Thanks to Bellarmine supporters, the university raised more than $315,500 for individual teams and general athletics through the month-long Champion the Knights campaign. The total was a record for the campaign, now in its third year, which raises money to enhance the student-athlete experience.
“I am proud to be a student-athlete at Bellarmine and want to extend my gratitude to all who donated to the Champion the Knights campaign,” said Abby Hodges, an Exercise Science major who plays Field Hockey. “Because of your investment in our teams and programs, each team has made huge strides in just our third year of Division 1 competition. It is because of the support from generous donors that we benefit from the excellent training, coaching and care necessary for us to be successful on the field and in the classroom.”
This grassroots campaign activated student-athletes as well as individual athletic programs. Teams asked for gifts from parents, family, alumni and friends.
With $31,420, Lacrosse raised the highest dollar amount for a team.
“The support provided by the alumni, parents and friends of Bellarmine Lacrosse is critical to the development of our program and our ability to compete on a national stage,” said Andrew Whitley, head coach of Bellarmine’s Lacrosse team. “The financial support allows us to play a schedule of games in 10 states, including our trip over spring break to play at Marist and against Bucknell in a neutral site game in Connecticut. I am grateful for the commitment from our supporters which enables us to advance the Bellarmine University mission and allows the Lacrosse program to be a tremendous representation of all that the university has to offer.”
The swim team, led by John Brucato, had more than 50 gifts, the most gifts of any team.
“We are grateful for the support we have received since the program's inception ten years ago,” Brucato said. “Since 2012, we have built a strong family based on the belief that everyone has a place and role on our team. I want to thank the alumni, family and friends of the Bellarmine Swim Team for supporting us. We will be using the majority of the donations to help fund our annual training trip.”
It's not too late to make your gift. Click here to give online or contact Margaret Zurkuhlen, Director of Development, Parent Philanthropy and Special Projects, at mzurkuhlen@bellarmine.edu.