Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre addressed the undergraduate class of 2024 at Bellarmine University's commencement on May 11, expressing his hopes for the graduates' futures. During the university's 71st commencement, 850 degrees were conferred to undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students in two ceremonies held at Freedom Hall. In addition to delivering the address, Archbishop Fabre was also awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.

In his speech, Archbishop Fabre emphasized the importance of a well-rounded education, stating, “You have been provided a top-quality education that will help you to enter the job market. You have been far more than adequately prepared to embark upon your next state in life." He went on to underline the unique value of their time at Bellarmine University, which is rooted in Catholic tradition.

“Because Bellarmine is a Catholic university, your time at Bellarmine was about more than just a top-quality university education,” he explained. “It was also about what I hope you encountered here, mainly the Roman Catholic intellectual tradition.” This tradition represents a centuries-old quest for truth and its application in life, embodied by Bellarmine administrators and professors who assist students in this pursuit.

The archbishop hoped that even if graduates do not remember his words from that day, they would always remember "the Catholic intellectual tradition, the desire to know and live the truth," which they encountered during their time at Bellarmine.

Archbishop Fabre also highlighted how friendships formed during their time at Bellarmine could serve as lifelong support systems. He acknowledged that while life is a gift, it can present difficult realities where these friendships can "temper" challenges and "deepen" joys.

Finally, he expressed his hope that graduates had encountered disciples of Jesus Christ during their time at Bellarmine and perhaps deepened their own relationship with him. As he concluded his address, Archbishop Fabre wished the graduates well, hoping that their time at Bellarmine had nurtured them to be individuals of integrity, truth, good character, and lifelong learning.