At Bellarmine, the Honors Program is defined not only by academic rigor, but also by a strong sense of community. Honors students learn together, but they also connect, collaborate, and build relationships that extend well beyond the classroom.
From the first semester onward, students become part of a close-knit network of peers, faculty, and staff who support one another’s intellectual curiosity and personal growth.
Honors Community Life
The Honors Program hosts a wide range of social and community-building events throughout the year, both on campus and beyond. These gatherings are designed to help students connect in relaxed, welcoming settings and to foster a sense of belonging within the program.
Annual and recurring events include activities such as ice cream socials, picnics, game nights, and informal gatherings in Honors spaces on campus. Monthly Honors Luncheons are a long-standing tradition, offering students the chance to share a meal with faculty and other students while catching up on what’s happening in the program.
In addition to program-organized events, the Honors Student Advisory Board plays an active role in shaping community life. Board members help plan social events and initiatives that reflect student interests and contribute to a vibrant Honors culture.
Honors Spaces on Campus
Honors students have access to a dedicated gathering space, the Honors Lounge, located in the library. The lounge sits alongside faculty offices and just outside a dedicated Honors classroom where many Honors courses are taught. Together, this shared space serves as a hub for studying, conversation, meetings, and informal community building throughout the year.
Many students also choose to live in Honors housing. Floors in the Siena Complex are reserved for Honors students, creating a living-learning environment where academic conversations and friendships naturally overlap.
Speakers and Intellectual Community
Community in Honors also means shared intellectual engagement. From time to time, the program hosts guest speakers and campus events that invite students to encounter new perspectives and connect their coursework to broader social, cultural, and global conversations.
These events provide opportunities for dialogue beyond the classroom and help students see how ideas travel across disciplines and into the wider world.
Staying Connected
Information about Honors events, guest speakers, and opportunities is shared regularly through the weekly Honors newsletter and on Knights Engage. Students are encouraged to stay connected through these channels to make the most of what the program offers.
More Than Classes
Whether it’s a picnic in the park, a lunch with faculty, a late-night study session with hallmates, or a conversation sparked by a guest speaker, Honors students build a community grounded in curiosity, collaboration, and mutual support.
Students leave the Honors Program not only with a strong academic foundation, but also with lasting friendships and a sense of connection that continues well beyond their time at Bellarmine.