Dr. Glenn F. Kosse, who has overseen Bellarmine University's development and alumni relations programs during a period of unprecedented success since 2005, has announced that he will leave the university this summer.
As Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, Kosse works with alumni, donors and volunteers to engage them in the life of the university while securing involvement and financial support that advances the mission of the school. He also oversees
the university's special events office.
"I'm very proud of my 16 years at Bellarmine, where my work -- alongside an incredible team -- has made a Bellarmine education accessible for thousands of students," said Kosse. "Our fundraising successes have been possible because our donors recognize
the value of what Bellarmine offers to our students and to the region's workforce. I expect Bellarmine's impact on the region and the nation to only become more significant in the years ahead. I look forward to remaining engaged as an alum, parent
of a student, donor and a fan."
Kosse's last day will be May 31. He will then take a position with H2R Consulting LLC, with a primary focus of developing an expanded philanthropic and non-profit consulting practice within the firm, which is led by his wife, Kelley Helgeson. A plan to
replace Kosse will be announced later in the semester.
"Glenn has been a valued member of my Cabinet since I came to Bellarmine nearly five years ago," said Dr. Susan M. Donovan, Bellarmine’s president. "I'm personally grateful that he helped lead our presidential transition team and the planning team
for my inauguration. He also played a vital role in the development of our strategic plan, Tradition and Transformation. And we shared a drive for ambitious fundraising to support the university's continued growth in academic excellence. His work
leaves a rich legacy in our academic programs and our facilities, and ultimately in the successes of our graduates."
Under Kosse's direction, the university:
- Worked with campaign chair Bill Samuels to develop, launch and successfully complete a major capital campaign, the largest in the university’s history, raising more than $100 million for new buildings, new academic programs, additional faculty
and student scholarships.
- Eleven campus facilities were constructed or significantly renovated with capital campaign funds, including Centro's McGowan Hall.
- Academic support included 49 endowed scholarships for current and future students, five named or endowed professorships, and four new learning communities.
- Increased its annual philanthropic fundraising budget to over $10 million.
- Created an athletics development program, raising over $7 million in the past 2 1/2 years to support the Knights' transition to NCAA Division I.
- Developed a corporate partnership initiative combining the efforts of alumni relations, career services, graduate admissions and corporate relations to maximize university engagement with local companies through alumni placement, engagement and continuing
education.
- Instituted the university’s annual Day of Giving, in collaboration with Bellarmine’s Marketing and Communication department.
- Set new records for alumni engagement, with 6,242 graduates participating in virtual or in-person events last year.
- Built one of the nation's most successful alumni-student mentoring programs, pairing more than 300 students with alumni mentors each year.
- Received the CASE Circle of Excellence Overall Performance Award for success in development and alumni relations in 2019 and 2015, in addition to six regional CASE III performance awards.
Kosse came to Bellarmine with a wealth of experience in education and development, including his previous position at the University of Louisville as associate vice president for development and alumni. Prior to that, Kosse served the St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital for 14 years in roles of increasing responsibility.
A Louisville native, he received his undergraduate degree at the University of Notre Dame. In addition to a Ph.D. in Leadership in Higher Education from Bellarmine, he holds a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from the University
of Louisville.