BELLARMINE MAGAZINE
COMPANIONS IN SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
In a Jesuit high school, the President, Principal, Jesuit Superior, and Chair of the Board of Directors work collaboratively to ensure the advancement of the school's mission, the integration of Ignatian values into the educational environment and the effective governance of the institution. Together, this team is known as the Companions in School Leadership.
Collectively, the Companions in School Leadership contributes to the creation of a vibrant and purposeful Jesuit educational community that is committed to academic excellence, spiritual formation and the promotion of justice and service. This partnership also reflects the Ignatian principle of "cura apostolica" - the care for the mission and its growth.
In this issue, you will hear from our CompanionsPresident Dr. Kelly Goodsell, Principal Cindy Davis, Jesuit Superior Fr. Greg Celio, S.J. and Board Chair Gavin O'Brien.
A Message From President Dr. Kelly Goodsell
It is a true joy to share with you all the happenings and developments at Bellarmine Preparatory School in this latest edition of our magazine. Our Catholic, Jesuit mission anchors us to our past while innovation fuels us for what God desires for Bellarmine’s future. As a school community we remain rooted in our faith and dedicated to living lives of competence, compassion and conscience. We will always strive for excellence and God’s grace in all that we do.
Bellarmine’s deep history and bright future is an unmatched story, a story that endures the test of time. This is exemplified by Fr. Phil Land, S.J., Class of 1929 and his legacy that inspires today’s students as they walk with the poor and outcast in a mission of reconciliation and service. Bellarmine experienced unprecedented generosity at this year’s Gala. Our Gala’s theme was “Building Community,” and we did just that with over $1.1 million raised for tuition assistance. We share in celebration with you as we look back on Bellarmine Robotics’ esteemed 25 years of national and global success. It is and always will be our employees, students, families, alumni and benefactors that ignite this dynamic school on “the hill.”
There is so much to be grateful for in our cherished community. Whether you are near or far, we are bonded in our Bellarmine tradition. And as with all transitions and shifts in our world, our Ignatian Spirituality reminds us to slow down, discern and be in awe of what God desires. It is with a sense of bitter sweetness that we spotlight the long-time Bellarmine faculty who are retiring after countless years of serving the community with their expertise, passion and heart.
Please enjoy the pages of our shared and unfolding journey, and find inspiration and hope in both Bellarmine’s honorable past and exciting future. In closing, I want to thank you for your overwhelming welcome and support as I transitioned to the President’s role this year. I am grateful to our benefactors, partners, employees, students and families. All successful endeavors are grounded in collaboration, humility and an audacious commitment to our Jesuit charism.
AMDG,
- Dr. Kelly M. Goodsell
A Message From Board Chair Gavin O’Brien
Bellarmine will long remember 2023 not only as a year of change but of new beginnings with fresh leadership in place. Bellarmine has been blessed with outstanding leaders for its first 100 years and its second 100 will be no exception.
Jack Peterson, former president, was a visionary leader who pushed our Jesuit mission and values to the forefront of every decision. For over nine years, Rob Modarelli B’82 continued that legacy as a strong and strategic president. Rob’s vision and commitment to advancing the mission enabled us to be in a positive position, both culturally and financially.
Our most recent Board Chair, Zeb Madison B’97, guided the Board as an organized, dedicated and mission-focused leader, navigating Bellarmine through societal changes and the ongoing economic challenges in order to keep Bellarmine accessible. He also presided over the Board’s successful presidential search, which was no small feat.
During the search, we were blessed to have Cindy Davis accept the position of interim president while maintaining her active duties as principal. Her knowledge and experience at Bellarmine made this appear effortless. It was an immense responsibility, and she performed like the all-star she is!
That leads us to today. I am pleased to let you know that our future is in excellent hands with the exciting installation of our new President, Dr. Kelly Goodsell. She is a dynamic leader, focused on Bellarmine’s mission to graduate young men and women of competence, compassion and conscience, who are committed to leadership and service. She is a leader today, educating our leaders of tomorrow. We couldn’t be more proud, and we are excited to see what the future brings!
Today is a great day to be a Lion!
St. Robert Bellarmine....PRAY FOR US!
- Gavin O’Brien
Principal’s Reflection A Message From Principal Cindy Davis
To be an Ignatian educator requires a certain contemplative perspective, one that anticipates the growing needs of future learners, while also reflecting on and honoring our past.
While the heart of Jesuit education remains the same, the world around us changes constantly. So much of what we hear and see suggests frustration and despair, and yet, as Jesuit educators, we are called to create a “hope-filled future” for our students. Our purpose is to help our students grapple with real world problems – not seeking quick solutions so much as thoughtful ones. We connect curricula and life by developing advocacy skills to ensure injustices occurring, both within our communities and the greater world, are examined and challenged. We utilize the global Jesuit network to seek constructive and systemic solutions. Most importantly, we cultivate leaders, grounded in faith, who are equipped to ask hard questions and think critically about issues focused on cura personalis.
When we become contemplatives in action and prioritize reflection, we lead with the fire in our hearts that stems from our Jesuit principles and values.
- Cindy Davis
Q & A
Fr. Greg Celio, S.J. Bellarmine Jesuit Superior
What excites you about returning to Bellarmine in your new role as the Jesuit Superior?
It is great to be back at Bellarmine! My colleagues have built such a warm community for the students and adults on campus, and alums and students have a deep love for this school. It is fun to jump back into old relationships and collaborate with the same people that I worked with here from 2014-2016 when I was a Jesuit in formation who taught history.
Now that I am back, it has been great to see both how much I have grown and how much the school has grown. I am a priest now and able to offer much more as the Adult Formation Director than I could before. As Superior, I am happy to give back to a group of Jesuits who took good care of me years ago and are such an important presence for my colleagues and Bellarmine families.
The School is embracing the Companions in School Leadership (CSL) model, a leadership model found in Jesuit Schools. How does your role as Jesuit Superior fit into this CSL team?
Companions in School Leadership is a model of shared leadership within Jesuit schools that includes four people: the President (Dr. Kelly Goodsell), our Principal (Cindy Davis), the Board Chair (Gavin O’Brien), and myself as the Jesuit Superior. The Jesuits entrust the mission of the school to the Board of Directors, and the Board hires the President, who is responsible for carrying out that mission every day. The Principal supports the President and supervises the education and formation of our students. My role as the local Superior of the Jesuit community is to support the other three roles and to provide a link between the
Jesuits and Bellarmine so that we align with the mission of the Jesuits worldwide. Concretely, I serve on the Board of Directors and help with the ongoing formation of Board members so they can do their job well. I also care for the men in the Jesuit community so that our group can serve the Church in Tacoma and the school as teachers, chaplains, spiritual directors and in the Advancement Office.
How do you envision fostering the Jesuit values and mission within the school community?
Our administration takes the Catholic, Jesuit mission of the school seriously. My primary goals are to support the good work they are already doing. In 2017, the Jesuits named four “Universal Apostolic Preferences” that guide every Jesuit institution around the world, including Bellarmine. These preferences include showing the way to God through Spiritual Exercises and discernment, walking with the poor and those whose dignity has been denied in a mission of reconciliation and justice, journeying with youth toward a hope-filled future and collaborating in the care for our common home. Alongside our administration and employees, I work to animate these preferences in the life of our school.
In what ways do you plan to engage with the faculty, staff and students to continue to strengthen the sense of community and spirituality within the school?
I am the director of Adult Formation, which means that I help design and offer formation for new employees. These employees are supported by more veteran employees who act as companions for monthly meetings and yearly retreats. I participated in this program as a new employee and found that it was integral to building community. I also help plan and lead our All-Employee retreat days—of which we have two each year. Finally, I coordinate a bi-monthly program called “Prayer and Reflection,” where one of our employees speaks to their colleagues on a faith or mission-based topic in order to prompt reflection and prayer together. These programs offer respite to the faculty and staff from the busyness of our daily work and help us build relationships that are rooted in our Catholic faith.
