Bellarmine University Magazine 2026
Featured Story: A Servant Leader
President Donovan Set to Retire in 2027
In April, Dr. Susan M. Donovan announced plans to retire at the conclusion of her contract in the summer of 2027. Her departure will mark a decade of transformative leadership that has strengthened the university’s mission, expanded opportunities for students, and positioned Bellarmine for continued success.
Donovan, who became the university’s fourth president in 2017, has led a period of strategic growth and national recognition, anchored by a steadfast commitment to student success and academic excellence, informed by the Catholic intellectual tradition.
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Guiding Faith and Community: Inside the Spiritual Peer Mentor Program
Spiritual Peer Mentors (SPMs) are student leaders who foster connection, reflection, and spiritual growth in Bellarmine’s residence halls. Through Agape Chats, small groups, and programs, SPMs offer compassionate support and help students explore faith, purpose, and personal growth while honoring diverse traditions.
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Steeped in History and Family Tradition
Doug Davenport’s Bellarmine roots span two decades. A 2010 graduate and former Knights player, he spent nine years as an assistant coach before becoming head coach in 2025-26. In his first season, Davenport led Bellarmine to a 13-19 record, an eight-win improvement over the previous year, and an ASUN Tournament victory. Now, he’s carrying forward the Bellarmine Basketball tradition while building a legacy of his own.
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With Gratitude and Great Hope
As she begins her final year as Bellarmine’s president, Dr. Donovan reflects on the university’s 75-year history, the past decade's progress and accomplishments, and the community that makes Bellarmine unique. She celebrates Bellarmine’s commitment to student success, opportunity, service and the Catholic liberal arts tradition while looking ahead with optimism to the university’s next chapter.
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Mission, Purpose, and the Pursuit of Truth
In a rapidly changing world shaped by artificial intelligence, social division, and growing challenges to well-being, Bellarmine University remains grounded in its Catholic mission and commitment to the search for truth. Through the liberal arts, academic freedom, and meaningful experiences inside and outside the classroom, Bellarmine forms students in mind, body, and spirit—helping them explore purpose, vocation, ethics, and meaning.
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Leveling the Playing Field
Jonathan Smith ’14 and Catie Smith ’14, MAEd’17 established the Patricia Garrett Family Testing Support Endowment to help Bellarmine students cover standardized testing and preparation costs as they pursue graduate and professional degrees. Inspired by their own Bellarmine experience, the Smiths are helping ensure financial barriers don’t stand between talented students and their career goals.
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2026 Knight of Excellence
Bellarmine University will celebrate its most loyal supporters and honor distinguished members of the Bellarmine community at the annual Knight of Excellence celebration on Sept. 24, 2026, at The Galt House Hotel. The event recognizes outstanding alumni, friends and graduates while raising funds for student scholarships and financial aid. Learn more about this year’s honorees and how you can support the Knight of Excellence Scholarship Fund.
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Connection & Commitment
Though not a Bellarmine alumnus, James J. Heck’s connection to the university is deeply rooted in his family. His parents met at Bellarmine, and inspired by their legacy, James established a scholarship supporting first-generation female science students. Today, he serves as a trustee and campaign cabinet member, helping shape a future of opportunity for Bellarmine students.
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Q&A with Dedric Tupper ’13 - Alumni Board President
Meet Bellarmine’s new Alumni Board president and learn about his vision for strengthening connections across the Bellarmine community. From fostering a deeper sense of “home” for alumni to expanding mentorship and professional development opportunities, discover how his Bellarmine experience continues to shape his leadership and commitment to the university.
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A Letter from the Director
As a new academic year begins, Bellarmine’s Director of Alumni and Constituent Relations reflects on the connections, programs and people that continue to strengthen the Bellarmine alumni community. From the Alumni Student Mentor Program and welcoming the Class of 2026 to new team members and upcoming Reunion Knight celebrations, discover how Knights stay connected, support one another and carry the Bellarmine experience forward.
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Jon Meacham to deliver 2026 Wyatt Lecture
Pulitzer Prize–winning author and presidential historian Jon Meacham will headline Bellarmine University’s 2026 Wyatt Lecture Series on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 6 p.m. in Frazier Hall. Known for bringing history to life, Meacham offers insightful perspectives on leadership, democracy and the forces shaping America today.
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AI, for Goodness’ Sake
What if artificial intelligence could do more than make our lives easier? This thought-provoking piece explores how AI might reflect the best of humanity: dignity, kindness, social responsibility, and hospitality, to address real-world challenges such as loneliness, education, and access to care. As AI continues to evolve, the article asks an important question: What values should we teach tomorrow’s technology?
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Honoring Our Past, Shaping Our Future
For 75 years, Bellarmine University has transformed lives and shaped ethical leaders. Honoring Our Past, Shaping Our Future is a $75 million campaign investing in student success, our Catholic mission, workforce impact and athletics excellence, building a stronger Bellarmine for generations to come.
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The Bellarmine Impact
IMPACT connects classroom learning with real-world experiences, meaningful relationships, and personal growth—helping Bellarmine students discover their purpose and prepare for a successful future.
Read the full storyKnights Abroad: Fields of Valor — The Inaugural Journey
Twenty-five alumni and friends joined Bellarmine’s inaugural Knights Abroad journey to Normandy and Paris in June 2026. Led by military historian Michael Wade, the group explored the historic sites of D-Day, honored the legacy of those who served, and experienced the rich history and culture of Normandy and Paris together.
Read the full storyIn Memory
This section of Bellarmine Magazine pays tribute to the lives and legacies of members of the Bellarmine community who have passed away.
Read the full storyClass Notes
Class Notes is a place where Bellarmine alumni can share updates about career milestones, new jobs, growing families and other exciting life events.
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