Statement to the Bellarmine University community from Dr. Joseph J. McGowan, Bellarmine's president:
It is with much sadness that I bring to your attention today’s announcement from the Archdiocese of Louisville informing us of the
death of Archbishop Thomas C. Kelly, OP.
With Maureen and two other friends, we recently had dinner with Archbishop Kelly and had a great time, including serious discussion with many good laughs. This past Monday, we attended the funeral Mass for our good friend and Bellarmine Women’s Council member Bunny Barker at Holy Spirit Church, and Archbishop Kelly concelebrated.
My friendship with Archbishop Kelly began during Bellarmine's presidential search process. I will never forget on the day of my inauguration on October 12, 1990, when he came up to Maureen and me and wished us great success in our “new ministry.” It is very interesting, but until he said that, I had not been thinking of the presidency of Bellarmine as a ministry, but of course it is!
He served diligently and faithfully on our Board of Trustees and was a great help to the Board, to the University, and to me in my work as President. He strongly supported
Vision 2020, and in the Board meeting that approved the vision, he said that it is “perfect for Bellarmine.”
As mentioned in the Archdiocese’s announcement, funeral arrangements will be announced. Please join me and our fellow members of the Bellarmine University community in extending our condolences to all who knew and loved Archbishop Thomas C. Kelly, OP.
Also: see statement from Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz.