Abbey Excellence

Belmont Abbey College Announces 2026 Inductees to the Dr. Michael P. Reidy Athletics Hall of Fame

Belmont, N.C. (April 9, 2026) — Belmont Abbey College is pleased to announce the Dr. Michael P. Reidy Athletics Hall of Fame class of 2026 on the 150th anniversary year of Belmont Abbey College. Nominated by members of the Belmont Abbey College community and selected by all living members of the Hall of Fame and coaches past and present, this incoming class includes four distinguished alumni and one team. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 1, 2026, honoring individuals and a team whose achievements embody the Abbey way and the college’s tradition of excellence and virtue.

This year’s inductees include:

• 1987–88 Men’s Basketball Team – A historic season featuring a perfect 10–0 February run, a District 26 championship, and the program’s first NAIA National Tournament appearance since the Al McGuire era of 1962. This was the last team to reach the NAIA National Tournament prior to its move to NCAA Division II.
• Hannah Schellenberg ’15 (Volleyball) – The most decorated volleyball player in Abbey history, earning multiple All‑Conference, All‑Region, and All‑American honors. Renowned for her leadership and humility.
• Tristan Keas ’10 (Men’s Lacrosse) – A defensive cornerstone who helped lead the team to its first Conference Carolinas title and earned multiple All‑Conference and All‑Tournament selections.
• Chris Neidermeier ’09 (Wrestling) – The first Abbey wrestler to be inducted, the program’s first NCAA All‑American, and a foundational leader whose legacy continues as a mentor to current athletes.
• Tim “TJ” Reilly ’78 (Tennis) – A standout player regarded as one of the best in program history, known for his elite forehand and success both during and after his Abbey career. TJ was also a decorated junior player, earning national recognition for his performance.

Interim Director of Athletics Paul Lyon emphasizes the significance of the event, noting that each inductee reflects the character, achievement, and Benedictine values that define Belmont Abbey Athletics.

“This Hall of Fame class represents the very best of Belmont Abbey Athletics,” said Lyon. “Each inductee has not only achieved excellence in competition, but has also demonstrated the integrity, leadership, and commitment to community that defines the Abbey way. We are proud to honor their lasting impact on our college community.”

Belmont Abbey has long been committed to an athletic program rooted in excellence and virtue, dedicated to forming young men and women into blessings in the lives of others. The Hall of Fame stands as a testament to this mission, honoring those who exemplify these ideals and inspiring future Abbey Crusaders to follow in their footsteps. 

The Hall of Fame ceremony celebrates not only records and championships but also the personal excellence, leadership, and service demonstrated by these honorees—hallmarks of the holistic education Belmont Abbey College has provided since its founding in 1876.

About Belmont Abbey College: Founded in 1876, Belmont Abbey College is a private, Catholic baccalaureate and liberal arts institution. Our mission is to educate students in the liberal arts and sciences so that in all things God may be glorified. Guided by the Catholic intellectual tradition and the Benedictine spirit of prayer and learning, we welcome a diverse body of students and provide them with an education that will enable them to lead lives of integrity, to succeed professionally, to become responsible citizens, and to be a blessing to themselves and to others. Our beautiful and historic campus is conveniently located just 10 miles west of Charlotte, N.C., and is currently home to more than 1500 students. For more information, visit belmontabbeycollege.edu.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Sarah Bolton

P: 704-461-7016 E: sarahbolton@bac.edu

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Belmont Abbey College Announces the American Semester at The Belmont House, Forming Students for Faithful Public Service

Belmont, N.C. (March 16, 2026) – Belmont Abbey College announces the launch of the American Semester at the Belmont House, a newly developed academic and formation program in Washington, D.C., designed to prepare students for principled leadership and policy engagement.

Open to college sophomores, juniors, and seniors, the American Semester Experience allows students to immerse themselves in specialized coursework on Catholic social teaching while completing full-time internships with congressional offices, federal agencies, and policy organizations. Located just steps from the U.S. Capitol, the Belmont House serves as Belmont Abbey College’s formation center, bringing community, faith, and truth to public service. Undergraduate initiatives stand as the cornerstone of its leadership development efforts. 

Dr. Jeffrey Talley, President of Belmont Abbey College, notes, “The Belmont House exemplifies our mission as a Catholic Benedictine College which is to order the hearts and minds of students to Christ as they serve in the world as competent professionals. In a city where decisions shape the lives of millions, our students learn to act with conscience, courage, and conviction.”

The Belmont House stands at the intersection of Catholic teaching and public service, offering a unique foundation for those called to lead and creating vibrant Catholic communities within Washington’s high-pressure political environment. In that regard, American Semester students participate in a lecture series curated for them as well as in public discussion series directed to wider, public audiences. Emmett J. McGroarty, Executive Director of Belmont Abbey College’s House on Capitol Hill, shared, “Through our collaborations and discussion events, we facilitate meaningful professional opportunities for students. We’re excited that the American Semester is open to students from across the country. In extending this hospitality, we draw on 1,500 years of Benedictine tradition of seeking truth and building the Mystical Body of Christ.” 

