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The Catholic College of the South
By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment
Belmont Abbey College and National Catholic Prayer Breakfast Host Series of Lectures on the Work of Michael Novak
Belmont, N.C. (February 19, 2024) – Belmont Abbey College, in collaboration with the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, announces a thought-provoking series of lectures and panel discussions centered around the influential work of Michael Novak. The series, titled “An Inquiry Into the Spiritual Wealth of Nations,” will take place at the Belmont House on Capitol Hill, providing a platform for renowned scholars, experts, and thought leaders to delve into the profound impact of Novak’s contributions.
The lectures and panel discussions will provide a platform for engaging in conversations on various aspects of Novak’s work and exploring its implications for society, politics, economics, and culture. Participants will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the profound influence Novak has had on shaping our understanding of the human person, the common good, and the role of faith in public life.
This series will feature a lineup of distinguished speakers who will cover various topics. George Weigel, a Catholic theologian, political analyst, and author of Witness to Hope: The Biography of Pope John Paul II, will deliver the concluding lecture entitled “John Paul II’s Contribution to Political and Economic Thought” on September 10th. Weigel’s deep understanding of Pope John Paul II’s teachings will provide valuable insights into the intersection of politics, economics, and Catholicism.
Emmett McGroarty, Executive Director of the Belmont House, will kick off the series with a talk entitled “The Ideal of Democratic Capitalism” on March 5, 2024. McGroarty’s insights will provide a solid foundation for the subsequent discussions. On April 30th, Dr. Catherine Pakaluk, Director of Social Research and Associate Professor at the Busch School of Business at the Catholic University of America, will deliver a talk entitled “Why Catholics Cannot Support Socialism.” With her expertise in economics and Catholic social teaching, Pakaluk will explore the inherent contradictions between socialism and the Catholic faith.
Dr. Jay Richards, Director of the Richard and Helen DeVos Center for Life, Religion, and Family, will present “What Can Theology Contribute to Economics?” on May 15, 2024. Richards’ unique perspective will shed light on the intersection of these two seemingly disparate fields. Dr. Joseph Wysocki, Interim Provost at Belmont Abbey College, will deliver the lecture “Are We Still A Tocquevillian Nation?” on July 9th, 2024. Wysocki’s examination of Tocqueville’s insights will prompt reflection on the current state of our nation.
Emmett McGroarty expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming series, stating, “We are thrilled to collaborate with the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast to bring this thought-provoking series to Catholic staff on Capitol Hill. Michael Novak’s work has had a profound impact on Catholic intellectual and political thought, and we look forward to exploring its enduring relevance together.” Register for this series at https://resources.bac.edu/the-political-thought-of-michael-novak-lectures-landing-page/.
For press inquiries, please contact Sarah Bolton at sarahbolton@bac.edu or 704-461-7016.
By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment
Belmont Abbey College Announces Capital Campaign Success and New Goal of $150 Million
Belmont, N.C. (February 13, 2024) – Today, Belmont Abbey College celebrates its achievement of reaching the Made True capital campaign goal of $100 million, two years ahead of the original timeline. With this overwhelming success, the college now unveils plans to raise its aspirations to a new goal of $150 million by the college’s 150th anniversary in 2026.
Launched in February 2023, Belmont Abbey College set the most ambitious capital campaign goal in its history. The Made True campaign launched with three themes, Made Secure, Made Strong, and Made Free, with areas of focus that included a new performing arts center, academic enhancements, growth of the college’s endowment to reduce reliance on federal aid, and innovative stewardship programs to help students graduate debt-free. Belmont Abbey College, having accomplished its capital campaign goal in under a year, is in the exclusive company of colleges that accomplish their capital campaign goal prior to the campaign’s end. This achievement puts Belmont Abbey College in the top 1.5% of peer institutions that have fulfilled campaigns of $100 million dollars or more.
The response to this initiative was inspiring, as President Bill Thierfelder elaborates, “Gratitude. An overwhelming sense of gratitude pervades our every thought for the extraordinary generosity, sacrifice, and commitment of our alumni, friends, and benefactors who made it possible to achieve the $100 million capital campaign goal in less than a year since it was announced publicly. And with continuing trust in Divine Providence, an ever-growing need to support our students, faculty and staff, and almost three years remaining on the original campaign timeline, we have raised the campaign goal to $150 million to provide additional student scholarships, endowed Chairs, and a new home for our monastic community. 2026 will certainly mark a special 150th anniversary for Belmont Abbey College in more ways than one!”
The funds raised through the Made True capital campaign have already made a substantial impact on the college. Campaign gifts have strengthened the college’s facilities with a new, revitalized dining hall and new, high-tech, state-of-the-art labs. Commitments to the Abbey will grow its endowment fund fivefold, further solidifying the college’s mission in perpetuity. Other campaign gifts include $9 million in funding from the North Carolina General Assembly in its 2023-2024 budget towards the total cost for the construction of a new performing arts center.
Belmont Abbey has also established a permanent Belmont House in Washington, D.C., made possible with a $1.7 million gift from alum Dr. Maximo Alvarez, a venue that has helped to return Christian voices to the public square, promote Judeo-Christian values, and prepare young professionals to engage with our culture and politics in fruitful and ethical ways.
