Belmont Abbey’s former men’s coach John Keating sits down with Ken Lolla and Robbie Church, two nationally renowned college soccer coaches who both got their start at Belmont Abbey College. Together they chat about leadership, culture, and life after the whistle. They revisit their Belmont Abbey years, share the rituals and habits that built winning programs, and reflect on legacy, faith, and relationships. Along the way, they tackle today’s challenges—recruiting, retention, and the transfer portal, and what it really takes to build teams that last.
Alumni News
Belmont Abbey College Celebrates Second Annual Graduate Commencement
Belmont Abbey College Celebrates Second Annual Graduate Commencement
Belmont, N.C. (October 24, 2025) – Belmont Abbey College celebrated its second graduate commencement ceremony, conferring degrees upon 53 students across seven master’s programs on October 18th, 2025. This event marked the inaugural graduation of the Master of Classical and Liberal Education and the Master of Arts in Communication.
The ceremony also honored graduates from the Master of Arts in Leadership, Master of Business Administration, Master of Health Administration, Master of Science in Data Analytics, and Master of Science in Nursing programs. These programs have prepared graduates not only to become future leaders in business, healthcare, and education, but also to lead purposeful and principled lives rooted in integrity.
In anticipation of commencement, graduates of the Master of Classical and Liberal Education participated in the inaugural Sharing Salt Conference, a gathering designed to foster dialogue, learning, and community among current graduates, educators, and advocates of classical education.
“This commencement is more than a celebration of academic achievement—it is a testament to the hard work, discipline, and values that our graduate students carry forward into the world,” said Dr. Brad Frazier, Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School, who served as Master of Ceremonies.
Dr. Joseph Wysocki, Interim President and Provost, addressed the graduates with a message of encouragement and reflection, highlighting the significance of their academic achievements and the college’s ongoing mission. “The world needs more Abbey alumni in professional leadership,” said Dr. Wysocki. “Leaders who not only succeed in their fields but who live with integrity, courage, and purpose. You are a vital part of our mission to renew the world through truth and virtue.”
The ceremony took place outdoors in front of the historic Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, a cherished Abbey tradition. Following the ceremony, graduates, families, faculty, and friends gathered for a celebratory reception.
This commencement represented not only the academic success of the graduates but also their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to living purposeful, values-driven lives.
For more information about Belmont Abbey College and its programs, visit www.belmontabbeycollege.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 belmontabbeycollege.edu.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Sarah Bolton
P: 704-461-7016 E: sarahbolton@bac.edu
Belmont Abbey College Launches Ten New Specializations in a Fully Online Business Studies Undergraduate Program for Working Professionals
Belmont Abbey College Launches Ten New Specializations in a Fully Online Business Studies Undergraduate Program for Working Professionals
Belmont, N.C. (October 23, 2025) – Belmont Abbey College announces the launch of a fully online Bachelor of Arts in Business Studies program, specifically designed to meet the needs of working professionals seeking to advance their careers. The new program will begin enrolling students for the upcoming spring term.
With a flexible and affordable format, the program offers concentrations in General Business, Marketing, Accounting, Hospitality Management, Project Management, Supply Chain Management, Digital Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, and Motorsport Management.
Each concentration is designed to help professionals gain practical, industry-specific experience that aligns with their career goals and existing expertise. Whether students aim to lead a marketing team, grow within their current profession, manage operations, or transition into a new industry, each track delivers targeted skills with real-world applications.
“Today’s professionals need flexible, career-focused education that meets them where they are,” said Dr. Brad Frazier, Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies at Belmont Abbey College. “This new online business studies degree is built to help students grow their skills, complete their degrees, and prepare for leadership roles—without putting their lives on hold.”
The program accepts transfer credits, allowing students to accelerate their degree completion. The curriculum focuses on core business competencies, including communication, finance, and legal studies, preparing graduates to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape.
Courses are delivered in eight-week sessions, providing maximum flexibility for students balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. The program is taught by experienced faculty who offer personalized guidance and support throughout the academic journey. Tuition is competitively priced at $349 per credit hour, making the program an affordable option for students investing in their future.
For more information about Belmont Abbey College and its programs, visit www.belmontabbeycollege.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 belmontabbeycollege.edu.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Sarah Bolton
P: 704-461-7016 E: sarahbolton@bac.edu
Emma Fradd – Authenticity in Modern Music
Australian musician Emma Fradd joins host Morgan Alemy to share her journey of conversion, creativity, and calling. From grunge rock beginnings to writing faith-inspired indie music, she reflects on the challenges and joys of staying true to her craft and her Catholic faith. Discover how authenticity and artistry can meet in today’s music world.
Belmont Abbey College Finalizes Reidy Tennis Center Construction with Alumni Gift
Belmont Abbey College Finalizes Reidy Tennis Center Construction with Alumni Gift
Belmont, N.C. (October 7, 2025) – Belmont Abbey College has received a significant donation from alumnus Doug Ehmann, class of 1985, enabling the completion of the Reidy Tennis Center and Pavilion, a facility honoring the late Coach Michael “Mike” Reidy.
Doug Ehmann, a longtime supporter of the College, has contributed significantly to campus life over the years. A former member of the Board of Trustees, Ehmann helped build the Abbey’s golf team and served as its coach, supported improvements to the Wheeler Center, and played a pivotal role in the development of the tennis facilities. In 2008, he was honored with the Br. Gregory Corcoran Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award—recognition that not only highlights his personal accomplishments but also exemplifies the meaningful ways Belmont Abbey alumni continue to give back. Personally acquainted with Coach Reidy and inspired by his legacy, Ehmann’s recent $1.4 million donation provides the final funding needed to complete the Reidy Tennis Center and Pavilion.
Coach Mike Salomon, head tennis coach at Belmont Abbey, expressed his gratitude, stating, “Our mission in Abbey Tennis is to build up our student-athletes in mind, body, and soul. We’re grateful for the generosity of Doug Ehmann and hope to exhibit the legacy of Mike Reidy on the courts for years to come.”
“Doug’s impact on our community has been instrumental to the Abbey’s progress and success. We are deeply grateful for his continued support of Belmont Abbey College,” said Dr. Joseph Wysocki, Interim President of Belmont Abbey College.
Coach Reidy, who joined Belmont Abbey College in 1969, led the men’s tennis team for 31 years. Under his guidance, the team secured six conference titles and made seven national tournament appearances, including reaching the NCAA Division II Sweet 16 in 2001. Reidy was named conference Coach of the Year four times and also led the women’s tennis program to a conference championship in 1999. His contributions established Belmont Abbey’s holistic approach, which serves as a life-changing foundation for student-athletes that yields success on and off the court. Bonnie Reidy, Mike’s wife of more than fifty years, served as a second mom to many of the tennis players—offering encouragement, support, and a welcoming presence that made the Abbey feel like home. She continues to be a beloved friend of the Abbey and a cherished part of its extended community.
Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B., reflected on Coach Reidy’s legacy, “Coach Reidy’s most enduring legacy comes from his role as a mentor and teacher for innumerable players, students, and friends. He taught his players that academics were first and that if you did not learn sportsmanship, you were not on his team. Countless alumni refer to him as a second father and acknowledge that they owe much of their success, personally and professionally, to Coach.”
The Reidy Tennis Center and Pavilion will include locker and shower rooms, restrooms, coaches’ offices, team meeting rooms, gathering spaces, and outdoor fan seating. Construction is set to begin early next year.
For more information about Belmont Abbey College and its programs, visit www.belmontabbeycollege.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 belmontabbeycollege.edu.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Sarah Bolton
P: 704-461-7016 E: sarahbolton@bac.edu
