As Bellarmine University proudly celebrates a remarkable milestone—its 75th anniversary—a rich history shows it as a beacon of transformation, a catalyst for growth, and a steadfast partner in strengthening the vibrant community of Louisville.
Since
1950, this institution has been more than just a place of learning, and its incredible legacy inspires boundless hope for the future.
“This celebration provides us with the chance to not only reflect on our values and storied tradition but to envision a future shaped by further innovation in our academic programs and community partnerships,” said Dr. Susan M. Donovan, Bellarmine’s
president.
Bellarmine’s journey is rooted in a profound commitment to excellence and a proud Catholic tradition. Students are nurtured fully—mind, body, and spirit—prepared to embark on meaningful lives, rewarding careers, and ethical leadership.
“Each of our students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends across our Louisville community has played a role in Bellarmine’s greatness to date, and we are excited to invite all to celebrate with us and support BU and the promise of our future,”
said Scott Self, vice president for development and alumni relations.
With its latest fundraising campaign, Honoring Our Past, Shaping Our Future, Bellarmine hopes to leverage a groundswell of pride in
all it has accomplished across its 75 years to prepare for further growth and impact in the future. Support for the campaign, which aims to raise $75 million dollars to celebrate the university’s first 75 years and prepare for the next 75 and
beyond, will secure four priority areas: student success, Catholic identity and mission, workforce impact, and athletics excellence.
“These four pillars guide everything that happens at this university, and they are supported by a foundation of academic excellence through our exceptional faculty,” Self said. “Additional financial resources from our donors will elevate
their effectiveness—ultimately benefiting every member of the Bellarmine community and allowing us to reach beyond boundaries, both physical and metaphorical, to have a greater impact.”
Athletics Excellence
Bellarmine’s Athletics programs unite the community and ignite an undeniable “Knight pride.” As the university continues its inspiring ascent in NCAA Division I athletics, the commitment to its student-athletes
and fans remains paramount. Bellarmine’s student-athletes are true champions, succeeding both on the field of play and in the classroom.
Donor support for Athletics Excellence elevates the student-athlete experience by funding facilities upgrades to match the Division I vision; scholarships, academic services, and essential wellness programs; and travel and competition opportunities that
raise the Knights’ profile on a national stage. Beyond the scoreboard, donors fuel school spirit, campus vibrancy, and a deep sense of belonging that truly defines the Bellarmine experience, creating a legacy of success both on and off the field.
Student Success
At the heart of the university’s mission is the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to flourish. For 75 years, Bellarmine has been a gateway to opportunity for individuals from all walks of life. Today,
this commitment is stronger than ever.
Support for Student Success directly translates into scholarships for first-generation students and others with financial need, emergency aid for unexpected crises, and vital health and mental wellness services. Donor-funded scholarship endowments, such
as the Gauss Family Scholarship fund, support students year after year and are permanent funds at the university. Established in 2013 by alumni Michael ’66 and Marilyn ’73 Gauss, the fund supports high-achieving juniors and seniors majoring
in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, and physics.
Further, programs like the Rev. John D. Deatrick ’55 Knights Pantry and the Knights Closet bridge crucial gaps, ensuring students can focus on their education, leadership development, and lifelong purpose, free from burdens such as financial hardship
and food insecurity. Gifts for Student Success are investments in a student’s future.
- 100% First-year students receiving institutional scholarships
- $31,300 Average amount of institutional support per student
- $39,400
Average amount of aid per student (including institutional, state, and federal sources)
A transformative education should be within reach for all, and thanks to generous scholarships and unique financial aid options, a BU education is often
more affordable than many expect. Key initiatives, such as Public Price Promise, Transfer Pathways, Bellarmine Direct, and more, help support qualifying undergraduates.
Students entering graduate programs also have access to financial support to offset their tuition and other program-related costs, with many specific to the discipline or school. For example, the W. Fielding Rubel School of Business offers the High Achievers
Scholarship and Corporate Scholarships to eligible students. Additionally, students entering health professions programs have the opportunity to apply for a range of private scholarships. Many graduate programs offer assistantships that provide tuition
support, as well.
Workforce Impact
Bellarmine’s graduates don’t just “get jobs;” they lead. With unrivaled career outcomes, an astounding 99% find employment or pursue advanced degrees within six months of graduating — 16% above
the national average. Furthermore, Bellarmine graduates consistently earn more than those from any other Kentucky institution throughout their careers. As an ongoing commitment to their success, the university offers access to free career services,
providing a lifelong network of fellow alumni and dedicated advocates.
Support for Workforce Impact initiatives is critical to this success, as it funds meaningful internships, robust career development programs, and invaluable alumni mentorship. These initiatives help launch emerging academic programs designed to meet evolving
workforce needs in Kentucky and across the nation. From health care to business, education to technology, donor investments empower graduates to thrive in their communities, strengthening the economy, and the future.
Bellarmine’s Career Development Center empowers students and alumni, who are eligible for career services for their lifetime, with experiences and tools for professional success. The center provides access to experiential learning, such as internships,
and offers specific services, including résumé review and mock interviews, to prepare students for their job search. Donor support for the Career Development Center can increase the availability of and access to hands-on learning experiences,
leading to valuable opportunities outside-the-classroom.
The university’s Employer Partnerships and Career Connections efforts have resulted in robust partnerships with some of the region’s largest employers, including Norton Healthcare, Jefferson County Public Schools, and Baptist Health, to provide
real-world experiences and establish career pipelines for graduates. Ongoing collaborations with these and other employers lead to certificate and degree programs to help build stronger talent pools.
These efforts are supported by academic programs that are grounded in the Catholic tradition and the liberal arts and sciences. They are also designed with the flexibility to meet the changing needs of the workforce. A new core curriculum, created by
faculty across all schools and departments, emphasizes experiential learning and community engagement, highlights wellness, and updates foundational courses to be more relevant to today’s learners.
This spirit of innovation extends to online and hybrid learning methods. Since launching its first online degree in 2015, Bellarmine has emerged as an expert in crafting high-quality online and hybrid programs—many aligning with the needs of area
employers, creating an organic pipeline for job placement—that maintain the personal touch.
Catholic Identity & Mission
Bellarmine’s Catholic identity shapes every aspect of the educational experience, fostering an environment where inspired teaching forms ethical, compassionate leaders ready to make a tangible difference in the world.
Donor support for BU’s Catholic Identity and Mission sustains and strengthens the very hallmarks of a Bellarmine education: world-class teaching, transformative mentorship, and vibrant campus ministry. It champions the enduring, inclusive vision
championed by Thomas Merton, ensuring that students are grounded in a well-rounded education and the cherished Catholic intellectual tradition. As a Carnegie-classified institution, Bellarmine is committed to community engagement, boasting nearly
20,000 hours of student community service annually.
To elevate and enhance this commitment, a group of BU alumni and friends recently established the Mother Teresa of Calcutta Legacy Fund to support student experiences, with a preference for experiential, service-oriented learning opportunities such as
Alternative Spring Break and Find-Your-Faith retreats. This endowment also recognizes the pivotal role played by the late Michael E. Nabicht ’68 in bringing Mother Teresa to visit Louisville and Bellarmine’s campus in 1982.
Broadly, charitable support enables faculty innovation, expands the focus on belonging and purpose through the IMPACT initiative, and enriches spiritual life and interfaith dialogue on campus. Gifts directly support Bellarmine’s ability to continue
to shape students into lifelong learners and ethical decision-makers.