For students, I help gather us around the sacraments—and especially around the Eucharist—at our Masses. I am also responsible for three retreats for seniors (including two silent, Ignatian retreats) and have also attended other retreats in support. Beyond that, I am available for employees and students alike for conversation and support, and I also offer the nine-month-long Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius retreat to employees who are interested.
How do you see the role of Jesuit education evolving in the modern context, and what strategies do you believe are essential to maintaining its relevance and impact?
Jesuit schools have an amazing network on which to depend. As new issues and changes arise, we are
not alone. We get to do our work in collaboration with other schools and within a broader network of organizations who share our vision and values. We journey into the future with the Jesuits worldwide and with the Church, and we continue to learn what students need and discern how to respond.
We will continue to hone our understanding of teaching and learning. We will continue to study and incorporate new technologies into our school. We will continue to learn about our students and their context so we can better message our values to them and their families. Of course, we will continue to pray through all of this and to seek God’s presence and will, so we can be better collaborators in God’s vision for our world.
Can you share your perspective on the importance of Ignatian Spirituality in shaping the educational experience at this school?
Ignatian Spirituality permeates what we do here at Bellarmine. It influences the themes and dynamic of our retreat programs from freshman through senior years. As a result, we hope to put students in touch with the God of Jesus Christ, whose unconditional love cannot be earned or lost. Ignatian Spirituality also informs the way we teach. We start with our students’ contexts and strive for their education to impact
their choices and lifestyles. We hope they use their education to be people for and with others.
Ignatian Spirituality is the reason we pray the Examen each day. It inspires this practice of reviewing the day to note the gifts God has given and to consider how we might love God and others in return. Finally, it impacts the way we care for our students, emphasizing the care and formation for the whole person, also known as cura personalis.
Jesuit education often emphasizes the development of critical thinking and social justice. How do you plan to encourage these aspects within your role as the Jesuit Superior?
The teachers at Bellarmine are the true promoters of critical thinking and social justice. Early in the year, I was invited to help them reflect on what it means to educate for justice. We looked at Fr. Pedro Arrupe, S.J.’s famous “Men for Others” speech, which was delivered 50 years ago. It was helpful to be reminded of this goal and to remember that it came from a call issued by the universal Catholic Church over 50 years ago. We all felt challenged to deeper conversion—to consider our lifestyles and the choices we make. After the conversation, it felt like we all walked away a little more committed to this important goal.
What had you been doing before coming back to Bellarmine?
Before returning to Bellarmine, I worked at Seattle Prep, our Jesuit sister school just 45 minutes north. I taught Theology to juniors and seniors and worked in Campus Ministry. I celebrated Masses, led retreats and helped direct a student choir. Music is one of my passions, and I was blessed to collaborate with a good friend and Jesuit, Fr. Ryan Rallanka, S.J. During that time, I also worked in vocations, supporting young men who are discerning a Jesuit vocation.
Before my time in Seattle, I studied theology for three years in Toronto, Canada. And, for a year prior to that, I lived in Guadalajara, Mexico and studied Spanish.
Is there anything else you would like the Bellarmine community to know about you or your plans at Bellarmine?
I love being at Bellarmine. I think it is an incredible example of what it means to be a Catholic, Jesuit school, and I hope we can continue to build something special here for many years to come.
Campus Ministry Honoring the Past, Igniting the Future
By: Aires Patulot Director of Campus Ministry
When you ask an alum what their most enduring and impactful memory of Bellarmine is, they may respond with a variety of answers. Certainly favorite teachers, games and fun dances are mentioned—but also, consistently, we hear of the impact of the Encounter Retreat, of feeling loved and being connected to God and one another. By God’s grace, Campus Ministry makes a lasting impact on Bellarmine students and will continue to do so as we move into our next chapter.
As the Director of Campus Ministry, I am honored to serve the Lion community. Before coming to Bellarmine, I worked in two other Seattle area high school Campus Ministry programs. I was also a lay missionary for three years around the world, leading retreats and conferences, building homes with the poor, and serving the marginalized. I have also worked as a hospital chaplain and even as a radio producer. You may find me speaking locally and nationally at Catholic youth and young adult events, or find my writing through Liturgical Training Publications and other outlets. My most important ministry is being a husband (to a Bellarmine alum) and a father to four boys.
Our Jesuit, Catholic heritage is one that has always inspired me. Bellarmine has a nearly 100-year tradition of Catholic faith through the lens of Ignatian Spirituality. We also cannot forget the legacy of the Dominicans and Franciscans, who share our faith story through our merger with Aquinas Academy and St. Leo’s High School. Wonderful and faithful teachers and ministers have created and led amazing programs to enrich the faith lives of many students. Among them is our rich liturgical practice—the Encounter Retreat, the Pilgrimage and the Senior Magis retreat. Campus Ministry truly stands on the shoulders of giants.
As we look to the future of ministry on the Hill, we first must look at our students. We are a diverse community with a variety of backgrounds and faith traditions. I believe this strengthens us and enhances our experience of ministry on campus. Jesus came for all people, and He called them to follow Him. He did not see a crowd; instead, he saw the individual. In Campus Ministry, we see each individual on their faith journey and desire to accompany them as they grow.
As a Jesuit institution, we are animated by the example of St. Ignatius. His life and story, though over 500 years old, is an inspiration to us today. As a young person, he was enamored by the ways of the world. He pursued pleasure, riches and fame. All this changed when a cannonball smashed his leg during the Battle of Pamplona. That injury set him on a path that would change his life and, ultimately, change the world. In his recovery, he reflected on his life and purpose. He made decisions to change and slowly began to follow God, and love what God loved. St. Ignatius shows us that it doesn’t matter where you start—only how you finish. The same God that loved, healed and inspired Ignatius is doing the same for us today.
We celebrate St. Ignatius and are inspired by his story. Our retreat program has shifted as we return to the heart of our school through Ignatian Spirituality. We are now building a four-year, scaffolded retreat program for all of our students. In ninth grade, students attend the Ignite Retreat, which focuses on the life of St. Ignatius and helps freshmen see their stories in him. During sophomore year, students will have the opportunity to attend the Sophomore Retreat, which is planned and led by the new Campus Ministry Leadership class in the Theology department. The focus and theme of this retreat is on being people for others. In the junior year, our students will have the opportunity to attend the beloved Encounter. This year, we are offering a co-ed experience in addition to the men’s and women’s Encounter. During senior year, students will have the opportunity to attend the Pilgrimage, now held at Camp Hamilton in Monroe, as well as a two-day silent retreat. The entire retreat program culminates in the Magis Retreat, a four-day experience based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.
While retreats provide high points of spiritual experiences, Campus Ministry is manifest in the daily and weekly experience of prayer and liturgy. At the end of each week, we offer a liturgy in the chapel. These Masses and prayer services are planned and led by students and celebrated by our Jesuit community. In each liturgical experience, you will find student ministers, lectors, eucharistic ministers and musicians. In recent years, we have increased the number of All School Masses to once a month. As a school, we see the value in coming together as an entire community to play and to pray. Our All School Masses allow us to celebrate together and center ourselves in the Eucharist.
Campus Ministry offers a plethora of opportunities for student leadership: retreat leadership, lectoring, Eucharistic ministry, music ministry, Campus Ministry Council and a Campus Ministry Leadership class. Over 230 individual leadership opportunities are available through Campus Ministry each year.
But, at the heart of our program, is the deep desire that all students on campus know that they are loved and invited to live out this love through service and faith. •
Caring for our Common Home: The Integration of Ignatian Spirituality, Sustainability and Science
The E. L. Wiegand Greenhouse
Caring for our Common Home and the idea of Global Citizenship is one of the four Universal Apostolic Preferences brought forth by the Society of Jesus in 2019. Bellarmine’s commitment to sustainability began back in 1996 when the E. L. Wiegand Greenhouse for Scientific Study was added to the west side of campus, dedicated to the growing and research of native and endangered plant species. Ron Nilsen, Science Faculty member, along with Marine Chemistry students, shared responsibility for securing the first grant for the greenhouse. Since then, under the leadership of teacher Donna Pitt who retired at the end of the 2020-21 school year, the greenhouse has served the community in many ways: housing Marine Chemistry, Capstone, and other science class projects; facilitating the annual senior planting of native plants on campus; hosting a yearly plant sale; and providing plants for special occasions like graduation. Amy Savage, the new Greenhouse Manager, took over operations in 2022 and brings a fresh perspective and unique experiences in areas such as aquaponic systems and beekeeping.
