Bellarmine University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Bellarmine University, a private Catholic institution in Louisville, Kentucky, has a rich history of producing accomplished graduates who have made significant contributions in various fields. Founded in 1950 by Archbishop John A. Floersh of the Archdiocese of Louisville, the university has grown from a small college to a comprehensive doctoral university, fostering a tradition of academic excellence and community engagement. This article highlights some of Bellarmine's notable alumni and their achievements.
The Alumnus of the Year Award
Since 1962, Bellarmine University has recognized outstanding alumni through the Alumnus of the Year award. This prestigious award is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated a profound commitment to the university's growth, exhibited integrity in their personal lives, earned the respect of their peers, and utilized their talents to enhance their communities.
Notable Recipients
The list of Alumnus/a of the Year recipients includes:
- Bill Rybak '73 (2024-2025): Recognized for his contributions and dedication to Bellarmine.
- Dr. Mushtaque Juneja '00 MBA (2023-2024): Celebrated for his achievements and commitment to the university.
- John F. Lansing ’09/’21H (2022-2023): Honored for his notable accomplishments and service.
- Barry E. Fields ’88 (2021-2022): Acknowledged for his significant impact and dedication.
- Dr. Marian Swope '69, '15 HON (2020-2021): Recognized for her contributions to the university and community.
- Steve Mullins '84 MBA (2019-2020): Honored for his professional achievements and dedication.
- Jesse Flynn '71 (2018-2019): Celebrated for his success and commitment to Bellarmine.
- Ralph Gronefeld '81 (2017-2018): Recognized for his outstanding contributions.
- Sharon Des Jarlais '72 (2016-2017): Honored for her achievements and service.
- Raymond G. Strothman '67 (2015-2016): Acknowledged for his significant impact.
- Creighton Mershon ’63 (2014-2015): Celebrated for his dedication and accomplishments.
- Nicholas Carosi, III ’69 & Virginia Osborne Carosi ‘70 (2013-2014): Recognized for their joint contributions and commitment.
- Susan M. Cameron '87 MBA (2012-2013): Honored for her professional success and dedication.
- Thomas L. Thomas, Sr. ’76 (2011-2012): Acknowledged for his significant impact and service.
- Mike Hobbs ’71,’83 MBA (2010-2011): Celebrated for his achievements and contributions to Bellarmine.
- Angela Mason ’80 (2009-2010): Recognized for her outstanding accomplishments.
- Joan Riehm ’67 (2008-2009): Honored for her dedication and service.
- Bradford T. Ray ’81 (2007-2008): Acknowledged for his significant impact and commitment.
- Lois Taurman ’83/’85 (2006-2007): Celebrated for her achievements and contributions.
- Ernest S. “Camp” Edwards ‘61 (2005-2006): Recognized for his outstanding accomplishments.
- Don Mucci ’81 (2004-2005): Honored for his dedication and service.
- Dr. Tony Vuturo ’62 (2003-2004): Acknowledged for his significant impact and commitment.
- James Wagoner ‘72 (2002-2003): Celebrated for his achievements and contributions.
- W. James Lintner, Jr. ’71 (2001-2002): Recognized for his outstanding accomplishments.
- Leonard M. Spalding, Jr. ‘59 (2000-2001): Honored for his dedication and service.
- Dr. Charles L. Thiemann '59 (1999-2000): Acknowledged for his significant impact and commitment.
- Patrick A. Thompson ‘62 (1998-1999): Celebrated for his achievements and contributions.
- Dr. Bernard F. Thiemann ‘62 (1997-1998): Recognized for his outstanding accomplishments.
- Joseph P. Clayton '71 (1996-1997): Honored for his dedication and service.
- W. Roger Drury '69 (1995-1996): Acknowledged for his significant impact and commitment.
- Randolph Reynolds '67 (1994-1995): Celebrated for his achievements and contributions.
- Robert G. Stallings '65 (1993-1994): Recognized for his outstanding accomplishments.
- Judge David T. Stosberg '68 (1992-1993): Honored for his dedication and service.
- Dr. Linda Hood Gleis '74 (1991-1992): Acknowledged for her significant impact and commitment.
- James E. Stammerman '61 (1990-1991): Celebrated for his achievements and contributions.
- John E. Tobe '62 (1989-1990): Recognized for his outstanding accomplishments.
- Steve H. Magre '72 (1988-1989): Honored for his dedication and service.
- Barbara Golden Cambron '67 (1987-1988): Acknowledged for her significant impact and commitment.
- Kaelin M. Rybak '74 (1986-1987): Celebrated for her achievements and contributions.
