Aristotle notes that “there is nothing so characteristic of friends as living together.” During their four-year course of study, our Honors students flourish as men and women of good character because they are formed by our Benedictine charism, devoted faculty and staff, and a student body dedicated to the love of God and the great books. The Honors students make long-lasting friendships that are forged by our small seminar classes and by various activities outside the classroom.
The Honors College sponsors several cultural events centered on well-ordered leisure. We attend symphonies, plays, musical performances, and baseball games in Charlotte. The professors host bonfires, picnics, and dinners at their houses. The students throw inter-class parties and the annual Honors Ball. Additionally, the Honors College includes a Shakespeare beach retreat at Hilton Head Island for the sophomores and a study abroad program in Ireland for the juniors.
Cultural Events
Honors College students attend a variety of lectures throughout the academic year. Previous lectures include:
- Dale Ahlquist, “Why Chesterton Matters”
- Mark Bauerlein, “Classical Education and the Sublime with Examples from Shakespeare”
- Jody Bottum, “2,000 Years of This Stuff: The Jumble of Art and Architecture, Poetry and Philosophy, Music and Motley in the Catholic Attic.”
Honors College students also partake in events throughout the greater Charlotte area. Previous events include:
- Handel’s Messiah
- C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters
- Gastonia Honey Hunters Baseball Game
Student Parties
Each year, students gather together for inter-class parties. The seniors and juniors host and cook for the lower classes. Everyone enjoys a night of fun and fellowship!
Bonfires
Bonfires are a staple of the Honors College. Professors kindly welcome students into their homes to encourage friendship through casual conversation, fireside sing-alongs, and sometimes costume contests!
Honors Ball
Kevin Gillett (Honors ‘23) began the tradition of hosting an Honors Ball. The music includes a mix of swing, pop, and waltz.
Plato’s Republic All-Nighter
In Fall 2021, the Class of 2025 began a tradition of reading the entirety of Plato’s Republic. They begin at 7 PM, continue throughout the night, and finish the next day.
Abbey-by-the-Sea Beach Retreat
Sophomore in the Honors College spend a three-night retreat at Hilton Head Island. They read Shakespeare’s The Tempest and engage in several seminars discussing the work with Honors College professors. Students have time to relax on the beach and enjoy time with friends. Students prepare meals for one another, attend Mass, and pray a rosary on the beach.
Study Abroad in Ireland
Juniors in the Honors College are given a unique opportunity to study abroad in Limerick, Ireland. Under the guidance of Abbey professors, the students spend four weeks studying Irish history and literature and travel throughout Ireland.
Men/Women Events
Dr. Thomas Varacalli and Dr. Christine Boor occasionally host men’s and women’s office hours to provide a place for students to discuss topics outside of class with professors and fellow students. The women of the Honors College enjoy throwing tea parties and celebrating Galentine’s Day at Dr. Boor’s house together. The men of the Honors College play pickleball, pray with the monks, and have communal dinners. Dr. Joseph Wysocki hosts the upperclassmen on a fly-fishing trip in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Senior Banquet
The Senior Banquet honors the graduating Honors College class. The banquet includes a formal dinner, drinks, remarks by the professors, and several humorous skits put on by the sophomores and juniors. The seniors are presented with custom superlative trophies.
