Alumni News

May 9, 2024 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Teacher Appreciation Week: Alumna Laura Gonzalez

This Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re highlighting Abbey alums making a difference in local schools!

Say hello to Laura Gonzalez, an alumna of Belmont Abbey, graduating in 2023! She’s currently a kindergarten teacher at St. Michael’s Catholic School in Gastonia, NC.

1. What do you love about teaching?

I love watching the students’ minds grow and fall in love with school! Getting to watch them grow into their personalities and faith is such an amazing experience.

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

They helped me find what type of teacher I wanted to be and could become. Opened my eyes to the multiple opportunities in ways to help all types of students.

We’re grateful for your commitment and effort, Laura! Being your alma mater is an honor we cherish.

May 7, 2024 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

When To Go To War: The Delicate Balance of Foreign Policy

In the newest Conversatio episode, Dr. Mary Imparato and Doug Bandow delve into the complex world of foreign policy. From diplomatic strategies to military considerations, they unravel the intricacies of international relations.

Listen now!

May 7, 2024 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Belmont Abbey College Announces New Endowed Chair for Classical Education

Belmont Abbey College Announces New Endowed Chair for Classical Education

Belmont, N.C. (May 7, 2024) – Belmont Abbey College announces the establishment of The Vilma György Pallos Endowed Chair in Classical Education, the first Endowed Chair in the college’s history and the first of ten endowed chairs it hopes to accomplish for the $150 million Made True capital campaign. Made possible by the generous support of Dr. and Mrs. Laszlo Pallos, this significant endowment will play a pivotal role in advancing the college’s commitment to classical education and fostering a new generation of educators.

The first appointee to The Vilma György Pallos Endowed Chair is Dr. Christine Boor ‘11, an alumna from Belmont Abbey College and currently an Honors College professor. Dr. Boor will oversee the development of the new Master of Arts in Classical and Liberal Education (MACLE) program, which aims to provide students with a strong formation in classical pedagogy, the Great Books, the liberal arts, and the Catholic intellectual tradition. “I am honored to continue my time at Belmont Abbey, building upon the foundation of Classical Education that began with the Honors College. I’m excited to witness the growth, accomplishments, and contributions of MACLE graduates for years to come.” This program will enlighten classical educators on the formation of their students in the moral, intellectual, and theological virtues.

Dr. Joseph Wysocki, Dean of the Honors College and Interim Provost, expressed his enthusiasm for the establishment of The Vilma György Pallos Endowed Chair and the new program, stating, “This chair and program will enable us to offer transformative riches to new generations of students. We are grateful to Dr. and Mrs. Pallos for their generous support and to Vilma Pallos for her inspiring legacy. Dr. Boor is a faithful advocate of classical education, and I am thrilled to watch her assume this role.”

This Endowed Chair will honor Laszlo’s late mother, Vilma Mária Pallos, née György, a survivor of both World War II and the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Thanks to the generosity of Dr. and Mrs. Pallos and the legacy of Vilma Pallos, young professionals who share Vilma’s sacrificial dedication and love of education will gain the requisite skills to instruct and inspire others.

Belmont Abbey College welcomes its first cohort for the Master of Arts in Classical and Liberal Education program in the Fall of 2024. Tailored for individuals deeply passionate about classical education, this degree aims to equip young professionals with the essential formation required to flourish as educators and administrators within the classical K-12 setting.

Endowed chairs like The Vilma György Pallos Chair in Classical Education are instrumental in maintaining and fortifying the expertise that supports the college’s core values. With Dr. Boor’s involvement, Belmont Abbey College will continue to shape the future of classical education and empower educators to make a lasting impact on their students.

For more information about the Master of Arts in Classical and Liberal Education program, please visit here.

Download now.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Sarah Bolton

P: 704-461-7016 E: 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/.

May 6, 2024 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Teacher Appreciation Week: Alumna Felicia Wilson

We’re kicking off Teacher Appreciation Week by highlighting Abbey alums making a difference in local schools!

Our first feature is Felicia Wilson, an alumna of Belmont Abbey, graduating in both 2010 and 2023! She’s currently a second-grade teacher at Reedy Creek Elementary in Charlotte, NC.

1. What do you love about teaching?

The joy that teaching brings to my soul is immeasurable. There are moments of highs and lows, but that is typical in all professions. However, unlike many professions, I have an opportunity to change the future. In my classroom, I could have the next President of the United States, the next greatest scientist or one of the first pioneers to land on Mars. The possibilities are infinite and it all begins in my classroom. How amazing is that!!!

The other side to that are the hilarious and the profound things the students say and do. They may be only 7 or 8 years old, but they view the world with innocent eyes and unfiltered words and thoughts…and that’s the joy.

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

One word, “amazing,” describes the BAC Education department. Everyone at BAC was invested in my success as an educator. They all make you feel supported and prepared to enter the classroom. Seasoned teachers at my school assumed that I had been teaching for years because I am organized, prepared, classroom management is consistent and in place, I have positive relationships with my scholars and their parents/caregivers and I use technology, music and art with different assignments to add meaning and depth to the lessons. All of those things, I learned from the BAC Education department. When I walked into the classroom last August as a licensed teacher, I was confident, ready and excited to teach. All of it was due to the BAC Education department.

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

Being a teacher is a powerful gift to our community. You will probably never know or see the entire impact (good or bad) that you made in a student’s life. So be gentle, be understanding, and approach each day with an open mind and an open heart, because your words and actions have great power.

Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication, Felicia! We’re honored to be your alma mater!

May 1, 2024 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

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!