- Jim McCabe '57 (1985-1986): Recognized for his outstanding accomplishments.
- Ray Schuhmann '68 (1984-1985): Honored for his dedication and service.
- Mary Anne Fueglein '35 (1983-1984): Acknowledged for her significant impact and commitment.
- Michael E. Nabicht '68 (1982-1983): Celebrated for his achievements and contributions.
- Dr. Morton L. Kasdan '59 (1981-1982): Recognized for his outstanding accomplishments.
- Sr. M. Angelice Seibert '47 (1980-1981): Honored for her dedication and service.
- Fr. John D. Deatrick '55 (1979-1980): Acknowledged for his significant impact and commitment.
- Robert P. Benson '65 (1978-1979): Celebrated for his achievements and contributions.
- Bernard F. Block '58 (1977-1978): Recognized for his outstanding accomplishments.
- Bernard G. Erskine '54 (1976-1977): Honored for his dedication and service.
- Fr. Clyde F. Crews '66 (1975-1976): Acknowledged for his significant impact and commitment.
- George W. Dumstorf, Jr. '63 (1974-1975): Celebrated for his achievements and contributions.
- Eugene L. Mosley '64 (1973-1974): Recognized for his outstanding accomplishments.
- Dr. Robert O'Connor '54 (1972-1973): Honored for his dedication and service.
- David J. Thompson, Jr. '59 (1971-1972): Acknowledged for his significant impact and commitment.
- W. Windell Bowles, Jr. '57 (1970-1971): Celebrated for his achievements and contributions.
- Mary Anne Rickert '56 (1969-1970): Recognized for her outstanding accomplishments.
- Maurice J. Buchart, Jr. '56 (1968-1969): Honored for his dedication and service.
- John J. Ford '54 (1967-1968): Acknowledged for his significant impact and commitment.
- Alvin I. Cassidy '54 (1966-1967): Celebrated for his achievements and contributions.
- G. Edwin Hamilton, Jr. '56 (1965-1966): Recognized for his outstanding accomplishments.
- David L. Chervenak '58 (1964-1965): Honored for his dedication and service.
- Henry G. Ellert '54 (1963-1964): Acknowledged for his significant impact and commitment.
- John O. Kampschaefer, Jr. (1962-1963): The inaugural recipient of the Alumnus of the Year award.
Alumni Honored at the 59th Annual Alumni Association Awards Dinner
Bellarmine University recognizes alumni achievements through the Alumni Association Awards Dinner. At the 59th Annual Alumni Association Awards Dinner, held on September 16, 2021, eight individuals were honored for their professional accomplishments, community service, and embodiment of Bellarmine’s values.
Award Recipients
- Dr. Marian Swope ’69, ’15 Hon.: Clinical Professor of Psychiatry for the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, member of the Bellarmine Board of Trustees since July 1995, and chair of the Student Life & Mission Committee since 2017. Inducted into Bellarmine’s Gallery of Distinguished Graduates in 1994 and received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in 2015.
- Michael E. Cowherd ’82, ’01 MBA: Senior Manager of Environmental Performance-Global Production at Brown-Forman Corporation. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry and his Master of Business Administration Degree from Bellarmine University.
- Bob Zimlich ’81, ’87 MBA: Former Vice President of Administration and Finance at Bellarmine University. He played a strategic role in Bellarmine’s progress from a small liberal arts college to a comprehensive doctoral university.
- Susan Diamond ’95: Chief Financial Officer of Humana. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Bellarmine College.
- Jennifer Bielstein ’11 MBA: Executive Director of American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco & President of the League of Resident Theatres.
- Marshall Bradley, Jr. ’81, ’86 MBA: President, Lincoln Foundation of Louisville. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration from Bellarmine.
- Dr. Steven T. Hester ’07 MBA: Norton Healthcare, Division President and System Chief Medical Officer. He holds an MBA from Bellarmine.
- Dr. David R. Smith ’71: Retired Associate Professor at US Naval Academy, former Chair of the Oceanography Department. He graduated summa cum laude from Bellarmine with a degree in Mathematics.
Notable Alumni Spotlight
Bellarmine University boasts a diverse array of alumni who have excelled in various fields. Here are a few notable examples:
Read also: Bellarmine Preparatory School Costs
- John Young Brown III: Former Secretary of State of Kentucky.
- Dapo Fagbenle: London-based music video director and entertainer.
- Joseph P. Clayton: A distinguished alumnus who has made significant contributions to his field.
Read also: Bellarmine University Bookstore
Read also: Tuition at Bellarmine
tags: #bellarmine #university #notable #alumni
