Abbey News

October 9, 2023 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Belmont Abbey College Receives $9 Million in State Funding for New Performing Arts Center

Belmont Abbey College Receives $9 Million in State Funding for New Performing Arts Center

Belmont, N.C. (October 9, 2023) – Belmont Abbey College receives $9 million in funding from the North Carolina General Assembly in its 2023-2024 budget towards the total cost for the construction of a new performing arts center. With the help of this investment, the college can begin to plan for the construction of a new performing arts center which will allow the college and the surrounding region to enjoy theater, musical performances, art exhibitions, dance, along with other educational and cultural events in a beautiful, welcoming, first-rate facility.

“The Performing Arts Center at Belmont Abbey College will greatly enrich the lives of the people in our community,” said NC Senator Brad Overcash. “I am proud of the $9 million appropriation to create this important community resource.” NC Representative John Torbett echoes this sentiment, stating, “I am extremely proud to be a part of the building of Belmont Abbey College’s success through the building of a world-class cultural destination. This performing arts center will assist in growing the talents of our youth as well as presenting the talents of professional artists. I am especially honored to have played a part with so many others in support of the Abbey.”

The construction of a fully outfitted performance space will provide opportunities for theater and stage productions, as well as dance competitions, art exhibits, and conferences, making Gaston County a desired destination for large, high-quality events and performances.

The project promises to be a major economic development agent for Gaston County and will provide new opportunities for students and the community alike. Gaston County Manager Dr. Kim S. Eagle has expressed support for the project, stating that “The new performing arts center would directly connect to the County’s adopted strategic plan by supporting two of our own strategic focus areas: Economic Development and Planned Growth, and Recreational, Cultural, and Life-Long Learning Opportunities. Taken together, our community strategic plans and visions would directly benefit from the addition of this community asset and would advance our goals to provide a warm and welcoming community that is the premier destination to live, work, and play in the Charlotte region.”

Chris Peek, President and CEO of CaroMont Health, has also emphasized the economic benefits of the new facility, stating that “this new facility will not only support students in their quest to learn, grow and perform, but will also serve as a major economic development agent for Gaston County and the region.” Patrick Mumford, President and CEO of the Gaston Business Association (GBA) shares a similar viewpoint: “The GBA recognizes Gaston County’s artistic and cultural assets, such as the proposed performing arts center on the campus of Belmont Abbey College (BAC), are essential to sustaining economic growth. We are encouraged by the recognition of this facility’s ability to address arts events and performance needs of not only BAC, but also
those of the broader Gaston arts community.”

The college launched its $100 million Made True capital campaign earlier this year. As part of this campaign, the college hopes to secure additional philanthropic support from alumni, parents, and the broader community for the new performing arts center on campus. President Thierfelder remarked, “This project helps realize the college’s mission to bring the true, the good and the beautiful to as many people as possible and thereby culturally enriching the state of North Carolina and beyond.”

The Abbey will be developing a Community Leaders’ Advisory Committee to give input for the study, programming, and conceptual design for construction of the performing arts center. The committee will solicit and collect input from the college’s constituents and other subject matter experts in the community to formulate recommendations that will be developed into a report that will include conceptual drawings and suggested programming in the Center.

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/.

Download the press release.

October 5, 2023 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Belmont Abbey College and Primal Brewery Collaborate to Create “Made True Brew”

Belmont Abbey College, located just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina, has always been more than just a college; it’s a community united by faith and tradition. With a mission to create a world “made true,” the Abbey partnered with Primal Brewery in downtown Belmont to craft a classic doppelbock beer named “Made True Brew.” This collaboration, a testament of faith, commitment to the local community, and the art of brewing, will make a tangible difference for years to come.

Belmont Abbey College launched the Made True campaign in February 2022 as a groundbreaking $100 million initiative and development plan. It aims to establish a new monastery, performing arts center, and other academic enhancements. In addition, the campaign seeks to reduce reliance on federal aid and stewardship programs to help students graduate debt-free. Through this campaign, Belmont Abbey College embraces the responsibility to transform our country’s growing culture, striving to be a welcoming liberal arts school that restores our culture so humankind can thrive under the light of God’s providence.

Both Primal Brewery and Belmont Abbey College are united by a shared commitment to enriching their communities through hospitality and the art of brewing. Together, they created “Made True Brew,” a doppelbock beer that not only spreads the theme of the Made True campaign but provides an opportunity for the community to come together over a great drink. Brother Tobiah and Andrew Browne of Belmont Abbey College collaborated with Ray Steimal and Jim Swintek of Primal Brewery. The Made True doppelbock is now available at both Primal Brewery locations and the college plans to feature it at many of its events.

According to Stemial and Swintek, “Beer is social. We started brewing beer as a social event. We’ve always considered ourselves a gathering place. For us, it’s about that camaraderie. Primal in the Wesbter’s Dictionary means essential, fundamental to good, wholesome life. The social environment, that’s in our blood.” This community-building goes hand in hand with the Benedictine hallmark of hospitality that the monks at the Abbey so joyously exhibit. Not only do the monks welcome and extend a personal hospitality to each member of the college community, but their welcome extends further to our local community of Belmont as well.

Belmont Abbey is grateful to call Belmont home and appreciates collaborating with Primal Brewery and other local businesses to promote fellowship and personal growth within our community. If you plan to visit the Abbey, you will want to attend our homecoming celebration from October 6-8th, 2023. While you’re in town, stop by Primal Brewery, just a few minutes from campus, to give “Made True Brew” a try. So please mark your calendar and join us for a weekend of fun, fellowship, and fantastic beer.

