process. After learning more about internship opportunities through attending these meetings, I was thankful to dive
into the actuarial profession as an intern while finishing my studies at Bellarmine.
Why Bellarmine? I had the privilege of being housed at Bellarmine when I participated in the Governor's Scholars Program in summer 2021. Here, I became familiar with the campus and fell in love with its size. This became even more apparent
when I entered into my studies and appreciated the small student body. I knew at Bellarmine I would not be another face in the crowd. I have worked with professors closely and have had many opportunities to engage in conversation with my peers. Bellarmine's
small size in a large city has allowed me to have a personal connection with the campus while being exposed to the many after-graduation opportunities Louisville has to offer.
How would you describe your BU experience? Bellarmine's small size allowed me to have personal attention within my studies. This encouraged me to expand upon my interests and engage more deeply with the material with the help of my professors.
It was easy to be involved in organizations of my interest and be fully welcomed as a member. I was able to utilize resources and take advantage of opportunities both on and off campus. Throughout my time at Bellarmine, I have discovered and delved
deeper into my passions to hopefully expand on them within my future career.
Was there anything that made your Bellarmine experience unique or special? In addition to my great experience within both the Mathematics and Economics Departments at Bellarmine, I participated in two Bellarmine-connected study abroad trips.
These trips allowed me to engage in learning with new classmates in a new environment. Both my trip to Belfast, Northern Ireland and Zanzibar, East Africa expanded my knowledge outside of the classroom through practical global application. These experiences
have been the highlight of my time at Bellarmine!
Did anyone at Bellarmine make an exceptional difference during your time here? When I started at Bellarmine, I knew that I wanted to study mathematics. What I did not know was the immense interest in the field of economics that I would develop
during my second year. After taking an introductory economics course, my extremely kind and helpful professor encouraged me to consider studying economics as well. I added economics then as a second major seamlessly. The Economics Department shows
deep interest in helping their students think critically about current economic issues in the news and how course theory applies to these issues. The Economics Department, along with the Mathematics Department, has guided me in analyzing complex concepts.
What did you like best about your field of study? When first choosing a college major, I was struck by indecisiveness. When looking at the required courses for different majors, I was saddened that many did not require many advanced mathematics
courses. This led to my decision to major in mathematics. My passion for mathematics grew immensely and did not dwindle over my time at Bellarmine. This passion led me to assume the position of vice president within the Bellarmine Math Club, which
I regard as one of my most cherished honors.
Did you feel like your program prepared you to succeed in your field? Both the Bellarmine Mathematics and Economics Departments enhanced my ability to conceptualize complex concepts. My professors challenged me to think deeply about "why"
or "how" a concept may be correct. The Economics Department challenged me especially to apply concepts learned in class to real-time economics issues located in the news. The ability given to me by Bellarmine to study both mathematics and economics
allows me to be versatile in the many opportunities I can take in the future.
Diana Fernandez-Davila
Hometown: Louisville, KY
Major: Accounting, Finance, and Economics
BU activities/honors: Bellarmine University Accounting Association and Club Volleyball
Career plans: I have worked full-time as an auditor at PricewaterhouseCoopers since January 2025.
Why Bellarmine? I wanted something close to home and with a tight-knit community.
How would you describe your BU experience? At Bellarmine I got to meet some of my best friends while getting a great accounting education.
Was there anything that made your Bellarmine experience unique or special? Being surrounded by people who wanted to see me succeed.
Did anyone at Bellarmine make an exceptional difference during your time here? My accounting professor, Keith Richardson, made a huge difference in my time at Bellarmine. He always encouraged me to do my best, actually it’s because of
him that I took the leap to be a triple major. He also was always ready to give me advice and insight. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.
What did you like best about your field of study? The endless opportunities accounting brings and job stability.
Did you feel like your program prepared you to succeed in your field? Yes, thanks to rigorous classes at Bellarmine, I feel prepared for a job in accounting, and I have already passed the CPA exam.
Caden Gunn
Hometown: Louisville, KY
Major: Digital Art and Design Arts & Technology
BU activities/honors: Bellarmine Esports
Career plans: I want to be an animator or digital artist.
How would you describe your BU experience? It was insane. I’m glad I did it and became a better artist, person, and thinker.
Was there anything that made your Bellarmine experience unique or special? Learning about the philosophy of
Thomas Merton and caring for the common man and the common good.
