by Jessica Able, Assistant Director of Campus Ministry
Catholic colleges and universities seek to educate the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – preparing graduates for not only successful careers but meaningful lives. Rooted in rich intellectual tradition and faith-based values, these institutions
nurture critical thinking, ethical leadership, and compassion for others.
This is particularly true at Bellarmine University. This idea of educating the whole person is central to the university’s mission and woven into all the university does. Our mission: “We are an inclusive Catholic university that educates
students – mind, body, and spirit – for meaningful lives, rewarding careers, ethical leadership, and service to improve the human condition.”
As a result of these factors, alumni enter their post-graduate lives ready to thrive not just in their careers but personally and spiritually contributing to the common good in their own communities and the world.
The
Holistic Impact Report was recently released by the Center for Catholic Studies at St. Mary’s University. The study had two
main objectives:
- to examine how a holistic Catholic education inspires a deeper sense of meaning in life.
- to demonstrate how the value of higher education extends well beyond financial concerns and shapes graduates’ fulfillment in other areas of life.
The study, in its second year, compared 1,000 graduates of Catholic colleges and universities with 1,000 graduates of secular institutions and concluded that Catholic higher education “delivers distinctive, lifelong benefits that reach far beyond
the paycheck.”
Dr. Liz Todd Byron, who oversees Bellarmine's
Career Development Center in her role as executive
director of experiential learning and community engagement, said the university’s career advising model is based on the four things that matter: self-discovery, career readiness, experiential learning, and mentoring.
“We provide the support that allows our students to understand their own values and find careers in areas where they feel a sense of purpose,” Dr. Byron said.
Some key findings of the 2025 Holistic Impact Report, compared to graduates from secular colleges:
- 52% more Catholic grads agree that curriculum encouraged faith-based discussions.
- 14% more Catholic grads agree that they felt a sense of belonging at their college or university.
- 13% more Catholic grads agree that their college or university helped them grow into the person they are today.
- 7% more Catholic grads said they view their career or profession as a meaningful calling.
Rev. Dr. John Pozhathuparambil, OFM Conv., director of Bellarmine’s
Campus Ministry Office, said what
sets Bellarmine apart is the care of the whole person or cura personalis.
“We care for the whole person,” the Franciscan Friar said. “What makes us who we are is not simply the education we provide to students. What makes us who we are is that we care for the whole person
– mind, body, and spirit.”
Father John said graduates need to be global citizens, “leaders who not only understand their education but how to help one another.”
“We see things through the lens of Catholic social teaching. They understand their vocation is what God is calling them to be,” he said.
Catholic social teaching offers a moral framework rooted in human dignity, the common good, and our responsibility to one another, Father John noted. In this context, students are invited to see their studies not only as preparation for a career but as part of a broader vocation to serve others, build just communities, and contribute to the flourishing of society.
By educating students in mind, body, and spirit, graduates are not only equipped for their chosen profession but also for lives grounded in purpose and meaning. Bellarmine is intentional in creating the social, spiritual, and academic experiences
that guide students toward a purpose-filled path, Dr. Byron said.
While Catholic colleges perform well on return-on-investment and other financial indicators, the findings of the Holistic Impact Report demonstrate the formative power of Catholic education on developing character and ethical leadership practices.
Bellarmine was recognized as an “
Opportunity College and University, offering Higher Access and Higher Earnings” by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education, placing it among just 16% of institutions nationally to be
recognized for fostering student success and creating upward economic mobility.
Equally as important as being designated an “Opportunity College,” Bellarmine equips graduates for success in rewarding career paths by building upon the mission-centered commitment to prepare students for meaningful, purposeful lives.
The vocational and career programs, Dr. Byron said, provide the skills and competencies graduates need to achieve both economic success as well as pursue professional lives that are deeply fulfilling.