Alumni News

July 11, 2024 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Belmont Abbey College Alumnus Celebrates First Profession of Monastic Vows

Belmont Abbey College Alumnus Celebrates First Profession of Monastic Vows

Belmont, N.C. (July 11, 2024) – Today, on the Feast of St. Benedict, Belmont Abbey celebrates the first Profession of Vows of Brother Gabriel Hamilton, formerly known as John Paul Hamilton, an alumnus of Belmont Abbey College’s Class of ‘20. The profession took place during the monastic community’s Conventual Mass, which was attended by Brother Gabriel’s family and friends and members of the college community.

In his homily, Abbot Placid reminded Brother Gabriel that the monastic profession involves a unique embrace of the cross of Christ. Quoting from the Gospel of John, he assured Brother Gabriel with Jesus’ words, Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me (John 12:26).

Following the homily, Br. Gabriel professed with vows binding for three years, stability in the community, fidelity to the monastic way of life, and obedience according to the Rule of St. Benedict. Following the vows, the monastic community exchanged the sign of peace with the newly professed, recognizing Br. Gabriel’s acceptance as a vowed member of the monastic community.

As a temporarily professed monk, Br. Gabriel will continue his prayer and discernment under the guidance of Father Elias to explore his true calling to the monastic life.

Br. Gabriel, an alumnus of Belmont Abbey College and a graduate of the Honors College, completed his studies in 2020 with a major in English. During his time as a student, he received invaluable guidance and mentorship from dedicated faculty members who played a crucial role in shaping his character and formation.

The celebration of Br. Gabriel’s first Profession of Vows is not only a profound moment for him personally but also a significant milestone for the entire Belmont Abbey Community. Belmont Abbey College joins in offering prayers and support as Br. Gabriel continues his monastic formation and looks forward to witnessing the growth of his vocation in the years to come.

For more information about Belmont Abbey Monastery, please visit https://belmontabbey.org/.

For more information about Belmont Abbey College, please visit https://belmontabbeycollege.edu/.

Press Inquiry Contact: Sarah Bolton, sarahbolton@bac.edu or 704-461-7016.

Download Now.

July 10, 2024 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Abbey Alum Co-Authors Powerful Tribute to Bishop Su Zhimin

Recent grad Christopher Mee ’24 co-authored an impactful article with Nina Shea, Director of the Hudson Institute’s Center for Religious Freedom! Their piece, “A Birthday Tribute to China’s Heroic Bishop Su,” sheds light on the persecution of Bishop James Su Zhimin.

Read the article now!

June 24, 2024 By radefolaju Leave a Comment

Abbey Grads Join CMPD

In April, three Belmont Abbey College graduates joined the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Luis Mena ’23, Lily Contreras ’23, and Christina Osmera ’21 started the academy in October of 2023, completed over 900 hours of training, and officially joined the CMPD in April with Dr. Julia Beeman, Chair of the Criminal Justice program at the Abbey, present to share in their accomplishment.

Congratulations to these three honorable officers now serving Charlotte-Mecklenburg!

June 4, 2024 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Belmont Abbey College Announces Dr. Joseph Wysocki as New Provost

Belmont Abbey College Announces Dr. Joseph Wysocki as New Provost

Belmont, N.C. (June 4, 2024) – Belmont Abbey College is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Joseph Wysocki as the new Provost for Belmont Abbey College. Dr. Wysocki, an esteemed alumnus of the Abbey, brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the institution’s values and mission.

Having started his journey at Belmont Abbey College as a student, Dr. Wysocki’s dedication and passion for the Great Books led him to pursue a career in academia. After completing his undergraduate studies and receiving his doctorate from Baylor University, he returned to the Abbey as a professor, where he quickly became known for his exceptional teaching abilities and commitment to student success and was awarded the Adrian Award for Teaching Excellence in 2017. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Belmont Abbey appointed Dr. Wysocki as the Dean of the Honors College, a position he has held with great distinction. Under his leadership, the Honors College has flourished, attracting top-tier students and fostering a culture of excellence and community. Dr. Wysocki currently serves as a member of the Council of Scholars for the American Academy for Liberal Education and filled the role of interim Provost at Belmont Abbey College this past December.

As the new provost, Dr. Wysocki will play a pivotal role in shaping the academic and student engagement strategies to ensure the mission of Belmont Abbey College. His extensive experience within the institution, combined with his innovative enthusiasm for education and the mission of the Abbey, will undoubtedly enhance the college’s commitment to providing a transformative educational experience for its students.

President of Belmont Abbey College, Dr. William K. Thierfelder, expressed his excitement about Dr. Wysocki’s appointment, stating, “In the short time that Dr. Wysocki has been interim Provost, he has shown exceptional leadership, insight, thoughtfulness, dedication, and fidelity. He has demonstrated the vision and ability to champion high moral and academic standards and the creativity and pragmatism needed to find solutions to many of the most challenging problems the College faces. We are extremely blessed to have Dr. Joe Wysocki serve as our new provost.”

Dr. Wysocki’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Belmont Abbey College as it continues to expand its academic programs and strengthen its reputation as a leading liberal arts institution. His leadership and vision will be instrumental in guiding the college toward even greater success. “I am honored to serve as the new provost of Belmont Abbey College and look forward to working with the faculty, staff, and students to further enhance the institution’s academic excellence and commitment to its Catholic and Benedictine traditions,” said Dr. Joseph Wysocki. “With ambitious aspirations, our aim is to be a force of change in higher education, fostering genuine encounters with truth for our students.”

Belmont Abbey College is confident that Dr. Wysocki’s appointment as provost will further elevate the institution’s academic standing and reinforce its commitment to providing a transformative education rooted in the Catholic and Benedictine traditions.

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

Press Inquiry Contact: Rolando Rivas, rolandorivas@bac.edu or 704-461-6561

Download Now.

June 3, 2024 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Transgender & IVF in Light of Theology of the Body with Dr. Christopher West

In the final episode of Conversatio’s fourth season, Dr. Christine Boor engages in conversation with Dr. Christopher West and Dr. Shane Gomes, exploring the transgender movement and IVF through the lens of St. Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body.

Listen now!