Bellarmine University's Legacy of Excellence and a Bold Vision for the Future
This year marks an extraordinary milestone for Bellarmine University – our 75th anniversary. Since our founding in 1950 as an all-men’s Catholic college on a quiet hill in Louisville’s Highlands neighborhood, Bellarmine has grown, evolved, struggled at times, and ultimately thrived. We became coeducational through our 1968 merger with Ursuline College, expanded our campus, added new academic programs to meet the region’s needs, rose to the high standard of NCAA Division I athletics, and most recently earned national recognition as an “Opportunity College and University – Higher Access, Higher Earnings” from the Carnegie Foundation, reflecting our focus on transformational student outcomes. Through every change, we have remained rooted in our mission: to educate students – mind, body, and spirit – for meaningful lives, rewarding careers, ethical leadership, and service to improve the human condition.
When I arrived at Bellarmine in 2017 after more than three decades at another Catholic university, I quickly recognized something distinctive here: a unique com-bination of academic excellence, personal attention, and deep commitment to com-munity. Bellarmine is not just a place where students earn degrees. It is a place where they are known, supported, and inspired to make a difference. In an era of rapid change in higher education, Bellarmine’s blend of a Catholic liberal arts foundation and career-aligned preparation is more relevant – and more needed – than ever. That we are creat-ing upward economic ability for so many students like me who represent the first generation in their families to complete a college degree is a meaningful contribution to the vitality of our region.
“Honoring Our Past, Shaping Our Future – to strengthen every dimension of the Bellarmine experience and more deeply engage the Louisville community.”
As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, we are also looking boldly to Bellarmine’s future. This fall, we are launching an ambitious capital campaign: a $75 million investment in student success, Catholic identity and mission, workforce impact, and athletics excellence. These priorities reflect both who we are and who we aspire to be over the next 75 years. They will ensure that Bellarmine remains a place of opportunity and transformation for generations to come.
In this issue of Bellarmine Magazine, you’ll find stories that honor our rich history – from the vision of our founding president, Msgr. Alfred Horrigan, to defining moments that shaped our campus culture. You’ll read what I believe is a compelling case for launching our new capital campaign – which we’re calling “Honoring Our Past, Shaping Our Future” – to strengthen every dimension of the Bellarmine experience and more deeply engage the Louisville community. I hope you will see yourself in these pages, whether you arrived on campus decades ago or more recently crossed the Commencement stage.
Our alumni are central to the work of shaping our future. You are our proudest legacy and our most powerful advocates. You can shape Bellarmine’s future by making a gift, serving as a volunteer mentor, hiring an intern, opening doors for partner-ships in your workplace, or simply sharing your Bellarmine story in your community. Every act of engagement strengthens the network that lifts our students and extends our mission far beyond campus.
As we honor our past and build our future, I am deeply grateful for the role you play in Bellarmine’s ongoing story. Together, we can ensure that the next 75 years are marked by the same spirit of excellence, service, and community impact that has guided us since 1950.