Spirit of St. Benedict Award Winner
Belmont, N.C. (April 25, 2023) – Cathy Comeau, Belmont Abbey’s Coordinator of Student Life for almost a decade, has been named this year’s Spirit of St. Benedict Award winner. Abbot Solari Placid, O.S.B. and President Thierfelder announced this wonderful honor at the annual Employee Recognition Luncheon on April 24th, 2023.
Belmont Abbey’s most prestigious recognition, the Spirit of St. Benedict Award, embodies the spirit of the Benedictine community. It is presented to someone who makes a substantial contribution to the College, demonstrates hospitality as evidenced by concern for others in the College Community, and gives service without regard for recognition, among other criteria.
“Cathy Comeau is a Belmont Abbey College institution of joy, excellence, and virtue. Countless students have laughed, cried, dreamed, and celebrated successes in her Commons 202 office. Alumni regularly seek her out when they return on campus,” Vice Provost and Dean of Student Life Tom MacAlester said. “Cathy is a very fitting recipient of the Spirit of St. Benedict Award for her dedication to student life, this place, and most importantly, the students entrusted to her diligent and joyful care.”
While Cathy is known and loved by the staff and faculty across Belmont Abbey, her relationship with the students is what she is most passionate about. Belmont Abbey College sophomore Youthan Love shares, “Mrs. Cathy is a person that everyone needs to meet during their time at the Abbey. The Office of Student Life would not function without all her support.” Cathy has, in a unique way, been entrusted with the welfare of Abbey students. She continues to exemplify the Benedictine hallmarks and carries out Belmont Abbey’s mission “so that in all things, God may be glorified.”
