Bellarmine University honored its inaugural class of six Louisville Century Scholars during an award ceremony at the university last night. The students, who will graduate from local high schools next month, received full scholarships to attend Bellarmine.
The Louisville Century Scholars program reflects Bellarmine's commitment to access and affordability, creating talent pipelines to address the need for an educated, diverse and inclusive workforce while driving social and economic mobility in our community.
The scholarships cover the full cost of tuition, books, fees and on-campus room and board after federal, state and institutional aid is applied.
"I’m so excited to be a part of this new initiative and I can't wait to spend the next four years at Bellarmine,” said Olivia Mayfield, a Butler Traditional High School senior and a Louisville Century Scholar. "This scholarship will take so
much stress away so I can fully engage in the college experience.”
To be eligible, applicants from qualifying schools must have a grade point average of at least 3.5 and meet with a Bellarmine interview committee once a recommendation from their high school guidance counselor is received. While enrolled at Bellarmine,
students will mentor future Century Scholars and participate in community service.
“As part of our strategic plan, we are striving to make a Bellarmine education accessible to students of all backgrounds,” said Dr. Michael J. Marshall, Bellarmine’s vice president for enrollment, marketing and communication. “The
ability to pay for college should not be a barrier to anyone who has a dream to succeed. Bellarmine works to support and develop highly educated graduates to enhance this community, state, region and nation. We want a diverse student body whose collective
differences, talents and backgrounds make Bellarmine a more vibrant learning community.”
Marshall noted that one in four students who started their undergraduate studies at Bellarmine last fall were eligible for Federal Pell Grants, meaning their families need exceptional financial support to make college possible. Twenty percent of Bellarmine
undergraduate population is classified as underrepresented minority students.
Students at these Louisville high schools are eligible for the scholarship program: Butler, Central, Doss, Iroquois, Seneca, The Academy @ Shawnee, Waggener and Western. These eight schools have the highest local percentages of underrepresented minority
students and families who qualify for the National School Lunch Program.
Rising high school seniors who want to apply for the scholarship should contact Brooke Burnette
via email for additional information.
“Congratulations to each of you,” said Dr. Susan M. Donovan, Bellarmine’s president. “I am excited to welcome you as part of our community. Being here today to celebrate this great achievement is a testament to your drive and commitment.
All of us at Bellarmine are looking forward to seeing you achieve even more over the next four years.”
2021 Louisville Century Scholars
Rut Alvarez, Central High School Magnet Career Academy
Amari Averette-Bush, Butler Traditional High School
Yoselin Vega, Waggener High School
Sheyian Coram, Seneca High School
Dayessi Chavez, Central High School Magnet Career Academy
Olivia Mayfield, Butler Traditional High School