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The Catholic College of the South

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Belmont Abbey College Celebrates 146th Commencement Ceremony

Belmont Abbey College Celebrates 146th Commencement Ceremony

Belmont, N.C. (May 11, 2024) – Today, Belmont Abbey College marked a significant milestone with the celebration of its 146th commencement ceremony, with a total of 314 students awarded undergraduate Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees at the annual graduation event on campus. The celebration began with a customary baccalaureate Mass at the Abbey Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, followed by the graduation ceremony on the basilica piazza, presided over by Chancellor Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B., and President Dr. William Thierfelder.

Twenty graduates earned their nursing degrees (14 pre-licensed and 6 RN-BSN), marking the first-ever nursing graduation at Belmont Abbey College under the guidance of Interim Chair and Program Director Dr. Lee-Ann Kenny. “This is a momentous occasion for our nursing program and Belmont Abbey College as a whole,” said Dr. Kenny. “These graduates have worked tirelessly to achieve their goals, and we are immensely excited to see their hard work positively impact our community.”

In addition to the nursing graduates, five seminarians received their bachelor’s degrees in philosophy, along with one of Belmont Abbey’s monks, Br. Chrysostom Sica. This group of graduates represents the college’s commitment to fostering faith within the Charlotte diocese through an education rooted in truth.

The 2024 Student of the Year was announced during the ceremony, recognizing Ronald Anthony Klein as an outstanding individual who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievements and contributions to the college community. Instead of a conventional Commencement speaker, the Student of the Year is featured, emphasizing the college’s commitment to its students.

The commencement ceremony also honored individuals who contributed significantly to their respective fields. Belmont Abbey College bestowed honorary degrees upon Kathleen Burke Barrett, Bishop Barry C. Knestout, and Mary Thierfelder, the spouse of President Bill Thierfelder, recognizing their outstanding accomplishments and dedication to their professions.

Belmont Abbey College continues to uphold its mission of providing a transformative education rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition. The college remains dedicated to nurturing the intellectual, spiritual, and personal development of its students, preparing them to make a positive impact in their chosen professions and communities.

For more information about Belmont Abbey College and its programs, please visit www.belmontabbeycollege.edu.

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For Immediate Release

Contact: Rolando Rivas

P: 704-461-6561 

E: rolandorivas@bac.edu

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Belmont Abbey College Recognizes Dr. Thomas Varacalli with the Adrian Award For Teaching Excellence

On April 30th, 2024, the 33rd Annual Academic Awards ceremony took place in the Haid Ballroom at Belmont Abbey College, and Dr. Thomas Varacalli was awarded the Adrian Award for Teaching Excellence. The Adrian Award for Teaching Excellence was established in 1984 with the support of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Adrian to acknowledge and reward outstanding teaching performance by faculty members at Belmont Abbey College.

A true conveyor of the Benedictine hallmarks, Dr. Varacalli brings a sense of clarity to complex texts and ideas because of his passion and energy for the great books and his desire and love for truth. Congratulations, Tom, on this exciting and well-deserved award!

 

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Belmont Abbey College Announces Spirit of St. Benedict Award Winner: Dr. Brad Frazier

Dr. Bradford Frazier, Director of Belmont Abbey’s MBA and Master of Leadership programs, has been named this year’s Spirit of St. Benedict Award winner. Abbot Solari Placid, O.S.B., and Dr. Thierfelder announced this wonderful honor at the annual Employee Recognition Luncheon on April 29th, 2024.

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.

Brad continues to exemplify the Benedictine hallmarks and carries out Belmont Abbey’s mission “so that in all things, God may be glorified.” Congratulations, Brad, on this exciting and well-deserved award!

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Belmont Abbey College Awarded Gaston Business Association’s 2024 Spirit of the Economy

Belmont Abbey College Awarded Gaston Business Association’s 2024 Spirit of the Economy

Belmont, N.C. (April 18, 2024) – The Gaston Business Association awarded Belmont Abbey College the 2024 Spirit of the Economy award. The Spirit of the Economy award is bestowed upon organizations that have made substantial contributions to the economic development and prosperity of the Gaston County area.

As a regional partner serving local business, the college’s numerous degree programs bring needed knowledge and skills to the county’s workforce. The college’s holistic approach to education ensures that students not only receive a top-notch academic experience but also develop into well-rounded individuals ready to make a positive impact in their communities. “The entire Belmont Abbey College community is extremely humbled and most grateful for this award. It represents the spirit of sacrifice and service found not only at Belmont Abbey College but throughout Gaston County. It is why Gaston County is such a wonderful place to work and live,” said Dr. Bill Thierfelder, President of Belmont Abbey College.

Partnerships with local businesses include CaroMont Health’s new hospital, scheduled to open this Fall on Belmont Abbey land. CaroMont Health was instrumental in the creation of new healthcare degree programs and will serve as the proving ground for a generation of new nurses. This collaboration will provide invaluable hands-on experience for students and contribute to the overall improvement of healthcare in the region and county. Finally, in May of this year the first graduating class from the college’s three nursing programs will join the healthcare workforce proof of the ongoing impact the college will have on our future.

On the horizon are new graduate degree programs that will form a new cadre of leaders, a new performing arts center that will serve the broader community, and the further fulfillment of the college’s commitment to return faithful voices to the public square.
Belmont Abbey College is thrilled to receive the 2024 Spirit of the Economy award, which serves as a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence in education and its dedication to preparing students for successful careers. The college looks forward to continuing its mission of shaping future leaders and making a positive impact on the local community.

For more information about Belmont Abbey College and its programs, please visit www.belmontabbeycollege.edu.

Sarah Bolton

Marketing Project Manager

Belmont Abbey College

704-461-7016

SarahBolton@bac.edu

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 https://belmontabbeycollege.edu/.

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