Dr. John Gatton
Friend and colleague Dr. John Gatton passed away on March 11 after a brief illness. He taught in Bellarmine’s Department of English from 1989 to 2018, and then returned to teach a Shakespeare course.
Dr. Gatton received his undergraduate degree from Catholic University, his master’s from the University of Dublin, and his Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky. His scholarly interests, beyond Shakespeare, included drama, Lord Byron, Oscar Wilde, Vampire Literature, and Natalie Barney, whose work he translated from French. He was beloved by generations of students, receiving the faculty member/Teacher of the Year Award at Bellarmine multiple times.
Dr. Gatton developed a passion for theatre at a very young age, a passion that stayed with him throughout his lifetime. As a child, he was part of the Louisville Children’s Theatre (now StageOne) and appeared in Kentucky Shakespeare productions during its early years for 10 summer seasons. He was also a member of acting communities in South America, Dublin, and Paris. While a faculty member at Bellarmine, he directed 13 theatre productions. As much as he loved acting and directing, he was also an avid audience member for theatre productions, opera, and film.
From its founding in 1989, John served as faculty advisor to Ariel, Bellarmine’s literary club, and its literary magazine Ariel. With insight and wisdom so typical of him, he made sure all the editors over the years maintained editorial control, while always being there to advise and assist when needed. One of his service passions outside of Bellarmine was the Kentucky Branch of the English-Speaking Union, where he served in several capacities, including on the board of directors, for almost 20 years. Recently, he served as an officer of the Byron Society of America and took great joy in attending their international conferences.
One colleague called Dr. Gatton “an elegant and gifted man who touched so many.”
Former students reflect on him as “a gentle soul” and “an absolute light.” One shared memories of being “a homesick, awkward freshman” and finding that “his door was always open. Made me feel special, always.” Another referred to “John’s glorious life,” and shared that John recently said to him, “I have lived a good life.”
His wisdom, kindness, and generosity are legendary.
—Kathy Lyons
Dr. J. Milburn “Mil” Thompson
Joseph Milburn “Mil” Thompson, ’77, of Louisville, passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025.
Dr. Thompson was a dedicated professor, esteemed author, and passionate advocate for justice and ethics. He served as a professor of theology at Bellarmine University from 2001 to 2014, and previously taught Religious Studies at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, Conn., from 1982 to 2001.
A scholar and writer, Dr. Thompson authored Introducing Catholic Social Thought and Justice and Peace: A Christian Primer, both of which received first-place awards for educational books from the Catholic Press Association. His deep commitment to issues of peace and justice extended beyond academia—he was an active member of the Peace and Justice Committee for the Archdiocese of Louisville and contributed his expertise to ethics committees for hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home care agencies.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Thompson found joy in reading, writing, and traveling. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, MaryAnn Thompson, and a cherished brother to Kevin Thompson (Kathleen, recently deceased) and Angel Smedley (Bob), as well as to many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Milburn Sr. and Dorothy Thompson.
Dr. Thompson’s legacy lives on through his contributions to theological education, his advocacy for justice, and the many lives he touched as a teacher, mentor, and friend.