by Jessica Able
Tucked into the rhythms of residence hall life, Bellarmine’s Spiritual Peer Mentors serve as a steady, approachable presence for students seeking meaning, connection, and support. Living alongside their peers, they offer spiritual and religious resources, foster conversations about faith and purpose, and act as ambassadors for the Campus Ministry Office.
At the heart of the Spiritual Peer Mentor (SPM) program is a commitment to support the holistic growth of every student — body, mind, and spirit. Rooted in this mission, mentors cultivate a compassionate and approachable presence in the dorms, meeting students where they are on their faith journeys.
Through one-on-one conversations (called Agape Chats), thoughtfully planned programs, and small group Scripture studies, SPMs create spaces for reflection, dialogue, and deeper spiritual engagement. They encourage students to explore and grow in their personal faith while honoring the diversity of religious traditions represented on campus. Whether by offering a listening ear, connecting peers to resources, or inviting them into Campus Ministry initiatives, these mentors help foster a community where students feel supported, seen, and inspired to grow.
Luis Alvarez, a sophomore finance major, said he was drawn to the SPM program because of his own experience with an SPM during his freshman year.
“He helped me grow spiritually, as well as mentally and personally. The way he guided and supported me had a lasting effect, and it inspired me to want the same for others,” he said. “That experience has shaped me by pushing me to be more intentional about my faith and how I support those around me.”
Baije Bell, a junior neuroscience major, said being an SPM has taught her how to better express her thoughts and positions.
“I have learned how to express myself properly and clearly, as well as learning how to be a better advocate for myself when expressing my opinions,” Bell said. “I’ve developed confidence through communication.”
The program is a natural extension of Bellarmine University’s mission to educate students in mind, body, and spirit while fostering a commitment to service and the common good. By accompanying their peers in the dorms and on campus, mentors bring this mission to life in tangible ways — encouraging reflection, promoting compassion, and creating spaces where students can explore meaning and purpose.
Through their work, Spiritual Peer Mentors embody Bellarmine’s Catholic identity and its call to form individuals who are not only academically prepared but also grounded in values, attentive to others’ needs, and committed to building a more just and humane world.
Jessica Able is assistant director of Bellarmine’s Campus Ministry Office.