Among the many factors that make Bellarmine such a special place is the real sense of community. One can feel the presence of goodness throughout our campus: in our classrooms, on the fields, on stage, and in the quad. This spirit is also manifest in the various service projects in which our students, faculty/staff, alumni and parents are involved, from immersion trips and urban plunges to tutoring and assisting local nonprofit agencies for the benefit of others.
In addition to sharing immeasurable gifts of time and talent, the financial generosity of others has enabled Bellarmine to provide unparalleled academic and co-curricular programs, has allowed 24 percent of our students to receive a Jesuit education through support from financial aid, and has permitted the enhancement of the Bellarmine experience for our students through new facilities made possible by the Campaign for the 21st Century.
In this creative environment, our students are exposed to a rigorous curriculum, challenged throughout their lives to care for the needs of others, taught to be men of reflection and prayer, encouraged to undertake challenges and to exercise their leadership skills. It is a vibrant environment charged with creative energy and a belief in pursuing goodness itself.
I thank you for your sacrifices and your generosity which enables Bellarmine to fulfill its mission of preparing young minds and hearts to meet the challenges of our world.
In that spirit, I offer St. Ignatius's prayer for generosity:
Lord, teach me to be generous;
To serve you as you deserve,
To give and not count the cost,
To fight and not to heed the wounds,
To toil and not to ask for rest,
To labor and not to ask for any reward,
Except to know it is your will I am doing.
Amen.
Paul G. Sheridan, S.J.
President