Did anyone at Bellarmine make an exceptional difference during your time here? Professor Dorothy Reed. She made a point to say “Have a good life” after telling the non-seniors “Have a good summer,” and it got me. I almost
shed many tears. She’s always been the nicest, most caring, most understanding professor, and she always had a story to tell that captivated the class.
What did you like best about your field of study? My creativity was able to soar.
Kaci Huff
Hometown: Milton, Kentucky
Major: Sports Administration Minors: TV News and Sports Broadcasting and Marketing Communication
BU activities/honors: Honors Program Member, Hall Host Program Overknights & Events Lead, Tour Guide, Week of Welcome Team PR & Social Media Chair, Taylor Swift Society President, KnightU Orientation Leader, and Week of Welcome Leader.
Career plans: I plan to pursue a career in sports media and marketing for an athletics program.
Why Bellarmine? I chose Bellarmine due to the hospitality I experienced during my first visit. I felt at home on campus since my sophomore year of high school, and that has shaped my entire experience at Bellarmine. If I were to do it all
over again, I would pick Bellarmine without a doubt.
Did anyone at Bellarmine make an exceptional difference during your time here? Michelle Johnson made an exceptional difference during my time at Bellarmine. From my second semester where she allowed me to become a tour guide as a first-year
to a senior approaching graduation, Michelle has never failed to believe in me and give me a safe space to confide in, celebrate in, and exist in. I don't know what I would have done without Michelle's mentorship.
Did you feel like your program prepared you to succeed in your field? Yes, my program gave me a variety of skills in different aspects of sports and has given me the opportunity to build my portfolio in ways I never would have imagined. The
faculty within the school were always there to lend a helping hand and give me the resources I needed to succeed.
Anything else that you’d like us to know about you or your time at BU? I love Bellarmine. The emotional, social, academic, and personal support I have received here has changed my life forever. Swords up!
Justis Loftis
Hometown: Louisville, KY
Major: Vocal Performance major on the Pre-Nursing Track
BU activities/honors: Student Government Association, First Year Representative: Arts & Sciences Student Advisory Council Representative, Volunteer Vocal Teacher, KOC Mentor, Lead Vocalist, Nouveau Gumbo Jazz Ensemble, and Bellarmine Society.
Career plans: I plan to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). After graduating from Bellarmine’s Accelerated Nursing Program and earning my BSN, I intend to work as an ICU nurse for three years to build the critical care experience
required for CRNA school, where I’ll pursue my doctorate. Alongside nursing, I’ll continue to honor my first love—music—by attending vocal lessons, going to auditions, and nurturing my vocal performance degree. My goal is to
pursue both healing and artistry: to care for others in the operating room and inspire others through song.
Why Bellarmine? When I first stepped onto Bellarmine’s campus, I felt something stir deeply in my spirit—and so did my family. We knew in our hearts that the Lord was leading me here. That quiet sense of confirmation has
proven true in every way. From day one, Bellarmine has opened doors I never imagined—opportunities that have not only shaped my college journey, but will stay with me for the rest of my life.
"What makes this place so special isn’t just the prestige or the programs—it’s the people. The kindness here is genuine. I’ve made more meaningful friendships than ever before, and I’ve been surrounded by peers whose
ambition and work ethic have pushed me to dream bigger and go further. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures that you’re known by name, not just by number. Professors care deeply and invest in you beyond the classroom.
The warmth of the community, the intentional leadership of the administration, and the abundance of resources make Bellarmine more than a university—it’s a place where you can grow, be seen, and
leave your mark. I’ve often said I wish I could do it all over again, because this experience has been nothing short of extraordinary. For me, Bellarmine has been a divine appointment—and one of the greatest blessings of my life.
How would you describe your BU experience? My time at Bellarmine has been the most transformative season of my life. I’ve found my voice—literally and figuratively. From leading in the Bellarmine Society to singing with the Nouveau Gumbo Jazz Ensemble, I’ve been surrounded by people who believed in me, challenged me, and loved me well. I’ve grown academically, spiritually, and emotionally. Whether in rigorous classes, at choir rehearsals, or mentoring first-year students, I’ve learned what it means to serve, lead, and live with purpose. Bellarmine gave me the space to become who I was always meant to be.