Message from Amy Savage, Greenhouse Manager
“Caring for our Common Home teaches that the Earth and all life on it, are part of God’s creation. We are responsible for taking care of the world we live in, and for sharing all the wonders and resources the Earth gives us. Through our work in the greenhouse, St. Kateri Garden, Bellarmine’s apiary and other areas of campus, students are made aware of this call for stewardship and can integrate this with their faith journey. With that in mind, it’s been a big year for the E.L. Wiegand Greenhouse! In the last year, our ‘living lab’ has added two classrooms to the space, allowing for more room for students’ projects.
Our students have worked diligently to install a large Kateri garden, including a fountain and seating, along with decorative and pollinator-friendly, plants. Our aquaponics and hydroponics systems are up and running as well, and we look forward to spring when we will start growing produce for food banks. Outside the garden and greenhouse we have two living compost projects, our four new chickens, as well as four worm bins that are busy processing the food waste from the campus and in turn, fertilizing our plants and trees. We have also added an apiary including three honey bee hives, that are used both as an area of study for Marine Chemistry projects, as well as a honey fundraiser which benefits the greenhouse’s mission.
We are also very excited and proud to launch E3, the Ethical Ecology Emphasis, a multi-year focus for students interested in environmental problems and solutions. Our mission is to inspire and empower high school students, and foster a deep commitment to caring for our planet. The E3 program is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of environmental leaders. Students will use research, advocacy, and action to equip them with the knowledge, skills and passion to make a meaningful difference in the world. Students involved with E3 become servant leaders who will champion a more sustainable and harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world.”
The Sustainability Committee and Student Sustainability Representatives
Bellarmine has responded to the ever-growing need to Care for our Common Home by forming the Sustainability Committee, established in 2019 by Bridget Nuno B’03, Math and Science Faculty member, with the encouragement of Principal Cindy Davis. Currently made up of 17 faculty and staff members and six student leaders, the committee looks at ways of improving Bellarmine’s sustainability efforts and creates opportunities to educate members of the community on how to be more sustainable in their own lives.
Shortly after the Sustainability Committee was formed, Sam Abraham B’22 and Katin Kendrena B’22 founded Bellarmine’s Sustainability Representatives, also known as “The Reps,” in October 2020. The mission of The Reps is to implement student-driven sustainable initiatives aimed at creating long-lasting change at Bellarmine. There are currently 139 student Reps living out this mission by attending meetings, offering feedback and proposing new project ideas. The Reps are working on various items, from encouraging sustainable transportation and composting, to organizing clothing donations and pet food drives.
In November 2021, Reps Dominic Alessi B’23, Bella Beha B’23 and Ben Fowlkes B’23 were invited to present to Senator Patty Murray’s Office on environmental issues. Bella delivered a personal testimony, and the students thanked the Senator for her past support on issues of conservation and sustainability. Special mention was made of her vote that helped defeat the “budget point of order” raised against the Great American Outdoors Act (2020), her vote in favor of the Build Back Better Act budget resolution (2021), and her collaboration with Governor Inslee to survey the Snake River dams. The students also presented three specific “asks” to the Senator: to invest in sustainable infrastructure, accelerate the just transition to clean energy and prioritize communities most impacted by climate change.
Bellarmine’s Commitment to Sustainability
Since the inception of the Sustainability Committee and with the growing participation of The Reps, Bellarmine has made significant changes in daily operations to become more sustainable. Bellarmine is now a plastic bottlefree campus, and has begun a more comprehensive composting program with the help of the new food service provider for on-campus meals and catering, Lexington Independents. The Facilities Department has installed water bottle refilling stations as part of the water fountains in all the buildings on campus. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles, and aluminum cans of water are available to purchase in the Campus Center. The Sustainability Committee has formalized this commitment with the following statement:
“The Bellarmine Preparatory School community has removed beverages in single-use plastic bottles from campus vending and catering. This effort aims to eliminate waste created by single-use items, to reduce our reliance on products containing fossil fuels, and to support higher value recyclable or reusable items across our campus. As a Catholic, Jesuit institution, caring for our common home inspires this action and grounds us in this foundation of sustainability at Bellarmine and everywhere.”
Lexington Independents has willingly partnered with the Sustainability Committee and The Reps to look at ways they can assist in making the campus more sustainable. Out of this partnership grew the improved composting program and a greater level of education for the Bellarmine community about compostable items.
Global PersPectives
Shaping Future-Ready Students
In 2019, the Society of Jesus Secretariat of Education Global Taskforce defined global citizens as “those who continuously seek to deepen their awareness of their place and responsibility in an increasingly interconnected world, both locally and globally; those who stand in solidarity with others in the pursuit of a sustainable Earth and a more humane world as true companions in the mission of reconciliation and justice.” This common thread runs through many of Bellarmine’s programs, like Model UN and the International Student Program.
Model United Nations Program
When Ken Brown, Social Studies Department Chair and Model UN Director, arrived at Bellarmine 12 years ago, he assessed the academic co-curricular competition available. At the time, the only programs in existence were the Knowledge Bowl and Robotics teams. Brown said, “We have a lot of kids who are hardworking, bright, good speakers, and embody the Jesuit [commitment to] being a good global citizen, it all seemed like fertile ground to begin Model UN.”
He also discovered there had previously been a Model UN program, but it had been over 20 years ago. “My first year, I asked anybody in my AP World History class, ‘who would be willing to give this a shot?’ and I had about five or six kids that said [yes], let’s give it a go.” They participated in their first conference at Western Washington University (WWU), which excited the students.
Brown opened Model UN to more students the following year, and the small group grew to 10-12 participants. They attended the conference at WWU again, and a competition at the University of Washington. They also went out of state to try the Model UN program at the University of California, Berkeley. “The word got out that this is a great way to exercise your brain, think about the world’s interconnectedness, try to help solve some of these global problems, have a voice in the world and what it means to be a global citizen,” Brown recalled.
Year three is when Model UN took off. Brown said, “I wanted to commit to a student-run club. It was really important to me that the students are the ones driving the program, and they own it. I didn’t want this to be top-down.” At this point, the students had only had the opportunity to participate in conferences and programs led by universities. The third year was their first time attending a high school-run conference in Vancouver, B.C. The experience ignited the students’ passion, and on the drive back, Brown gave them the
approval to start their own club. The following year, they hosted their first middle school conference on campus, BellarMUN. BellarMUN now hosts 100 local middle schoolers each year.
Today, the year-round program consists of participating in eight conferences where students present on global issues, attending global affairs seminars where the students develop a topic presentation such as immigration or climate change, and planning the annual BellarMUN middle school conference. Bellarmine’s Model UN has also partnered with the World Affairs Council of Tacoma, offering a public, evening speaker series where experts in various areas of global policy speak on campus.
“The mission of Model UN is to raise the global awareness of our community, the students and their families and the community at large,” Brown shares.
Model UN provides students with numerous opportunities to develop their leadership, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, critical-thinking and analytical abilities. 10 student leaders coordinate the program and committees. BellarMUN has a separate leadership team that develops the middle school conference. “What I’m most proud of is that it is student-run. I really think the job of a good teacher, just like a good moderator of a program or coach, is to motivate, to inspire, and ultimately get out of their way…being the wind that fills their sails,” states Brown.
“During a conference, I had the honor of representing Vietnam, a country with fewer resources than many others. This experience provided me with an understanding of the challenges faced by nations that struggle to amend regulations and policies due to limited resources.”
