Belmont Abbey College Awards Justice Clarence Thomas the Benedict Leadership Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Belmont, N.C. (February 6, 2023) –
In March of 2020, Justice Clarence Thomas was named the fourth recipient of the Benedict Leadership Award for his outstanding role as a Catholic leader. Just one day before the scheduled presentation ceremony at Belmont Abbey College, the event was canceled due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
The mission of the Benedict Leadership Institute is to develop and inspire Catholic leaders to transform society in light of their faith. A particular emphasis is placed on those leaders who reflect the heroic leadership of St. Benedict. This includes those characters who exemplify enduring greatness in their community, are leaders through their own success, and who utilize the principles of faith in their leadership role. The candidates for this award come from a variety of industries, not always specific to the Catholic faith. Showing that Catholic values are not reserved for activities only involving a church community, these Benedictine Leaders demonstrate courage and integrity as they allow their Catholic morals to permeate every aspect of their lives and careers.
Conor Gallagher, Executive Director of the Benedict Leadership Institute, made the following comment to Justice Thomas: “While your life displays numerous reasons for being worthy of the Benedict Leadership Award, the Committee wishes to honor and highlight your leadership in defense of our nation’s Constitution and your personal witness as a man of faith.”
Justice Thomas has a particular fondness for Belmont Abbey’s tradition, for he was educated and loved by Benedictine nuns, which he affectionately refers to as “my nuns”. Coming from dire poverty in a segregated world, it was the compassion and faithfulness of these Benedictine sisters that helped shape the man that Justice Thomas has become.
His grandfather was an integral part of his growth as a man, and taught him how to live through hard work, faith, obedience, and common sense. All qualities which have been demonstrated by Justice Thomas’ public ministry while seated on the Supreme Court. The Institute selected Justice Thomas in recognition for his extraordinary career as a defender of the Constitution and his enduring leadership as a man of faith.The Benedict Leadership Institute was founded to acknowledge such individuals who exemplify the virtues of St. Benedict as they develop and inspire other Catholic leaders to transform society.
Press inquiries can contact Rolando Rivas, AVP of Marketing and Communications, at rolandorivas@bac.edu. For information about the Benedict Leadership Institute, visit https://benedictleadershipinstitute.org/.
