Athletics Month of Giving raises more than $324,000, fueling Bellarmine’s campaign momentum

Bellarmine University's 2025 Athletics Month of Giving generated more than $324,000 from 530 donors, marking one of the most successful crowdsourced athletics fundraising initiatives in university history. The effort, which ran from Sept. 4 to Oct. 4, reflects both the enthusiasm of Bellarmine's alumni and the growing momentum of the university's $75 million comprehensive campaign.

The 2025 total number of donors represents a 46% increase from last year, demonstrating strong enthusiasm around Bellarmine Athletics. Gifts from alumni, families, fans, and community members will directly enhance the student-athlete experience, supporting scholarships, equipment, travel, and team development opportunities.

"The generosity we've seen during Athletics Month of Giving speaks volumes about the pride our community feels in Bellarmine Athletics," said Scott Wiegandt, Bellarmine's director of athletics. "Every gift of any size directly enhances the student-athlete experience by supporting scholarships, training, travel, and the resources our teams need to compete at the highest level. Our donors are helping us shape not only champions in their sports, but also ethical leaders who carry the values of Bellarmine into everything they do."

This year's Athletics Month of Giving also highlights the leadership of the Bellarmine B Club, the university's athletics giving society, whose volunteers and former student-athletes continue to inspire participation and philanthropy.

Kristy Leonard '00, who competed in volleyball and golf and now serves as one of the B Club chairs, shared her perspective on giving back to the program that shaped her and her husband, Chris Leonard '00, who ran track at Bellarmine.

"We donate to Bellarmine Athletics because it forged my character and fueled my success," said Kristy Leonard. "Balancing training and academics, navigating wins and losses, and building unbreakable team bonds taught me resilience, leadership, and drive - qualities I credit for both my personal and professional achievements. By giving, I help ensure today's student-athletes have access to the same transformative opportunities to grow, excel, and carry Bellarmine's spirit forward."

Funds raised through Athletics Month of Giving advance the Athletics Excellence pillar of Bellarmine's recently launched $75 million comprehensive campaign, titled "Honoring our Past, Shaping our Future." The campaign's four pillars - Student Success, Catholic Identity & Mission, Workforce Impact, and Athletics Excellence - reflect Bellarmine's holistic approach to educating students in mind, body, and spirit while preparing them for meaningful lives and rewarding careers.

The continued success of Athletics Month of Giving underscores the dedication of Bellarmine's alumni, fans, and friends in fueling the university's next era of excellence.

For more information about supporting Bellarmine Athletics through the Knights Athletics Association, visit https://www.bellarmine.edu/kaa.

For more information about Bellarmine's $75 million campaign, visit https://www.bellarmine.edu/75.