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Anya Moravek B’26
“I’ve represented China, Mexico and Ireland, and I think in researching, it’s allowed me to develop a certain element of empathy towards other countries in their political views despite maybe not agreeing with certain things. It allows me to see different perspectives, especially living in such a diverse world. In this day and age, it’s a very important critical thinking skill.”
- Ainsley Joyce B’26
Through Model UN, students begin to understand the complexity of global issues. Model UN students perform hours of research for each country and topic they represent. Research adds to their understanding of that country’s background, culture and history. According to Brown, “If they do Model UN enough…and they represent the same country again, they build what they are researching about a new topic on what they know about the country from their last encounter with it.”
As part of the Model UN competitions, students must be able to verbally persuade concisely and articulate their research. They develop authentic leadership through running the program and experiencing it with other students. “They know our club will be as good in any given year as they are. They own it,” expresses Brown.
Brown has two goals for the future of Model UN, “to increase our advocacy and the students’ sense of agency in these issues; to turn it from a pretend ‘model’ to actual. The other is expanding the reach of Model UN, particularly to public schools in our region. In the South Sound, we’re the only high school doing this. Right now, in our world, we need youth who are thinking globally, and Model UN gives them an outlet for that. It’s not just a class; it’s an activity with a social component, plus it’s about diplomacy and common ground. It’s not about winning an argument and being polarizing. If you can’t compromise, your resolution won’t pass.” Many of Bellarmine’s Model UN students go on to study international relations or political science in college.
Bellarmine offers students diverse international program opportunities to experience other countries and cultures on campus and abroad. History trips, language trips, Courts for Kids service trips, the Ignatian Global Scholars Program*, international clubs and international student hosting opportunities.
*The Ignatian Global Scholars Program (IGS) creates an opportunity for students to engage in existent, ongoing experiences, that form global citizens for and with others. It offers a path to acknowledge, celebrate and deepen the holistic and global dimensions of Bellarmine’s programs, ministries and curricula.
International Student Program
Bellarmine’s international student program started in 2015 with a small group of students from China who attended Bellarmine through graduation. In partnership with the Jesuit Global Network of Schools, this on-campus program has grown to include various programs, lengths of student stay, countries and ethnicities. This year, 15 international students from nine countries attended Bellarmine for one year or longer, and 21 short-term international students from five countries attended between two weeks and three months.
Working in classes with students from other countries provides perspectives from different cultures. Students work, learn and play side-by-side, building close relationships. “One step into helping our students become global citizens is to start to understand perspectives from other countries,” states Kristin Torgerson, International Program Director. Often, international students are involved in language classes as teaching assistants, helping students learn a language by speaking with and learning from native speakers. International students interact with the class, help as needed and assist with projects as active “expert” participants.
“It all comes down to global citizenship skills that are important for the future – for work and living in a global society. [Before Bellarmine], a lot of students haven’t had many interactions with students or people from other cultures. It’s an easy first step to meet people from other countries. They are learning side-byside, and it’s a natural way to have the exposure,” shares Torgerson. Aside from academics, international students are very engaged in all aspects of Bellarmine, including sports, performing arts and Model UN.
Students who desire a more immersive experience can host an international student, apply for the Ignatian Global Scholar Program or participate in an international trip.
The future of international programs includes continued diversification of countries, increasing the number of student participants, expanding Jesuit Partner sister school exchanges, and focusing on outbound international programs. Current travel opportunities include history and language immersion trips, Courts for Kids service trips, marine science diving trips, and more opportunities for students to travel abroad. Experiences abroad play an important role in expanding student’s perspectives. Torgerson stressed Bellarmine’s commitment to ensuring travel opportunities are available to all students, “Tuition or assistance for travel costs is available. We want our students to be able to access these trips.” •
To learn more about Bellarmine’s Model UN and International Programs, please visit: bellarmineprep.org.
To learn more about the Jesuit Global Network of Schools, please visit: educatemagis.org.
“[My Bellarmine experience] has made me think a lot about how people feel. For me, in my country, it wasn’t really a common thing to say your opinion aloud, but I really felt it was really important to say your opinion, say aloud what you think. That is a great thing that I have learned so far. I think about equality between women and men a lot. In my country, men have more power. For example, in the government, the majority of the officers are men. American people are more passionate, talk, and say their opinions when they have issues with something. People are working really hard to solve gender differences and disadvantages. That makes me think more about it and contribute to solving the problem. Gender equality would make the world more peaceful and calm. [As individuals,] I know it’s hard to speak about your problems, but you can talk to your family and share your idea or if there is someone who has the same opinion, it can be bigger, and it can change society little by little. A big thing I’ve learned at Bellarmine is the importance of caring for others and being kind to people. Visiting the United States is a good way to expand your ideas and thoughts. Experiencing diversity has changed my mindset for other people.”
- Sasa Otsuka, International Student, Japan
“When I was younger, I liked to discover, like an explorer. I discovered a lot of things here like the United States and France have a lot of things in common and a lot of differences, which is really great, and I love the diversity. As an exchange student here, there is more of a community aspect. I feel like students are very happy here. In the world, there are a lot of people who don’t have as many opportunities as we have, like education and to have food every day, to have family. I really want to help people in need as much as possible. It’s a bit disappointing that in the world, people who deserve to live as we do, they cannot live the same as us. At Christmas time, we participated in the Adopt-a-Family program... and it flipped a switch. We must do something here because people don’t have the same chances as we do. This experience was great because the family was in need, and we wrapped presents and provided essential products like cleaning and food, and delivered [them] to the family. People are all different, any origin, any ethnic or social background. Differences are part of human nature. If we were all the same, it would be boring. Humans are social beings. Teamwork is very important…it’s how we have survived.”
- Etan Barbaroux, International Student, France
College, Career & Life
Readiness
High school academics often paint a picture of textbooks stacked high, late-night cramming sessions and relentless pressure to excel. Bellarmine’s commitment to cura personalis, “care for the whole person,” shines through in the Academic Center of Excellence (ACE) amid this competitive landscape. Initially opened in 2017 as the Learning Resource Center (LRC) in the Orell Library, the ACE has grown into a dedicated space providing multifaceted support, propelling students not just towards stellar grades, but more importantly toward becoming well-rounded individuals prepared for college and beyond.
Before 2017, the Orell Library traditionally focused on primarily Library Science. It also provided “lessons on how to do responsible research and citation, and writing skills,” according to Lauren Doscher B’11, ACE Faculty. In addition to the library, the purpose of the LRC was to implement a more comprehensive program to support students in their academics. Built as part of the Orell Library, the purpose of the spaces remained separate until the spring of 2020.
“Through watching and following student trends, we discovered what students really needed to accelerate their learning. The need for spaces dedicated to student learning and collaboration increased, and the need for the traditional library shelving of books and other resources decreased. Bellarmine listened carefully to the needs of our students today and began gearing the environment toward collaborative work, online research, and classroom learning, both traditional and nontraditional, which inspired the spatial design to focus on these activities,” Doscher explained.
In 2021, the LRC officially changed to the Academic Center of Excellence. This name fully represents all that it has to offer to Bellarmine students, facilitating and enhancing learning in three ways:
• Classes that reinforce and accelerate what students are learning in their other academic courses through strategies for success, goal-setting and deeper learning techniques.
• Resources for faculty lesson design and spaces to foster better collaboration and learning between faculty and students, including peer support models, small group work and 1:1 supports.
• Collaboration with all faculty to provide input into lesson and assessment design and overall school goals utilizing the Universal Design for Learning framework to meet the needs of all learners.
Today, all Bellarmine students utilize the ACE to access resources and support. Bellarmine’s ACE mirrors that of a comprehensive learning center at the university level. According to Doscher, this robust and relevant model broke down barriers, “that accessing support is something to be shy about…highlighting that all students access support, and all students should be pushing themselves beyond their core academic courses.” Recognizing that each student learns and thrives differently, the ACE is a vibrant hub where students can access a diverse range of services and resources, just as they will in college and beyond.