More than 14,500 donors participated in the campaign overall, with 85% being first-time donors. Since the February 2023 public launch, 5,613 gifts were made toward the Made True campaign. While the success of the $100 million campaign will impact the college and local community for years to come, the college’s needs still outweigh this achievement as Belmont Abbey now extends its goal to $150 million by the college’s 150th anniversary in 2026. Phil Brach, Vice President of College Relations at Belmont Abbey College, expressed his confidence in the increased campaign goal, stating, “We have achieved so much in less than a year, and there is still more the Abbey can accomplish with such generous benefactors. With the continued support of our donors and the dedication of our community, we are confident that we can achieve this historic new goal.”
The new additional $50 million goal will add to an already record-setting capital campaign. In the next phase of this campaign, Belmont Abbey aims to sustain excellence and virtue within academics, revitalize society with young leaders, and provide a new home for the monks of Belmont Abbey. The $50 million extension of the Made True campaign includes:
“Today, we celebrate the tremendous accomplishments of Belmont Abbey College, and we recognize the immense potential that lies ahead,” shares Abbot Placid Solari, Chancellor of Belmont Abbey College, reflecting on the remarkable journey of the college. “With this new phase of the campaign, we are poised to ensure this college and our mission continue for another 150 years.” The college is confident that this campaign goal will bring forth new and ever-greater blessings across the nation as it continues to shape the lives of students and contribute to the betterment of society.
Belmont Abbey College invites alumni, friends, and supporters to join them in this exciting endeavor. By contributing to the Made True campaign, individuals can make a lasting impact on the lives of students, the community, and the future of Belmont Abbey College. For more information about the Made True campaign and to learn about other ways to support Belmont Abbey College, visit www.bac.edu/madetrue.
For press inquiries, please contact Sarah Bolton at sarahbolton@bac.edu or 704-461-7016.
By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment
Check out the latest Conversatio episode, where Dr. Julia Beeman and Coach Toni Fox are joined by student-athletes Ella and Anna for a conversation about the significance of National Girls and Women in Sports Day.
By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment
Grand Opening of Jerry and Martha Schmitt Dining Hall at Belmont Abbey College set for Monday, February 12, 2024
Belmont Abbey College and Chartwells Higher Education partner on state-of-the-art facility
[Belmont, NC]: Belmont Abbey College, in partnership with food service provider Chartwells Higher Education Dining, will hold a special ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Jerry and Martha Schmitt Dining Hall located on campus Monday, February 12, 2024, at noon. The special ribbon cutting will officially open Belmont Abbey College’s newest dining room expansion. Plans for the ceremony include a blessing of the facility by Abbot Placid, Chancellor of Belmont Abbey College, a presentation of the Dedication Plaque to donor Martha Schmitt, and recognition of local dignitaries and guests.
This latest expansion at Belmont Abbey College meets the current needs of the enrolled students and faculty members and includes a brand-new Deli Station as well as an interactive Student Choice Station. In addition, the new facility will include an Allergen-Friendly station as well as an enticing Dessert Station.
In addition to the expanded stations and selections, the facility will feature communal seating, a specified area called “Abbey’s Lounge” where guests can relax with their friends, and weekly programming in the space with events such as Chef led Teaching Kitchens, Karaoke Nights and Fancy Fridays, a monthly program that gives students an opportunity to experience a high-end dinner.
Belmont Abbey College President Dr. William Thierfelder, the Belmont Abbey College Board of Trustees, and representatives from the Archdiocese of Charlotte are just a few of the dignitaries scheduled to be on hand.
President Thierfelder conveyed sincere gratitude to Chartwells and expressed profound thanks to Jerry and Martha Schmitt for their invaluable contribution to the college. “We are thrilled to unveil the newly renovated Jerry and Martha Schmitt Dining Hall. This expansion will greatly enhance the dining experience of our students, faculty, and staff, providing them with a modern and inviting space to enjoy their meals. We are truly grateful to Jerry and Martha Schmitt for their generous support of the college.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at the new entrance to the expanded Jerry and Martha Schmitt Dining Hall on campus, followed by a tour of the new facilities. The Belmont Abbey College Food Services staff will provide special items and refreshments to all guests.
“We are thankful for the opportunity to work with Belmont Abbey College in partnership with Chartwells, we look forward to fun, fellowship, and food,” said Jordan Haywood, General Manager of Belmont Abbey Dining. “Our team is eager to begin service in such a beautiful dining hall.”
“On behalf of myself and my classmates, I am extremely excited to see the newly renovated Dining Hall,” said Honora Long, Belmont Abbey College Student Body President. “This has been a greatly anticipated project, and I know myself and the entire student body have enjoyed seeing the progress of this renovation. I am incredibly grateful to Chartwells for making our Dining Hall a great place for students to gather and connect every day. I would also like to thank our wonderful construction crew for working tirelessly to bring us this space for both current and future Crusaders to enjoy.”
Press Inquiry Contact:
Sarah Bolton Ryan Murray
Marketing Project Manager District Marketing Manager
Belmont Abbey College Chartwells Higher Education
704-461-7016 336-430-7233
SarahBolton@bac.edu Ryan.murray@compass-usa.com
Contact Dr. Joseph Wysocki directly if you have any questions!
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