By: Mitch Collica
Many students love campus life but may have missed some of the unique spots the Bellarmine University campus has to offer. As a Bellarmine senior, I have discovered some of the campus’ hidden gems.
First on the list is Bellarmine University’s “Athletic Hall of Fame.” This one-of-a-kind spot is located above the entrance of Knights Hall right outside the President’s Room (KN 211). In this hall, you will find pictures of former Bellarmine athletes and championship team players. This hall was developed and built to honor and commemorate alums who had an impact on the university. John Spugnardi, assistant athletic director for communication, said, “Bellarmine plans to induct 10 new people into the hall of fame and one legend this March.”
The Athletic Hall of Fame features former athletes such as Bryan Wiegandt, baseball; Dan Post, cross county; Sean Cullen, soccer; Kim Greer, softball; and Heather Hall, field hockey.
Second on the list is the Bellarmine farm, located behind Allen Hall. The farm has a garden plot, raised beds and a dome greenhouse built by Bellarmine alumnus Jack Hunsicker, who graduated in 2021. This spot is home to many plants and vegetables that Bellarmine students take care of, harvest and donate to the Bellarmine food pantry and local food banks. The farm is run by the department of environmental studies and is available for all Bellarmine students to visit. Junior Sam Schroeder said, “The Bellarmine farm is a cool and exciting spot to get involved on campus if you love the outdoors.”
The greenhouse dome built during the COVID-19 pandemic sits in the Bellarmine farm.
The third spot you will not want to miss is the Bellarmine Fireplace Room. Many students walk by it every day unaware of its presence. The Bellarmine Fireplace Room is in Centro to the right of the bathrooms. The Fireplace Room used to be the home of a small Bellarmine library. This room is now used for guest speakers, campus events and meetings. It is a great place to get school work done or relax and read a good book.
Next on the list is the Bellarmine graffiti wall. This spot is located underneath the chapel. This gem is a great spot to visit and take pictures using the wall as a backdrop. It has an abundance of colors and unique art styles.
The last spot on the list to check out is the Thomas Merton Center. This is located on the top floor of the library. Thomas Merton was a monk who went on to become world-renowned in poetry and photography. Merton was very involved in Bellarmine University and led faculty in spiritual retreats for many years. The Merton Center is home to the largest collection of Merton’s works. It is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and appointments are preferred for research visits. Visiting this historical landmark of Bellarmine’s campus can give you a glimpse of Bellarmine’s history. Mark Meade, assistant director of the Thomas Merton Center, said, “Bellarmine has collections of Merton that are 1 of 1, and inside the Merton Center includes a tremendous amount of work from his life.”
This area in the Merton Center is where researchers can access many of Merton’s personal works and books written about him.
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