Providing Personalized Attention
ACE faculty members go beyond simply looking at grades and test scores. They delve into each student’s strengths, learning styles and long-term goals. Based on a holistic understanding, they provide academic, research testing support, one-on-one tutoring and coaching that cater to each student’s unique needs and aspirations.
“It was difficult for me to understand and realize that it’s okay to ask for help and that I don’t always have to do things alone. Everybody is so kind, and everyone always makes you feel welcome and supported. You don’t have to feel bad or guilty about it because they want to help you.”
- Rubi Skrinar B’24
Building Community
Collaborative learning fosters a sense of community where students can learn from and support each other. Peer mentoring programs equip students with the confidence and resilience to overcome challenges and thrive. Study groups allow students to connect, share ideas and learn from each other’s strengths. The inclusive environment of the ACE recognizes and celebrates each student’s unique talents and contributions, fostering respect, understanding and a sense of belonging for all.
“Everyone in the ACE has encouraged me so much that it was almost impossible for me to say ‘no’ to the help. I love my ACE family. They are literally a family to me. You feel really special because they want to help you out, and then you realize they give the same treatment to all the kids. It’s a mutual respect. It’s like a Bellarmine family club, a group of people I can go to. When other people believe in me, it makes me want to believe in myself.”
- Dylan Wiggins B’24
Cultivating Potential
The ACE recognizes that academic success is just one facet of personal growth. Students are encouraged to explore their talents and develop essential life skills like communication, teamwork and leadership. ACE faculty are trusted confidantes, offering students guidance through challenges and encouragement to pursue their passions.
“I have wanted to work with kids for a while now but in psychology. So taking these classes has really helped me see that I can do everything that I want and set my mind to.”
- Isabella Paillet Toohey B’24
Fostering Growth
Emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and continuous improvement, students are encouraged to set ambitious goals, track their progress and strive for excellence. This dedication to personal growth fosters a sense of purpose and direction that extends beyond the walls of the ACE and into their future endeavors.
“Before I started using the ACE, I hadn’t really thought about specifically where I wanted to go to school or areas of study. I set a goal for myself of my dream schools, and all the work that I have put in has gone towards that. That’s why I think I have been more successful because I have been working towards a greater thing.
When I was originally coming to Bellarmine, I never thought I’d be taking an AP class. I thought it was always going to be too hard, too much reading and too intense for me. Last year, I took my first AP class, and this year, I’m taking a couple more. It has really helped me open up my confidence.”
- Easton Glasman B’24
By providing personalized attention, building a safe and nurturing community, cultivating potential, and fostering growth, the ACE will continue to create a supportive and stimulating environment where each student is valued and empowered to reach their full potential. In addition, remaining student-centered, continuing campus-wide integration, and staying in tune with collaborations are essential for the future of the ACE. According to Doscher, “This is a center that can help be part of the conversation around what is going to best support, push and inspire our students.” •
Kaleigha Maas-Baines B’27
My first year at Bellarmine as a freshman included a lot of adjusting. As an observant person, I noticed the way the students interact with one another, the teacher’s flexibility, making themselves available for you. Teachers are more than happy to communicate with you, giving you freedom which shows that the staff trusts the students at Bellarmine. Finally, I got to the point where I found how to manage my time responsibly such as A-day homework on A days and B-day homework on B days. That strategy was immensely helpful to me. It is draining at times but it helps me with time management. I found out what classes gave me the most work and what classes gave me less work. It provides me with time to work and focus on my priorities if I am distracted at home. Another thing, Bellarmine has as many resources to help support you... use them! Don’t feel embarrassed or scared - the ACE is so helpful. The teachers in the ACE are very kind and flexible with whatever you need help with. I found that Integrated Studies is one of the most helpful classes. Although I am very shy, and not very social, I found my friend group there. They get me, my humor, and they support me. They’re caring and they’re all that I could want in friends. They also help me adjust to the private school environment as well as the teachers. My friends make me feel like I’m not alone when I feel stuck or overwhelmed. They cheer me up. Bellarmine gave me the opportunity to find people who compliment me. Now that we are coming to the end of the year, classes are getting more challenging but I grew greatly to fulfill and take on the challenge. I adapted to the new things Bellarmine has brought me, such as homework, more tests, more assignments, an advanced grading system, notes and studying. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to learn skills that could help me excel in the future, as a college student and when I become an independent adult. Overall, Bellarmine is a great experience. The teachers are so supportive. And the environment is very welcoming. This experience is helping me to develop important skills and knowledge that will be valuable for my future. This is all I could want in my high school experience. • My First Year at Bellarmine
Unlocking College:
Bellarmine’s Dual Credit Programs
Education has the power to open doors and shape future opportunities. In today’s rapidly evolving world, students are seeking ways to gain a competitive edge and enhance their educational journey. At Bellarmine, students are not just preparing for the future; they are actively shaping it through innovative dual credit programs.
Bellarmine has been leading the way in empowering its students to earn college credit while still in high school. Through partnerships with Central Washington University (CWU) and Eastern Washington University (EWU), Bellarmine’s College in the High School (CiHS) programs are transforming the traditional high school experience and expanding students’ horizons.
Path to Dual Credit
Bellarmine’s dual credit programs are reminiscent of the local Running Start model, offering students the chance to simultaneously complete high school and college-level coursework. The designated courses adhere to CWU and EWU syllabi and curricula, ensuring that students are receiving a college-level education right within the familiar halls of Bellarmine. What sets these programs apart is that the courses are taught by Bellarmine’s very own qualified teachers, recognized as CWU or EWU lecturers.
Enrolled students in the CiHS programs become official CWU and EWU students of record, earning college credit for their coursework. These credits are not just an empty promise; they are recorded by the universities, becoming an integral part of students’ future college transcripts.
Opening Doors to Higher Education
One of the outstanding features of Bellarmine’s dual credit programs is the wide acceptance these credits receive. Colleges and universities, both public and private, within and beyond the borders of Washington State, acknowledge and honor the credits earned through CWU and EWU. This opens a multitude of doors for students, offering various options for academic program planning.
For students, this means the ability to accelerate their college journey, reduce requirements, or delve deeper into major or minor areas of concentration. The flexibility provided by dual credit programs empowers students to shape their educational path to suit their unique goals and aspirations.
Acceleration to College
Bellarmine is committed to offering students the opportunity to earn college credits while in high school, and continues to increase opportunities. These dual credit programs not only expand pathways but also provide valuable skills and knowledge to empower students in their future academic pursuits.
As the education landscape continues to evolve, Bellarmine’s CiHS programs serve as an example of how schools can partner with higher education institutions to offer students a head start on their college journey. With recognition from universities near and far, these dual credit programs pave the way for a brighter and more promising future.
In an ever-competitive world, Bellarmine seeks educational innovation, offering students the keys to unlock a world of possibilities through their dual credit programs. •
Computer Science
Spotlight
The Computer Science program at Bellarmine has thrived since Michael Schneider started as a volunteer Computer Science teaching assistant in 2017. He then took over the department as a faculty member in 2019. Schneider is very proud of what the Computer Science program has accomplished during his time at Bellarmine.
“Like Lions, we teach our students to be strong, brave leaders in the world. We are intentional about how we teach and prepare students for the future.”
Michael Schneider, Computer Science Teacher and Bellarmine Parent
In all of Schneider’s classes the final is for the students to implement the skills they’ve learned by developing a project they want to build and code. He shared countless, incredible stories of student-created work:
• “One student team wrote code in Java to have two computers communicate with each other and play the game, Battleship. This was extremely difficult and involved networking two computers together to play the game. All three members of that team are now majoring in Computer Science in college.”
• “One student team became involved with a non-profit in Tacoma to build an application that helps youth with learning disabilities improve literacy skills. What was so impressive about this project was their passion as it did not finish at the end of the year but continued through the summer into the fall of the next year. They also had to learn a new coding language and process. The application is in the final stages of testing and will be released to the public soon.”
