Louisville, Kentucky, November 25, 2025
Bellarmine University has announced a significant estate gift of nearly $500,000 from alumna Dr. Marian A. Swope to fund its Counseling Center. This donation supports student mental health services and enhances the university’s fundraising goals, contributing to their comprehensive campaign aimed at bettering student success, Catholic identity, and overall wellness.
Bellarmine University Receives $500K Gift to Fund Counseling Center
Dr. Marian A. Swope’s estate gift supports student well-being and enhances university’s fundraising goals.
Louisville, Kentucky – In a tremendous show of support for student mental health and wellness, Bellarmine University has announced an estate gift of nearly $500,000 from alumna and longtime trustee Dr. Marian A. Swope, ’69. This generous contribution will endow and name the university’s Counseling Center in her honor, elevating the institution’s commitment to holistic student development. This latest donation remarkably pushes Bellarmine’s comprehensive campaign, “Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future,” to over $60 million of its total $75 million goal.
Details of the Gift
The estate gift from Dr. Swope is set to provide enduring support for the Dr. Marian A. Swope Counseling Center, which offers free and confidential counseling services to all enrolled students. The center serves as a vital hub for wellness education and prevention programming, ensuring that students have access to essential mental health resources during their academic journey.
Background on Dr. Marian A. Swope
Dr. Swope’s legacy at Bellarmine University is extensive. She graduated from the institution in 1969 and later earned a medical degree from the University of Kentucky. Over her 30-year professional career, she excelled as a psychiatrist, educator, and mentor while also serving on Bellarmine’s Board of Trustees for nearly three decades, beginning in 1995. Her dedication to the university was recognized when she was inducted into the Gallery of Distinguished Graduates in 1994. Dr. Swope passed away in 2024 at the age of 76, leaving behind a lasting impact on the Bellarmine community.
Impact on Bellarmine University’s Campaign
This substantial gift has propelled Bellarmine University beyond the crucial $60 million mark of its ambitious $75 million comprehensive campaign, part of the celebration of the university’s 75th anniversary. The campaign prioritizes key areas, including Student Success, Catholic Identity & Mission, Workforce Impact, and Athletics Excellence, all built on a robust academic foundation. The ongoing momentum illustrates how private investments can greatly benefit educational institutions and the community as a whole.
About Bellarmine University
Bellarmine University, located in Louisville, Kentucky, is a Catholic liberal arts institution with a steadfast commitment to academic excellence and the holistic development of its students. With a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs, the university aims to prepare students for impactful careers and lives filled with purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Dr. Marian A. Swope Counseling Center?
The Dr. Marian A. Swope Counseling Center is a facility at Bellarmine University that offers free, confidential counseling services to all enrolled students and serves as a vital hub for wellness education and prevention programming.
Who was Dr. Marian A. Swope?
Dr. Marian A. Swope was an alumna of Bellarmine University, graduating in 1969. She earned a medical degree from the University of Kentucky and had a professional career spanning more than three decades as a psychiatrist, educator, and mentor. She served on Bellarmine’s Board of Trustees for nearly 30 years, beginning in 1995, and was inducted into the university’s Gallery of Distinguished Graduates in 1994. Dr. Swope passed away in 2024 at the age of 76.
How does this gift impact Bellarmine University’s campaign?
This generous gift has propelled Bellarmine University past the $60 million mark in its $75 million comprehensive campaign, which is part of the university’s 75th anniversary celebration. The campaign supports four strategic priorities: Student Success, Catholic Identity & Mission, Workforce Impact, and Athletics Excellence, all underpinned by a strong academic foundation.
Key Features of the Dr. Marian A. Swope Counseling Center
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Free, Confidential Counseling Services | Offers free, confidential counseling services to all enrolled students. |
| Wellness Education and Prevention Programming | Serves as a vital hub for wellness education and prevention programming. |
| Endowment | Endowed through a nearly $500,000 estate gift from Dr. Marian A. Swope. |
| Location | Located at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky. |
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