Hannah Martin, a current Belmont Abbey College senior participating in the program in Washington, D.C., through an internship with Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women, shared, “The Belmont House experience has shown me what it looks like to live my faith in public service. Between my internship at the Luce Center and the formation we receive here, I’ve learned that Catholic teaching isn’t just theoretical and that it can guide how we approach real policy decisions that affect people’s lives.”

“The Belmont House functions as a trusted resource where Catholic social teaching shapes public discourse,” McGroarty adds. “It is a place where future leaders are formed to bring moral clarity and faithful witness to the public square.”

To learn more about the American Semester or to apply, please visit https://belmontabbeycollege.edu/belmonthouse/american-semester/.

About Belmont Abbey College: Founded in 1876, Belmont Abbey College is a private, Catholic baccalaureate and liberal arts institution. Our mission is to educate students in the liberal arts and sciences so that in all things God may be glorified. Guided by the Catholic intellectual tradition and the Benedictine spirit of prayer and learning, we welcome a diverse body of students and provide them with an education that will enable them to lead lives of integrity, to succeed professionally, to become responsible citizens, and to be a blessing to themselves and to others. Our beautiful and historic campus is conveniently located just 10 miles west of Charlotte, N.C., and is currently home to more than 1500 students. For more information, visit belmontabbeycollege.edu.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Sarah Bolton

P: 704-461-7016 E: sarahbolton@bac.edu

Download Now.

Belmont Abbey College Attracts Top National Talent with Honors College Scholarship Weekend

Belmont, N.C. (February 6, 2026) – Belmont Abbey College is attracting some of the brightest high school seniors from across the nation, offering them an opportunity to compete for one of three full-tuition fellowships to its distinguished Honors College. Over the weekend, 48 students from 22 states will gather to demonstrate their academic excellence at the Honors College Scholarship Weekend. 

The weekend will see participants engage in Socratic seminars on two influential works: Cicero’s On Friendship and Willa Cather’s “Two Friends.” Designed to stimulate the attendees’ critical thinking and argumentative skills, these seminars are part of the Honors College’s commitment to attracting and forming students who are not only academically gifted but also curious and eager to contribute meaningfully to their communities and culture. In addition to the seminars, attendees will experience life at the college, with the option to stay with current Honors College students. 

The Honors College at Belmont Abbey College is a Great Books program that offers students a four-year journey through the Western canon. Students explore classic texts from the ancient to the modern world, beginning with works from Homer and Plato and continuing through the great books of the twentieth century. This approach fosters a deep understanding of history, literature, philosophy, and culture, equipping graduates with a well-rounded, intellectual foundation. 

“Our students encounter the great books of the Western canon in an environment shaped by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition and our Benedictine Heritage. Through Socratic seminars, students grapple with the perennial questions of human existence, contemplating these profound texts in the company of friends and with the guidance of dedicated teachers,” said Dr. Thomas Varacalli, Dean of the Honors College. “Together, they pursue truth, not merely as an abstract concept, but as something that is lived, debated, and applied in their own lives and in service to the world around them.”

The Honors College is known for its close-knit, vibrant community. Honors students play an active role in campus life, from serving as leaders in student government—three of the past five student body presidents were Honors students—to participating in over 30 student clubs. In addition, Honors students are well-represented in the arts, with many involved in theater productions and other creative endeavors. 

“The caliber of students applying to Belmont Abbey College is exceptional,” said Jesse Dorman, Vice Provost of Admissions. “It’s clear that the Honors College’s focus on the great works of the Western tradition resonates with students who are passionate about studying the Great Books and their impact on the world. We’re excited to offer these opportunities to our incoming students and thrilled to welcome such talented individuals to our community.”

The scholarship competition, which includes these weekend seminars, will also feature an essay and interview component. The final winners will be announced in early March or April. All scholarship weekend attendees have been accepted to Belmont Abbey’s Honors College and have already received a $9,000 scholarship. 

As Belmont Abbey College continues to grow, its Honors College remains a beacon for students seeking a truly transformative educational experience. The scholarship weekend demonstrates the program’s ability to draw top-tier talent and inspire the next generation of scholars, leaders, and thinkers. 

For more information about the Honors College, please visit https://belmontabbeycollege.edu/academics/honors-college/.

About Belmont Abbey College: Founded in 1876, Belmont Abbey College is a private, Catholic baccalaureate and liberal arts institution. Our mission is to educate students in the liberal arts and sciences so that in all things God may be glorified. Guided by the Catholic intellectual tradition and the Benedictine spirit of prayer and learning, we welcome a diverse body of students and provide them with an education that will enable them to lead lives of integrity, to succeed professionally, to become responsible citizens, and to be a blessing to themselves and to others. Our beautiful and historic campus is conveniently located just 10 miles west of Charlotte, N.C., and is currently home to more than 1500 students. For more information, visit belmontabbeycollege.edu.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Sarah Bolton

P: 704-461-7016 E: sarahbolton@bac.edu

Download Now.