Alumni News

June 1, 2024 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

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

On Thursday, May 23rd, Belmont Abbey College was honored to be awarded the Spirit of the Economy Award from the Gaston Business Association. This award, sponsored by First Horizon Bank, recognizes an entity that has shown exemplary dedication to driving economic growth and business success in Gaston County and North Carolina.

With over 4,000 Abbey graduates calling Gaston County home, the college’s impact on the local community is profound. Beyond the alumni contributing to the education sector, there are 56 individuals engaged in various roles such as student teaching, teaching assistance, school counseling, and social work. A recent study highlighted the significant economic contribution of Belmont Abbey College, with payroll, operational spending, and the expenditure of students, visitors, and alumni collectively generating $47.5 million in additional income for the Gaston County economy.

“Belmont Abbey is a deserving recipient of the Spirit of the Economy Award,” said Patrick Mumford, Gaston Business Association President and CEO. “The Abbey has consistently led efforts to support economic growth and prosperity both within and outside its campus. Their commitment to educate, innovate, and collaborate has raised the profile of Gaston County for prospective students and businesses.”

May 30, 2024 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Belmont Abbey College Partners with the Veterum Sapientia Institute to Elevate Graduate Offering

Belmont Abbey College Partners with the Veterum Sapientia Institute to Elevate Graduate Offering

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Belmont, N.C. (May 30, 2024) – Today Belmont Abbey College announces a new partnership with the Veterum Sapientia Institute (VSI). Aimed at enhancing learning opportunities for students interested in the Master of Arts in Classical and Liberal Education (MACLE), individuals seeking this degree can complete all required credits for graduation at Belmont Abbey, or 12 of the required 30 credits through VSI’s Teaching Credential in Latin Pedagogy. Intended for individuals with a passion for the Latin and Greek languages, this new certification is designed to give current and aspiring teachers the tools to make their Latin classes more interactive, and integrate the Catholic faith into their student learnings. This is the first-of-its-kind credential to teach Latin in an integrated, Catholic approach using active pedagogy from the only pontifically-approved institution for Latin and Greek language study in the United States. Belmont Abbey and VSI welcome the inaugural cohorts for their respective programs in the Fall of 2024.

VSI’s new Teaching Credential in Latin Pedagogy aligns with Belmont Abbey’s overall mission and the aim of the Master’s in Classical and Liberal Education to develop future generations of educators who believe in the education of the whole person- mind, body, and spirit. Dr. Christine Boor, The Vilma György Pallos Endowed Chair of Classical and Liberal Education, speaks to the importance of this partnership. “This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both institutions as we join forces to expand academic offerings, foster innovative learning, and prepare graduates for success in the classical education space,” said Boor.

Developed with administrators, educators, and non-profit leaders in mind, the MACLE follows an online, synchronous format with 30 credit hours required for graduation. This program offers students who are enrolled in Belmont Abbey’s MACLE program the ability to fulfill partial credits through VSI, the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE) and the Center for Independent Research on Classical Education (CiRCE). “We developed this program with the foremost goal of formation in Classical Education, but believe that these partnerships provide a personalized component to each student’s degree program,” said Boor. Belmont Abbey College is currently accepting MACLE applications for the Fall 2024 semester. The deadline to apply is July 15, 2024. Get program information and apply here.

“We are thrilled to embark on this collaborative journey with Belmont Abbey College,” said Christopher Owens, CEO at Veterum Sapientia Institute. “This partnership will not only enrich the academic experience for our students, but also empower them in the schools in which they are serving or will serve. Together, we are shaping the future of Catholic education and creating innovative pathways for our students to study the wisdom received from our Catholic tradition,” said Owens. The Veterum Sapientia Institute exists to form Catholics in their cultural and spiritual birthright by teaching living Latin and Greek languages. Committing to becoming the premier institute for this purpose, VSI is a renowned organization for pedagogical education in Latin and Greek. Click here for more information on VSI’s Teaching Credential in Latin Pedagogy.

Press Inquiry Contact: Julia Long, Director of Enrollment Marketing, julialong@bac.edu or 423-827-8727

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May 28, 2024 By radefolaju Leave a Comment

Alumnus Named Ambassador of Colombia to the United States

Daniel Garcia Peña, 1980 Abbey graduate, was recently named the new Ambassador of Colombia to the United States. Daniel majored in Political Science during his time at Belmont Abbey College, and since graduating, he has held numerous positions in the Colombian government.

Please join the entire Abbey Community as we congratulate Daniel!

Click here to read more about Daniel’s appointment.

May 16, 2024 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Teacher Appreciation Week: Alumna Angela Bagatta

Though it’s belated for Teacher Appreciation Week, we wanted to highlight Angela Bagatta, an Abbey alumna from the class of 2023. She’s currently inspiring young minds as a second-grade teacher at Jackson Day School in Charlotte, NC.

1. What do you love about teaching?

My favorite part about teaching is the loving relationships I have formed with my students and the amazing memories we have made!

2. How did the Education department at BAC help you develop as a teacher?

The Belmont Abbey Education department gifted me a rich understanding of educational theory, strategies, and life-like experiences through student teaching! My Abbey professors are still only a call away, and willing to assist with anything I ever need!

3. What is your advice to Abbey students pursuing an Education degree?

If you feel the call toward teaching, answer it! I get to live my dream every single day! It was the best choice I’ve ever made 🙂

Thanks for all that you do, Angela! We’re honored to be your alma mater.

May 11, 2024 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

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