• “One team created an analytics program using data that was readily available to predict which high school wrestler would win a match.”
• “Julia Shimshock B’24 created a coding camp for incoming Bellarmine freshmen. She not only built the curriculum but led the camp in the summer of 2023.”
• “One student created an application with the Raspberry Pi coding language that would detect when a door would open and close and then sound an alert.”
• “Hundreds of really impressive games were created by the computer science students. The level of commitment the students have when they build their own program is really cool to see. They stay late and come in after school to make their games better.”
“While taking AP Computer Science and considering what I would achieve as my final project, I knew I wanted to create something that would benefit the Bellarmine community. I reflected upon my time as a student with an interest in computer science and considered how for many that are not exposed to the field, it is difficult to discover later. I aspired to create a way to engage incoming students in Bellarmine’s Computer Science Program in order to foster their interests early. So, I created my website development camp.
I built a two-week curriculum that was based upon a culminating project (a website), so every lesson corresponded to a feature the students would practice using by adding it to their webpage. The project was to create a website about something the individual has an ardor for, and their webpages ranged from interactive sites regarding trumpets, video games and even different types of centipedes.
Being able to teach these students helped me better understand what I was teaching and how computer science can be used artistically. Shifting my perspective from student to teacher was an enlightening experience, and I feel it made me a better student. As someone who wants to become a software engineer, being able to share my passion to students with varying levels of exposure to the subject was a meaningful way of engaging with STEM and the Bellarmine community.”
In 2022, Bellarmine earned the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science A. This award recognizes institutions with 50% or higher female representation in one of the two AP computer science courses or a percentage of the female computer science exam takers meeting or exceeding that of the school’s female population.
- Julia Shimshock B’24
“From the moment I took computer science classes at Bellarmine, I was captivated by the hands-on, problem-solving learning it provided. This experience exposed me to new, exciting opportunities, such as the Bellarmine Robotics community and app building for the ARK Institute of Learning, and by prepping me for a potential future in the STEM field. I am profoundly ecstatic about the development of the new Computer Science Club at Bellarmine, founded by Julia Shimshock B‘24. Recently, we have finalized plans to provide an online school carpooling resource to extend access to our peers and reduce parking lot congestion. The long-term mission of our club is to introduce student-built online platforms for the Bellarmine community annually.”
- Reagan Irene Guajardo B’24
“Overall, I really enjoyed my computer science experience at Bellarmine as it provided some electives that I was really interested in and felt rewarding to work on for school. I really enjoyed class and being able to help others ‘see the magic’ that programming can seemingly be. Mr. Schneider strikes a perfect balance of keeping the course structured, while allowing students to explore their own ideas through projects. To this day I still look back to the networked version of Battleship I made with friends my sophomore year, or Monopoly in Python my senior year, as some of the most fun group projects I’ve ever worked on during my education.
Working with Mr. Schneider and current students over the past school year was some of the most fun I’ve had teaching any topic. Not only was it fun to be able to share stories and projects from when I was going through Bellarmine, but it was also very rewarding to “give back” a bit to students who had ambitious projects in mind like I had just a few years ago. Computer science is one of those topics where having someone push you to go for big ideas and projects, even if they are outside of your current skill set, is critical, and I hope that helped inspire some students to want to do the same.”
- Gavin Kerr B’21 and Computer Science Program Volunteer
•
Bellarmine Co-Curriculars
Grounded in our Jesuit Values
It is the mission of Bellarmine Preparatory School to promote values based on the teachings of Jesus. To this end, Bellarmine provides programs of excellence that develop and harmonize the intellectual, spiritual, emotional and physical characteristics of individual students.
The ultimate goal of this integration is to give our students the means to translate Christian values into action. Since Bellarmine first opened its doors in 1928, co-curriculars have played a vital role in the formational process, which enables this transformation to take place.
Bellarmine Athletic Program Classification
“We are excited to share the decision regarding Bellarmine Preparatory School’s 2024-28 WIAA classification cycle for our Athletic program. Bellarmine will opt up to 3A, allowing us to renew traditional local rivalries and return to a league tied to our rich history. A new league will be formed with 12 teams split into two divisions. We extend our gratitude to the South Puget Sound League and look forward to creating new connections in our 3A league. Thank you for your continued dedication to Bellarmine’s vibrant community.”
- Kevin Meines, Vice Principal of Student Life
2023-24 ATHLETIC SUCCESSES
Fall:
Girls Golf: League Champions, 5th place at State Volleyball: State Tournament Qualifier
Girls Soccer: District Tournament Qualifier
Boys Tennis: 5th place at State
Girls Cross Country: SPSL and District Champions, 5th place at State
Boys Cross Country: District Meet Qualifier
Winter:
Boys Basketball: District Tournament Qualifier
Girls Basketball: State Tournament Qualifier
Wrestling: Jackson Hallett 3rd place (190 lbs)
Spring:
Boys Soccer: State Tournament Qualifier
Boys Golf: District Champions, 7th place at State, JJ Bordeaux B’25 Individual State Champion
Boys Lacrosse: SPSL Champions, State Tournament Qualifier
Track: State Tournament Qualifier
Girls Lacrosse: State Tournament Qualifier
Girls Tennis: SPSL Champions, 3rd place at State, Lucia B’24 and Anya B’26 Moravek State Doubles Champions
Madi Mungui B’24
Shines on and off the Soccer Pitch
Madi Munguia, a member of the class of 2024, was invited to train with the Mexican National U-20 team. She is now competing for a spot to participate in the U-20 World Cup in Colombia. Her preparation and hard work have led to this outstanding achievement.
Munguia has played on Bellarmine’s varsity soccer team all four years. Jim Dempsey, Bellarmine women’s soccer coach, said, “Madi has played at a high level for a long time. The Mexican National Team called her up to train this September. With her dual citizenship, Madi could play for both the US and Mexican teams.”
Munguia did not always play soccer. After being a
high-level gymnast for many years, she became interested in soccer around age 12. Many hours, days, weeks, months and years of training, camps and practices made her an experienced player on the soccer field.
Dempsey added, “Madi is an excellent example of a Bellarmine student-athlete. She is strong in the classroom and on the field. She is a great student and a great leader.”
Among her accolades, Mungia played in the 2023 Houston National Selection game. The top players in the country compete in this annual game. She was selected to play on the West Team.
“Bellarmine has helped me develop as an overall student-
athlete. I’ve learned to manage my time well with school, soccer and my social life because of Bellarmine. Bellarmine has let me excel when I travel for soccer because of their support and their willingness to help me,” says Munguia.
In October 2022, as a junior, Munguia committed to the University of Alabama after receiving a full-ride scholarship.
She will start her career at the University of Alabama in the fall of 2024 as a Division I soccer player for the Crimson Tide. •
25 Years of Bellarmine Robotics: Alumni Share Their Experience With Team 360
Home to the school’s innovators, engineers and visionaries, Bellarmine Robotics, also known as Team 360: The Revolution, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. In 2024 they will compete as the oldest sustaining team in the Pacific Northwest under FIRST® Robotics Competition, a global robotics community dedicated to the celebration and advancement of Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM). Having competed at the world championship level on eight occasions and mentoring over 20 other robotics teams, this well-decorated group has created a lasting impact in the community.
Over the past decade, Team 360 has experienced unprecedented transitions, expanding from 20 to 50 student members and four to eight specialized departments, all while undergoing major facility upgrades. Their efforts toward the advancement of STEM education are underscored by the 95% of team graduates who pursue science and technology careers after high school.
Reflecting on their individual legacies left on the FIRST® community, many alumni credit their professional success to the skills gained from joining Team 360.
We highlight the stories of four of these accomplished graduates from different team generations who have not only excelled in their professional pursuits, but have also played a role in expanding and embodying the FIRST® community as a member, volunteer or mentor. Team 360’s legacy is marked by milestones, accomplishments and a steadfast dedication to shaping the future of STEM.