Was there anything that made your Bellarmine experience unique or special? The music department and the incredible people at Bellarmine truly changed my life. I’ve never felt so genuinely supported by both peers and faculty. From the very beginning, I was welcomed into a community where encouragement was constant, joy was shared, and growth was nurtured. The atmosphere on campus is full of love, positivity, and people who genuinely want to see each other succeed. Whether it was a performance, a new endeavor, or even a tough week—there was always someone there cheering me on. That level of kindness and support isn’t common, and it’s what made Bellarmine feel like home. The relationships I built—especially within the music department—shaped not only my college experience but also the person I’m becoming. I’ll carry the love, belonging, and inspiration I found here for the rest of my life.
Did anyone at Bellarmine make an exceptional difference during your time here? Dr. Mark Kano and Dr. Tim Glasscock have made a profound impact on me. Dr. Kano, my vocal teacher since high school, has continuously supported me, believed in my talent, and helped me grow as an artist and a woman. Dr. Glasscock, my choral director for four years, has shaped my musicality and spirit through unforgettable choir trips and everyday encouragement. Their presence in my life has been extraordinary, and I’m so grateful for their mentorship and care.
What did you like best about your field of study? What I loved most about being a music major was the sense of community and artistic freedom it offered. The repertoire was so versatile—ranging from classical to jazz to musical theatre—and each piece helped me discover new parts of myself. The recitals challenged me, the collaboration uplifted me, and the relationships sustained me. It was a field that not only nurtured my talent, but also my soul.
Did you feel like your program prepared you to succeed in your field? Without question. My music program strengthened my technique, deepened my knowledge, and—most importantly—built my confidence. I’ve learned the discipline, emotional depth, and vocal control required for a professional music career. I leave this program feeling equipped, empowered, and inspired to pursue every opportunity that aligns with my purpose.
Anything else that you’d like us to know about you or your time at BU? I have loved every moment. Truly. Bellarmine has been a place of becoming for me. I found my calling here. I found my voice here. And I found my people here. If I could do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat. Bellarmine didn’t just give me a degree—it gave me a deeper sense of purpose, joy, and confidence in the woman I’m becoming.
Olivia Mayfield
Hometown: Louisville, KY
Major: Elementary Education with Learning and Behavioral Disorders
BU activities/honors: President's Advisory Board — 2024 Fall Semester, Educators of Color — January 2023 to Present, Knights of Color — August 2021 to May 2022, Bellarmine University Cheer Team — September 2021 to May 2022
Career plans: I plan to start teaching fifth grade in the fall at J.F. Kennedy Elementary School in JCPS, the same elementary school that I attended.
Why Bellarmine? I chose Bellarmine because it provided me the opportunity to fully pursue higher education without the burden of financial stress. The university connected me with valuable resources and support systems that allowed me to engage
in meaningful activities both on and off campus. Bellarmine’s small class sizes fostered a strong sense of community and made me feel seen and supported, not just like another number.
How would you describe your BU experience? My experience at Bellarmine was truly incredible. I was able to fully invest in myself and my future, growing both professionally and personally. I formed meaningful friendships with like-minded individuals
and became part of a community that celebrated growth, cultural acceptance, diversity, and unwavering support. Bellarmine gave me a unique and memorable college experience—one I’ll always cherish.
Was there anything that made your Bellarmine experience unique or special? Yes, what made my Bellarmine experience truly special was being able to attend such an incredible university on a full-ride scholarship, sponsored by generous individuals
who believed in me and my future as an educator. It's rare to have the opportunity to earn a degree completely debt-free, and thanks to Bellarmine, I’ll be graduating with my bachelor’s without the financial burden—something I’m
incredibly grateful for.
Did anyone at Bellarmine make an exceptional difference during your time here? Dr. Diane Courington truly made my time at Bellarmine unforgettable. She consistently went above and beyond to check in on me, ensure I had the support I needed,
and always made herself available—whether I had questions, needed guidance, or just needed someone to listen. Dr. C helped me feel included and supported within the Bellarmine community, especially in the School of Education. Along with several
other incredible professors, she played a key role in helping me prepare for and pass all four of my Praxis exams on the first try. Her kindness, encouragement, and unwavering support made a lasting impact on my college journey.
What did you like best about your field of study? What I loved most about my field of study was the small class sizes, which created a supportive and personal learning environment. I also appreciated the opportunity to be dually trained and
certified in both general and special education—it really broadened my skill set as an educator. One of the best parts was getting into the classroom as early as our first semester. It allowed me to see everything we were learning in action
and helped me grow confident in my teaching from the very beginning.
