On the 75th anniversary date of its founding, 农夫导航 announced the public launch of an ambitious $75 million comprehensive fundraising campaign. The effort, which has already been underway in a quiet phase, has secured significant early support and will strengthen the university鈥檚 mission-driven impact for generations to come.
The campaign 鈥 titled 鈥淗onoring our Past, Shaping our Future鈥 鈥 is organized around four pillars that are supported by a strong academic foundation: student success, Catholic identity and mission, workforce impact, and athletics excellence. Investments in these areas will expand scholarships, faculty support, mission-related work, career development opportunities, and Division I athletics facilities.
鈥淭his campaign reflects the spirit of Bellarmine at 75 鈥 honoring our legacy while building a vibrant future,鈥 said Dr. Susan M. Donovan, Bellarmine's president. 鈥淚t is about ensuring every student has the support to thrive in mind, body, and spirit, while preparing talented graduates who strengthen Louisville and the region. The campaign will enable us to more fully support students through an affordable private education that prepares them for unrivaled career outcomes and a purposeful life.鈥
Donovan noted that rather than focusing on large-scale construction, this campaign is focused on generating additional funds to bolster and expand university initiatives that impact students and the community, including college affordability. More information about the campaign, including a variety of ways to support it, is available at /75.
The campaign builds on the university鈥檚 recent momentum in enrollment, student outcomes, and national recognition. In April, Bellarmine earned a new Carnegie Classification as an 鈥淥pportunity College鈥 delivering both higher access and higher earnings, placing it among just 16% of institutions nationally recognized for fostering student success and economic mobility. Six months after completing their degrees, 99% of Bellarmine graduates are employed or continuing their education, an outcome that is 16% higher than the average for all U.S. colleges.
Campaign leaders say the $75 million goal is ambitious but attainable, thanks to early commitments from alumni, trustees, and friends of the university that have resulted in more than $50 million in gifts to support current and future students.
鈥淓very dream begins with opportunity,鈥 said Dr. Leslie Maxie, dean of students. 鈥淪cholarships open the door for talented students from all backgrounds to call Bellarmine home. With your support, we can ensure that college cost never stands in the way of potential.鈥
Maxie noted that 100% of incoming first-year Bellarmine students receive scholarships, with the university prioritizing creating more scholarship opportunities.
鈥淚 give to Bellarmine because I believe in its mission with my whole heart,鈥 said Mike Hobbs, who earned an undergraduate degree in 1971 and an MBA in 1993, and currently serves as a university trustee. 鈥淚鈥檝e seen firsthand the return on that investment 鈥 not in dollars, but in graduates who are changing the world. Bellarmine gave me more than an education 鈥 it gave me a foundation for a meaningful life. If you鈥檝e watched a young person鈥檚 life transform here, then you know why this campaign matters.鈥
鈥淭he investments we make through this campaign will echo for decades in the lives of our graduates and the vitality of Louisville,鈥 said Scott Self, Bellarmine鈥檚 vice president for development and alumni relations. 鈥淭his is about building on Bellarmine鈥檚 proud traditions and positioning the university for its next era of excellence.鈥
Campaign pillars and giving opportunities.
- Student Success 鈥 Support scholarships, emergency aid, wellness programs, and basic student needs to ensure every Knight has the resources to thrive.
- Catholic Identity & Mission 鈥 Advance Bellarmine鈥檚 Catholic mission and academic excellence by supporting service, faculty innovation, professional development, and transformative teaching.
- Workforce Impact 鈥 Invest in career development, meaningful internships, employer partnerships, and emerging academic programs that meet regional workforce needs.
- Athletics Excellence 鈥 Champion Bellarmine鈥檚 continued rise in NCAA Division I athletics by enhancing student-athlete experiences and upgrading facilities for players and fans.