As students begin their path with Team 360, they gain an experience where designing, constructing, programming and operating a robot is just half the package; they learn skills in public speaking, financial management, data analysis and brand development. The transition from the status of “rookie” to “lead” is one that goes beyond high school and college. Besides technical knowledge, students graduate having attained invaluable soft skills such as communication, management and teamwork abilities that translate to future careers, particularly in the world of STEM.
Through this sequence from student to volunteer to mentor to ambassador over the last 25 years, Team 360 has created a powerful tradition of “gracious professionalism” that inspires alumni and inspires them to pay it forward. As we celebrate and share stories of our team’s alumni, we hope to commemorate the next 25 years of revolutionizing STEM.
A fulfilling part of the journey with Team 360 is returning to the lab as a graduate, understanding the inherited legacy. Current Design and Strategy Mentor Jake Dusek B’09 joined the team in his junior year and formed an immediate connection.
“I came because the team captain at the time knew me, grabbed me by the shoulder and said, ‘You’re coming to robotics after school’ and I said ‘why?’” Dusek recalled. “...and he didn’t tell me, I just showed up. Then suddenly, it’s been my life for 17 and a half years now.”
Through these 17 years, Dusek came to acknowledge the impact spanning generations of Revolution alumni. “I was the driver of the team’s 10th year, which means there were generations of students before me that had already done four years and graduated before I ever joined the team. Legacy is all of that.”
“It can’t just be one person’s impact. You can’t say, ‘I’m so proud of the things I did.’ It’s what all of us did.”
- Jake Dusek B’09
Team 360, along with Team 2905, celebrating their first Chairman’s Award win (now known as the Impact Award) that celebrates a team’s dedication to outreach, service and education in spreading STEM.
Other ambitious alumni have taken their Team 360 experiences abroad to start new robotics teams and expand equitable access to STEM education. Alex Francis Burchard B’09, volunteered throughout college while pursuing a degree in architecture.
After his architecture career in Chicago, Burchard helped launch Turkey’s first high school FIRST team. “We recently had our first FTC (FIRST® Tech Challenge) pilot with 34 teams,” Burchard proudly shared. There are now over 130 FIRST® teams across Turkey thanks to his pioneering efforts.
For Burchard, spreading STEM through FIRST® is about giving back in places that have not received it. “I really am happy with how it’s going. The teams have improved a lot over the years and we get to impact more and more students every year. I know what it’s like because I was in the program, so I know it’s valuable.” When asked about his legacy, Burchard expressed, “I hope the legacy I left is the same that the team left on me, which was how to be a good person.”
- Alex Francis Burchard B’09
Recent alumnus, Josh Grace B’18 has already implemented his formative Team 360 experiences during his pursuit of a Ph.D. in Robotics at Yale. Grace was involved all four years, from the exhilarating 2016 season when the team reached the World Championship to the humbling 2017 season that taught important engineering lessons. “I’m still using the things I learned at FIRST® robotics actively in my Ph.D.,” Grace remarked.
He continues applying concepts like Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) control, and vision processing in his current research. Grace also benefited from the FIRST community connections, discovering a friendly competitor from the World Championships is now a coworker at Amazon. Beyond technical skills, Grace learned the importance of giving back through outreach and mentorship. “You have to teach the next generation and give these skills and lessons to younger kids.”
Through his volunteering, Grace strives to get youth as excited about robotics as he was in high school. As an alum who recently experienced the program first-hand, he embodies how Team 360 imparts technical knowledge for careers while inspiring graduates to spread STEM education.
“It’s on you to pay it forward, and give that to the next generation”
- Josh Grace B’18
If you’d like to join Team 360’s efforts in celebrating 25 years and the advancement of FIRST Robotics, visit frc360.com for more information.
Integral to the enduring sustainability of Team 360 is the team endowment, initiated in 2017 with the ambitious objective of reaching $1 million to fully support the team budget. Currently, the endowment’s annual distributions provide Team 360 up to $10,000 each season. To support their financial foundation, the team consistently organizes events and campaigns. If you would like to contribute to the fund, your donation will play a crucial role in advancing the team’s mission.
Lasting Impact
A graduate’s life and legacy, inspiring today’s students
Fr. Phil Land, S.J., Class of 1929
Social Justice Pioneer of the Church
The Beginning
The Jesuits have always been known for their dedication to social justice. St. Ignatius of Loyola founded the Society of Jesus with the purpose of focusing on missionary work and teaching. These ideals have been at the center of Bellarmine’s mission since its founding in 1928. One graduate from Bellarmine’s first graduating class in 1929 took these values to heart, and became one of the foremost experts and a world renowned figure in Catholic social teaching.
Fr. Phil Land, S.J., Class of 2029, joined the Jesuits immediately after graduating from Bellarmine and remained a Jesuit for the next 65 years.
During his time at the Jesuit Novitiate in Los Gatos, California, he discovered his passion for social justice.
“This was during the great depression and the locals were coming to the Novitiate asking for food because they had lost everything with the crash of the stock market,” recalled Terry Johnson B’64, Fr. Land’s greatnephew. “Because the Novitiate had an established farm, it was one of the few places they were able to get food.
This is what really lit the fire in him for social justice,” Johnson added.
From there, Fr. Land moved on to teaching high school, during which he also became a popular speaker on social justice topics. Following his ordination and theology studies, he continued with his schooling and pursued a Ph.D. in economics from both St. Louis University and Columbia University.
World-Wide Recognition and Vatican II
Fr. Land’s influence on the church’s social teachings began to soar. In 1950, he joined the staff of the Institute of Social Order in St. Louis, conducting research, writing and teaching. From 1953-54 he served on the editorial staff of America Magazine, a national magazine published by the Jesuits, in New York. It was at this time that Fr. Land’s work took him around the world, and he especially sought to help those in need, living in less developed countries.
Fr. Land was then called to Rome, where he taught economics at the Gregorian University for 20 years. He was involved with many Vatican offices and was an advisor on documents related to social justice issues subsequently published in Vatican II.
Fr. Peter Henriot, S.J. B’54, who worked with Fr. Land towards the end of his career, was and still is a strong advocate for social justice within the Catholic Church. He recalls the impact Fr. Land had in regard to social justice in Vatican II.
“He was a part of the first staff of the Office of Justice and Peace at the Vatican, was a key writer of documents, and pusher of positions that shaped the social teachings of the church,” Fr. Henriot said. “If you look at the history of Vatican II, Phil was heavily involved in spreading its message of social justice to the world.”
His commitment to justice sometimes led to controversy, but his heart and commitment for walking with the vulnerable and marginalized are still an inspiration today.
Center for Concern and Legacy
In 1976, Fr. Land moved back to the U.S. and took a job in Washington, D.C., where he worked with Fr. Henriot at the Center of Concern. The Center of Concern was a think tank in the nation’s capital, co-founded in 1971 by Jesuit Superior General Fr. Pedro Arrupe, S.J. and the National Conference of Catholic Bishops General Secretary Joseph Bernardin.
“He articulated from the heart the social teachings of the Church,” Fr. Henriot recalled.
Fr. Land also began to focus on his writing during this time, publishing numerous articles and books. His final book, published in 1991, was a semi-autobiographical work titled, Catholic Social Thought: As I Have Lived It, Loathed It and Loved It.
In all, Fr. Land and Fr. Henriot worked together in D.C. for 17 years before Fr. Land passed away in 1994.
Fr. Land’s legacy in Catholic social teaching and justice is deep, wide-ranging and beyond measurement. Bellarmine is excited and honored that his legacy will continue to live on for years to come in the form of an Endowment that was recently established in his name by his great-nephew Terry Johnson B’64 and his wife Carol.
Johnson said that, with Fr. Land’s life-long work in social justice and Bellarmine’s active involvement in the social needs for the community and the world, it was a perfect match. The gift is special because it allows Bellarmine to expand funding available for students’ work in the areas of social justice and concern, inspired by Fr. Land.
