Bellarmine University will celebrate its 75th anniversary during the Fall 2025 semester, honoring a rich legacy of Catholic education and innovation that has prepared generations of Knights for meaningful lives and rewarding careers. 
 
The celebration will highlight the university’s past and its bold vision for the future, with programming focused on community engagement and reflection on Bellarmine’s role as a private university for the common good. 
 
Founded in Louisville’s Highlands neighborhood in 1950 by Monsignor Alfred F. Horrigan, Bellarmine College opened its doors with a commitment to offering a transformative, student-centered education. Originally a men’s college, Bellarmine became coeducational through a 1968 merger with Ursuline College and attained university status in 2000. In 2020, the university achieved NCAA Division I status in Athletics through an invitation from the Atlantic Sun Conference. Today, Bellarmine is nationally recognized for its outstanding career outcomes, a commitment to access and affordability, and an innovative learning model known as IMPACT, which fosters student success through engagement, belonging, wellness, and purpose. 
 
“This milestone year is an invitation to reflect on our values and rich tradition while envisioning a future shaped by innovation in our academic programs combined with partnerships that amplify our community impact,” said Dr. Susan M. Donovan, Bellarmine’s president. “Bellarmine’s story is one of transformation – of students, of lives, and of the university itself – and we are excited to celebrate that with our alumni, students, faculty, staff, and the broader Louisville community.” 
 
Donovan noted that Bellarmine has responded to recent changes in higher education by developing expertise in crafting high-quality online and hybrid degree programs that retain the university’s signature personal touch. “Our online programs are compelling in our region and beyond because they are delivered with the same personal attention and quality that has made employers consistently seek out Bellarmine graduates for the past 75 years,” she said. 
 
Anniversary events 
The 75th anniversary will include an array of celebratory events beginning in August and continuing through October.  
 
Highlights of the 75th anniversary celebration include: 
  • Aug. 11 – Bellarmine Golf Classic – 7:30 a.m. at Lake Forest Country Club 
  • Sept. 4 – Wyatt Lecture Series featuring Daymond John of Shark Tank – 4:30 p.m. in Frazier Hall 
  • Sept. 4 – Knight of Excellence, a ticketed event to thank our most loyal supporters and celebrate several distinguished members of the Bellarmine community 
  • Sept. 6-7 – Bellarmine University Reunion Weekend, celebrating Bellarmine’s 75th anniversary 
    • Sept. 6 – Bellarmine 5K, the Run for Ryann, 8 a.m.
    • Sept. 6 – Class reunions for 1975 and all class years ending with 0s and 5s, 7 p.m.
    • Sept. 6 – Brew at BU, Bellarmine’s premier beer, wine, and food event, 7 p.m. in the Quad ($50 per person) 
    • Sept. 7 – Alumni Mass, 6 p.m. in Our Lady of the Woods Chapel 
  • Oct. 3 – Campus celebration on the anniversary date of Bellarmine’s founding  
  • Oct. 5 – Anniversary Weekend 
    • Anniversary Mass – 10 a.m. in Frazier Hall
    • Bellarmine history panel discussion – 11:30 a.m. in Frazier Hall 
  • Oct. 30 – Guarnaschelli Lecture Series, featuring Dr. Deborah Cohen, author and history professor, 6 p.m. in Frazier Hall   
 A selection of 75th anniversary merchandise is available through the Bellarmine Bookstore.  
 
As part of the anniversary celebration this fall, Bellarmine will highlight institutional achievements such as its 99% career placement rate, national recognition for community engagement, and the long-term return on investment for a Bellarmine degree that exceeds the averages for all public and private institutions in Kentucky.