Did you feel like your program prepared you to succeed in your field? Absolutely. My program did an excellent job of preparing me to succeed in the field of education. The combination of hands-on classroom experience, supportive faculty, and
a well-rounded curriculum gave me the tools I needed to feel confident and capable as a future educator. From day one, I was immersed in real classroom settings, which helped me build the skills, flexibility, and mindset needed to thrive in both general
and special education environments.
Anything else that you’d like us to know about you or your time at BU? During my time at Bellarmine, I not only grew as an educator but also as an individual. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities to build lasting relationships
with peers and professors, who have shaped my perspective on education and life. Bellarmine provided a nurturing environment that encouraged personal development, cultural understanding, and a commitment to service—values I will carry with me
throughout my career. I feel truly prepared and excited to step into the next chapter of my journey as an educator, thanks to the foundation I built at Bellarmine.
Matti Spalding
Hometown: Louisville, KY
Major: Honors Double Major: Economics and Finance
BU activities/honors: President-BU Leads, Student Director-Week of Welcome, Vice President of External Affairs-Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Treasurer-Economics, Finance, and Investing Club, Bellarmine Society, Women's Golf, Honors Program
Career plans: I have accepted a financial analyst position at Tri Arrows Aluminum that is the perfect fit to jumpstart my career in the economics and finance field.
Why Bellarmine? I chose Bellarmine because I was able to connect with multiple parts of the campus community. I was able to pursue the degree I wanted while playing division one athletics, maintain two different internships, and join multiple
clubs and organizations. I was truly able to maximize my collegiate experience at Bellarmine.
Was there anything that made your Bellarmine experience unique or special? I wouldn't have been able to be involved on campus as much at any other institution. Bellarmine allowed me to experience all aspects of campus life that stretched across
athletics, academics, and involvements.
Did anyone at Bellarmine make an exceptional difference during your time here? Dr. Raymond was not only one of my great economics professors who prepared me with the tools to pursue a career in economics and finance, but he also played an
integral role in my career journey. Dr. Raymond engaged in graduate school conversations and discussions about my career goals and gave advice on how to navigate the job market in today's world. I became much more confident that I am on the right
path through these discussions, and I am very grateful for his impact.
Did you feel like your program prepared you to succeed in your field? I feel extremely prepared to be successful in my field. With the combination of my academic knowledge, internship experience, and leadership-based organizations I have participated
in, I know I have the tools to be a great asset in my post-graduate position.
Heather Summers
Hometown: New Albany, IN
Major: Nursing
Career plans: Registered Nurse
Why Bellarmine? I chose Bellarmine because I heard many great things about their accelerated Bachelor of Nursing program.
How would you describe your BU experience? Due to the nature of the accelerated nursing program, my experience at Bellarmine was short, immersive, fun, and very challenging (in a good way). It didn't take long to feel at home in Miles Hall,
and a piece of my heart will always be in that beautiful building with all the special people who work there!
Was there anything that made your Bellarmine experience unique or special? All of the staff at the nursing school at Bellarmine are amazing human beings who go out of their way to know each student. As nursing students, we have this unique
opportunity to glean insight and wisdom from professors who are lifelong nurses and have already had the experiences that we are getting ready to embark upon.
Did anyone at Bellarmine make an exceptional difference during your time here? Bellarmine is fortunate they have all of the professors and staff they have in their nursing school because they are truly some of the best people and educators
I've encountered. I would like to specifically mention Dr. Gabri Warren for her inspired efforts and hard work putting together a beautiful itinerary that is the Community & Public Health Nursing course and Dr. Gretchen Van Rude for always opening
her heart, office and snack drawer for each and every one of us - knowing she was there was a comfort to every student in my cohort.
What did you like best about your field of study? There are so many types of nursing that one can pursue that the learning seems endless, and I happen to enjoy learning.
Did you feel like your program prepared you to succeed in your field? Yes, Bellarmine's nursing program does such a thorough job preparing students for success, from sim labs to real clinical experience, all the while providing every opportunity
to ask questions and learn more.
Anything else that you’d like us to know about you or your time at BU? I am a little sad that I won't get to be at Miles Hall all of the time, and if and when I return to nursing school to pursue a further degree, I bet it will be at
Bellarmine!