Join Br. Chrysostom, as he leads a reflection on the profound mysteries of the Easter Triduum. In this special episode of Conversatio, Br. Chrysostom offers unique insights that illuminate the spiritual significance of each day within the Triduum.
Alumni News
Abbey Alum Scores For MiraVia In Charlotte Independence Home Opener
More Than Just For Kicks
Abbey Alum Scores For MiraVia In Charlotte Independence Home Opener
By SueAnn Howell
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Scoring a thrilling goal late in the team’s home opener March 16 was more than just for kicks for Clay Dimick, BAC ’16, a Catholic convert and professional soccer player on the Charlotte Independence roster.
Dimick, team captain, took to the field at Memorial Stadium sporting cleats specially designed to showcase MiraVia, a cause dear to his heart, as part of the “Cleats for a Cause” initiative. This local non-profit provides a safe haven for pregnant college students on Belmont Abbey’s campus and is a source of hope for moms in the community.
donned specially designed cleats to promote MiraVia at the team’s home opener March
16.
Photo by Luke Hunter
Dimick, who was adopted, said, “My birth mom was also a college student when she gave birth to me, and seeing MiraVia bless so many mothers and children in such a similar situation was truly special.”
Designed by artist Jaylin Roman, Dimick’s MiraVia cleats shone under the bright stadium lights, showcasing vibrant shades of Marian blue, MiraVia’s logo with an eight-pointed gold star, and the words, “A Miraculous Way For Moms,” giving a nod to MiraVia’s name which means “Miraculous Way” in Latin.
An Alum of MiraVia’s Home Turf
Dimick attended Belmont Abbey College from 2013-’16, when MiraVia’s residence was new. He led the men’s soccer team in goals scored in 2014-’15 and was named team captain in 2015.
He met several MiraVia moms in his time at the Abbey, including Grace Mitchell, one of MiraVia’s first moms to graduate from the college residence program who now works at the residence, mentoring current student moms.
“When we met, he shared a little about his story of being adopted and how beautiful it was that I had chosen life for my son. He even got a little emotional,” Mitchell recalled.
They ended up becoming close friends over the years. Mitchell is now married, and Dimick is married with two sons, and he and his wife are Mitchell’s youngest child’s godparents.
friend Clay Dimick in the Charlotte Independence home opener March 16.
Photo by SueAnn Howell
Dimick is encouraged by the way the Benedictine monks of Belmont Abbey and the college community have responded to the student moms who, over the years, have hailed from nine different states and 12 colleges.
“I think the way Abbot Placid Solari, the monastic community, and the Abbey family welcomes the young mothers at MiraVia is an example of Christ’s love exemplified. The way the whole community rallies around these brave and wonderful mothers is very encouraging,” he said.
Abbot Solari, Belmont Abbey College chancellor, expressed similar sentiments saying when the College Residence celebrated it’s 10-year anniversary, saying, “I am very happy with the outreach of our monastery and college communities in supporting MiraVia. A commitment to the sanctity of human life needs to include effective programs to meet the needs of vulnerable women facing unplanned pregnancies. This is especially the case with young college women.”
A Conversion of Heart
Dimick admits that during his time in college, he was focused on soccer and enjoying college life. “I was not Catholic at the time; in fact, I was not even sure what the Catholic Church was or believed in. During my time at the Abbey, I came to know Jesus and His Church on a deeper level,” he said.
He had such a conversion of heart that just after graduating, he entered the Catholic Church. “I could not be more grateful for the truth being revealed to me,” he said. “Since becoming Catholic I seek to glorify God in all things – my marriage, with my two sons, my professional soccer career – and everything else.”
Dr. Bill Thierfelder, president of Belmont Abbey College, said, “Clay Dimick is a champion in body, mind, and soul! His education, and especially his formation, at Belmont Abbey College, helped him to become the man and athlete of virtue that he is today.”
“The remarkable talent, sacrifice, and fidelity of John Keating, our head men’s soccer coach was a major reason Clay excelled on and off the field of play. John talked the talk and walked the walk as a devout Catholic husband, father, and coach which inspired Clay to look where John was looking, at Jesus Christ,” Dr Thierfelder said.
“Clay’s conversion to Catholicism was due to God’s grace and mercy which placed John Keating in his life, and I am counting on Clay to pay it forward!” he said.
One Shining Moment
Debbie Capen, executive director of MiraVia, was at the home opener March 16 with Mitchell, staff and friends of the non-profit, as well as members of the Belmont Abbey College community, cheering Dimick on.
“All of us at MiraVia were deeply moved by Clay’s generous support of MiraVia,” Capen said. “Not only is he sharing this mission with others, but now the women we serve will feel supported and encouraged in a whole new way when they see him playing for each of them.”
“When he scored the goal, it definitely felt like a ‘God smile,’” Mitchell said. “He gifted Clay, and Clay has made an active effort to give back to his Catholic community and it was just a beautiful thing to experience his big goal. MiraVia was such a gift to me, and it made me emotional seeing him score while wearing cleats that support a cause so near and dear to my heart,” she added.
late-in-the match goal at the team’s home opener March 16.
Photo by Luke Hunter
“To wear this pair of cleats dedicated to MiraVia is a unique chance to glorify God, and bring light to a special organization,” Dimick said. “It is important for me to use the platform God has blessed me with to glorify God, and also use it as an opportunity to support organizations that I truly believe in. I am truly honored and humbled to be able to represent MiraVia and everything they are doing.”