October 2, 2023 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

The Future of the Catholic Church in the American Political Order

Join us for the latest episode of Conversatio as Dr. Thomas Varacalli discusses his upcoming book, “The Future of the Catholic Church in the American Political Order,” with Rolando Rivas. Explore the history of Catholics in America and their role in American society. Tune in for an insightful conversation.

Listen Now!

September 29, 2023 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Belmont Abbey College Recognized as A Top School for Online Education in Healthcare for 2024

Belmont Abbey College Recognized as A Top School for Online Education in Healthcare for 2024

Belmont, N.C. (September 29, 2023) – Belmont Abbey College announces that EduMed.org recognizes the college as one of today’s best schools for online healthcare degree programs. The college’s Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) online program earned top honors for its overall quality, affordability, and commitment to student success.

Designed for working professionals who want to advance their healthcare careers, students can complete the Belmont Abbey College MHA program entirely online, with no on-campus requirements. Students have access to a range of support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and technical support. In addition, all faculty receive Quality Matters certification, a gold standard for instructors to demonstrate their mastery of online teaching and learning.

Dr. Gwyndolan Swain, Founding Program Director and Professor of the MHA program at Belmont Abbey College, shares, “We are thrilled to offer a 100% online program that combines academic rigor with practical skills and real-world experience. Our graduates are well-prepared to take on leadership roles in healthcare organizations and positively impact their communities.”

EduMed.org, a leading online resource for healthcare education, evaluated hundreds of schools offering online healthcare degree programs. The rankings were based on factors such as program quality, affordability, and student support services.

“Our rankings feature the programs giving future nurses and allied health professionals the best chance for success, from day one in the classroom to day one on the job,” said Wes Harris, outreach coordinator for EduMed.org. “This starts with having a price tag that students can afford, as well as providing academic counseling, career placement services, and other key resources and support that help students graduate and get hired.”

To see where Belmont Abbey College placed on the full rankings, please visit Best MHA Programs Online. For more information on Belmont Abbey College’s Master of Healthcare Administration, visit www.bac.edu/mha. For press inquiries, contact Rolando Rivas at rolandorivas@bac.edu.

About EduMed.org: EduMed.org (https://www.edumed.org) set out in 2018 to support higher education in healthcare. Our complimentary resource materials are expert-driven guidebooks help students find scholarships, financial aid and top degree programs in nursing, healthcare administration, public health, and dozens of other key medical and health disciplines. Since the site’s official launch in 2019, EduMed.org has been featured by more than 100 premier colleges and universities across the U.S.

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/.

Download the press release.

September 18, 2023 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Belmont Abbey College Celebrates the Largest Total Enrollment in Over a Decade

Belmont Abbey College Celebrates the Largest Total Enrollment in Over a Decade

For Immediate Release – Belmont, N.C. (September 18, 2023) – Today Belmont Abbey College announces its largest total enrollment in over a decade and the fourth highest total enrollment in college history. Cumulating at a total of 1,654 enrolled students, this includes the traditional undergraduate, online undergraduate, dual-enrolled, non-degree seeking, and graduate populations. The private, Catholic, liberal arts institution reports a 9.5% increase in total student enrollment compared to fall 2022. This growth comes despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic and a decrease incollege enrollment among high school students nationwide in recent years. Growth extends to graduate studies as the college launches four new graduate programs in 2023 and welcomes those inaugural student cohorts.

Classes began on August 21st, and Belmont Abbey College welcomed 397 first-time degree seeking students. Julie Fleming, Director of Admissions at Belmont Abbey College, expresses her enthusiasm about the new class. “We have a special community at Belmont Abbey, and we are passionate about finding new students that support the mission and values of this institution. This new class of students is incredibly talented, and I know that they will use their skills, talents, and abilities to make a positive impact on campus and on society at large,” Fleming said.

The fall 2023 first-time, first-year degree cohort comes to Belmont Abbey with an impressive academic record and strong ties to leadership, athletics, and civic engagement. Results from a survey of the incoming class reveal that 85% participated in athletics with 75% serving as team captains. Additionally, 44% participated in community service work including local park and river clean up and working with children and youth at summer camps. Lastly, 29% are members of National Honor Societies and almost one quarter of the incoming students report being the first in their families to attend a four-year college. These qualities are a reflection of the college’s core values to welcome a diverse student body. “We are thrilled to welcome this dynamic class of individuals and we look forward to building relationships with them over their four years here. We know that with mentorship from our faculty and spiritual guidance from Campus ministry, the monastic community, and campus leaders, these students will develop into strong advocates and leaders that will make the world a better place,” says Dr. Travis Feezell, Provost at Belmont Abbey College.

Ranked #3 in Undergraduate Teaching in the South by U.S. News & World Report, the college consistently holds a top position in this category due to the holistic teaching approach that relies on exceptional faculty. Also ranked #17 in Best Value Schools in the South, Belmont Abbey is committed to making quality, private education affordable for all students. These new students are coming to Belmont Abbey during a time of exceptional growth. The college recently added new Undergraduate and Graduate programs, 4+1 pathway options for students, and enhancements to its dual enrollment programs. The campus community recently celebrated the opening of the newly renovated Wittenberg-Shevchenko Microbiology Lab, made possible through the generosity of Dr. Peter and Betty-Ann Wittenberg. Construction on two new residence halls and the Dining Hall are nearing completion, and a new astro turf sports complex is expected to open on campus in 2024. For more information on these initiatives, visit our website at www.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/.

Download the press release.