“This is truly a full circle story of immeasurable impact and the power of giving. Fr. Land was a 1929 graduate, Bellarmine’s first graduating class on the hill. Fr. Land went on to have a world-renowned career grounded in Catholic, Jesuit values. It is remarkable for Bellarmine to honor this alum’s life which now inspires and informs today’s students as they continue to serve both our local and global community with Lion hearts. We are so grateful,” said Bellarmine President, Dr. Kelly Goodsell. •
Continuing the Legacy of Service
Justice Summit 2024
Spotlight
Bellarmine Welcomes
New Director Of Alumni and Donor Relations
The Advancement Office welcomes a new team member, Anne Gintz, as our Director of Alumni and Donor Relations. Anne brings a wealth of advancement experience in alumni and donor relations, annual fund and planned-giving from her time at the University of Washington, Pacific Lutheran University, Holden Village and the Zoo Society. Anne is a people-centered, experienced professional who will share a fresh lens to our alumni and advancement operations. As we look towards our Centennial in 2028, Anne will play a crucial role in Bellarmine’s efforts to broadly share the important work happening here on campus, and to build meaningful relationships with our region, and build a culture of philanthropy.
A Tacoma native, Anne earned her Bachelor of Science from Washington State University and her Master of Science in College Administration from Miami of Ohio. Her experience will be beneficial to the Advancement Office as she develops a high-level alumni strategy working closely with the President’s Office, the Alumni Committee and the Advancement Committee.
“I am honored to be joining a collaborative community that is preparing servant leaders on a foundation of faith,” Gintz said. “The mission and values of Bellarmine Preparatory School resonate with me deeply. I’m excited for the opportunity to work together toward a shared vision and transformational goals. I look forward to building upon the accomplishments of the alumni program and creating compelling engagement and philanthropic opportunities in partnership with alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff and community members.”
“No matter the type of engagement you are looking for, we are here to assist you as we are stronger together. I am looking forward to exploring the exciting aspects of the Bellarmine community while building connections.”
Anne Gintz
gintza@bellarmineprep.org Director of Alumni and Donor Relations
253-879-9796 - office
Bellarmine won Gold for Best Private School and Silver for Best High School from the Seattle Times Best in the PNW published in the Fall of 2023.
We were also honored to be awarded the “Best of 2023 School” in Showcase Magazine’s Best of 2023 Edition as voted on by the readers of Showcase Magazine.
Thank you to everyone who voted for us!
Bellarmine alumna and Professional Glass Blower Emily Martin B’10 joined Bellarmine at the Community Rosary held in October 2023, showcasing a beautiful Rosary she created from hand-blown glass. The Rosary is currently displayed in the Orton Hall Chapel.
FJ
Thank you to everyone who supported the 2024 Bellarmine Gala! Together, we raised over $1.1 million! These funds provide access and opportunities to our future Lions. When we expand access and affordability to all who desire a Catholic, Jesuit education, our students, and our community thrive.
We are grateful to our many benefactors, volunteers, partners, and all who contributed and attended, including all those near and far who participated in bidding and spreading the spirit of giving on social media.
Please consider joining the many Bellarmine Gala donors in making a donation to Tuition Assistance by scanning the QR code. There is still time to contribute. Every dollar makes an impact.
Saint Robert Bellarmine Award
2024 Recipients
Fred and Paula A’71 Bevegni
PREVIOUS
2023 Dcn. Jim Fish
2022 Fr. Gerry Chapdelaine, S.J.
2020 Jim and Donna Boulanger
2019 Gwen White
2018 Mike F. and Mimi Tucci
2017 Al Morris
2016 Fr. John Fuchs, S. J.
2015 Melanie Dressel
2014 Chris Gavin
2013 Jack Peterson
2012 Steve Anstett
2011 Cecilia Healy Herbert
2010 Molly Hightower
2009 Dick and Maryann Boulanger
2008 Colleen Mulligan
2007 Fr. William Bichsel, S.J.
2006 Ed Fallon
2005 Therese Treleven Koelmeyer
2004 Bill Wetzler
2003 Mary Grant
2002 Br. Kelly Cullen, O.S.F.
2001 Vern Harkins
2000 Leo Hindery
1999 Alberta Canada
1998 Ron Pemberton
1997 Fr. Dan Weber, S.J.
1996 Mel Mackey
As dedicated parents, the Bevegnis have three sons, Robert B’00, Joey B’03 and Andrew B’08, all of whom attended Bellarmine. Fred, a former two-term member of the Board of Directors, continues to serve on the Advancement Committee, while Paula actively participated in Philomathea and PRIDE (now the Bellarmine Gala) during her sons’ time at Bellarmine. Additionally, she has been instrumental in building connections and organizing reunions for her Aquinas Class of 1971, as well as coordinating tri-school reunions for Aquinas, Bellarmine and St. Leo’s.
“I love the Bevegnis, who are both generous in time given, and in the spirit by which they share their gifts. They are a wonderful choice for this year’s St. Robert Bellarmine award,” says Chris Gavin, former Bellarmine Principal.
Fred and Paula’s commitment to Catholic education extends far beyond Bellarmine, as they have generously supported other Catholic institutions. As esteemed owners of Marine View Beverages for many years, the Bevegnis have been instrumental in supporting several local organizations. Their dedication and community service perfectly align with the Bellarmine philosophy and goals of being servant leaders and people for others.
The Saint Robert Bellarmine Award is the school’s highest honor. It is awarded annually to a person(s) of distinction who has served the Church and the broader community in an outstanding way reflective of the philosophy and goals of Bellarmine.
1995 Andie Gernon
1994 Doug Dyckman
1993 Sr. Lois Weber, O.S.F
1992 Jeff Buhr
1991 Art McMahon
1990 Joe Underwood
1989 Les Cathersal
1988 Dr. Ralph O’Connor
1987 Michael A. and Mary Jo Tucci
1986 Sr. Joyce Cox, B.V.M.
1985 Sr. Norine Graves, O.S.F.
1984 Dr. Hugh A. Larkin
1983 Scott and Sis Names
1982 Augie von Boecklin
1980 Fr. Cornelius V. Mullen, S.J.
1979 Fr. Phil Land, S.J.
1978 John Heinrick
1977 Bishop Francis Gleason, DD, S.J.
1976 Leo Gallagher
1975 Sr. Mary James Laviolette
1974 Pearl Gaul
1973 Michael J. Tucci, Sr.
1972 Fr. Jack Sneeringer, S.J.
1969 A.B. Comfort
1968 Frost Snyder
*no award was presented in 1970, 1971, 1981, 2021
BeLLarmine aLumni
In a busy, fast-paced world, many people find it challenging to stay in touch with close friends and maintain long-standing relationships. Your high school reunion is a fantastic opportunity for old friends, acquaintances and classmates to reconnect.
Reunions at Bellarmine are traditionally celebrated every ten years. We invite graduates to reunite for your milestone dates - 10th, 20th, 30th, 40th, 50th and later reunions.
Your class reunion is a special occasion to celebrate in a way that uniquely represents your class. The Bellarmine Alumni Office is eager to assist you in planning your class reunion celebration. Bellarmine is committed to supporting classes with commemorating their significant milestones, and will collaborate closely with your class committee to assist in the organization of a memorable event.
To see the most up-to-date information on alumni specific events and news, such as reunions and Class Notes visit: www.bellarmineprep.org/alumni or scan the QR code.
advancement & partnerships
Fulcrum 2023
BPS Homecoming Chicago City Visit
Presidential Installation Event
Tacoma Stars and Galaxy Press Conference
Meet the President Gathering
Festival of Trees 2023
Boston City Visit
Bunco Night
Presidential Installation Mass
BPS Homecoming
This year, we say goodbye and honor these six retirees, who have collectively given nearly 150 years of service to Bellarmine.
Scan the QR code for more details about their legacy as a Lion and opportunities to honor their impact at Bellarmine.
Rick Keller-Scholz
Ron Nilsen
Ben Meeker
Chelle Miller B’85
Tom Larsen B’74
Mike Schneider
2300 S Washington St Tacoma WA 98404-1304