Play A Part In MiraVia’s Mission
Know a pregnant college student? MiraVia is currently accepting applications from pregnant college students interested in the two-year program. More information on the College Residence and Outreach Programs, including volunteer opportunities and gently used baby items accepted, is available on the MiraVia website at MiraVia.org.
SueAnn Howell serves as the communications director of MiraVia in Charlotte, NC.
The Role of Powerful Laywomen: Marie de Vignerot’s Enduring Legacy
Join Dr. Mary Imparato and Dr. Bronwen McShea, a Visiting Professor of History at the Augustine Institute Graduate School, historian, and author, as they discuss her upcoming new book as well as the fascinating life and legacy of Marie de Vignerot. As Cardinal Richelieu’s niece, Marie held a significant position in France’s political, religious, and cultural spheres, enduringly impacting the country’s history.
Belmont Abbey College Names Recipient of 2024 Benedict Leadership Award
Belmont Abbey College Names Recipient of 2024 Benedict Leadership Award
Belmont, N.C. (February 26, 2024) – The Benedict Leadership Institute at Belmont Abbey College is pleased to recognize Robert Luddy as the recipient of the 2024 Benedict Leadership Award. This award highlights the achievements of individuals whose lives reflect the heroic leadership of St. Benedict.
Belmont Abbey College founded the Benedict Leadership Institute in 2016 to develop Catholic leaders and inspire them to transform society in light of their faith. Mr. Luddy is the seventh recipient of the Benedict Leadership Award, being recognized in part for his advocacy of education. He has established multiple schools with an emphasis on classical curriculum and character formation.
Robert Luddy has a unique business history beginning with his career as a graduate of LaSalle University and a U.S. Army veteran. His entrepreneurial eye recognized a demand in the marketplace and, with a $1300 personal investment, he purchased a sheet metal shop in 1981, transforming it into CaptiveAire Systems, which is now the leading manufacturer of commercial kitchen ventilation systems in North America. From its humble beginnings, the business has grown steadily. Today, with over 45 years in business, CaptiveAire employs over 1600 individuals in over 100 sales offices, occupying six manufacturing facilities nationwide, with over 40 display centers, more than 55 service regions, a Research and Development Lab, and sales over $600 million in 2021.
Mr. Luddy has maintained a single-minded focus on goal setting, constant improvement, and ongoing innovation, which made hiring the right team of people an essential component to the company’s success. As Luddy has stated, “If you hire skilled people and you give them tough problems, they’re going to solve them.”
The same philosophies evident in Mr. Luddy’s business practices earn him many accolades. CaptiveAire has been voted best in class overall in the ventilation systems category based on votes by industry kitchen equipment dealers, broadliners, consultants, and operators. CaptiveAire was also featured in Foodservice Equipment & Supplies Magazine and won best in class for Dealers, Operators, and Consultant Class in 2014. Innovation and entrepreneurial spirit have been the keys to success at CaptiveAire.
Mr. Luddy has received numerous awards beginning in 2006 with the Benemerenti Medal from Pope Benedict XVI for exemplary service to the Church and Community. In 2007 he received the Ludwig von Mises Entrepreneurship Award for “entrepreneurial success and devotion to the free-market ideal.” In 2015 he earned the Civitas Audentia Award from the Civitas Institute in recognition of his business leadership as founder and president of CaptiveAire, and his civic leadership in establishing and supporting top-quality private and charter schools.
Mr. Luddy’s intellectual, moral, and financial support have helped propel growth of entrepreneurship education. While running his growing and successful company, in 1998, Mr. Luddy established Franklin Academy, a Wake Forest public school that is now one of the largest and most successful charter schools in North Carolina. In 2001 he founded St. Thomas More Academy, a classical college preparatory middle and high school in Raleigh N.C. In 2007 Thales Academy was created as a network of private schools offering high-quality Pre-K – 12 education at an affordable tuition. The Luddy Schools are quickly growing, with over 8000 students enrolled and nearly 600 faculty and staff employed throughout North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. In 2022 the network expanded yet again to include Thales College, a classical college offering an affordable and accelerated undergraduate degree program.
Mr. Luddy is an avid supporter of entrepreneurs and the free-market system, evident in his 2018 published book Entrepreneurial Life: The Path from Startup to Market Leader, which details the story of CaptiveAire, highlighting his principles for entrepreneurial success. In 2023 he published a second book, The Thales Way, which chronicles the story and mission behind his schools. Prior to that he had been published numerous times in U.S. News and World Report as author of “How to Bring Back American Prosperity”, “Government Regulation is Killing Economic Growth”, “Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship are Learned Young” and “Let Oil and Gas Drive the Economy.” Both the News & Observer and Business Leaders have published articles about Mr. Luddy’s businesses and schools, highlighting his leadership and impact in the triad region.
Mr. Luddy is a widely sought-after public speaker offered multiple addresses, conference keynotes, and commencement speeches.
He has two grown children and five grandchildren.
For press inquiries, please contact Rolando Rivas at rolandorivas@bac.edu or 704-461-6561.
About Benedict Leadership Institute: The Institute was founded in 2016 by Belmont Abbey College to develop Catholic leaders and inspire them to transform society while remaining true to their faith. The Institute accomplishes this goal through publications, events and through the awarding of The Benedict Leadership Award, presented annually to an outstanding Catholic leader. For more information, please visit https://benedictleadershipinstitute.org/.
Faithful Leadership In the Workplace
Join Abbey alums Jared Orton ‘13 and Jacob Ciccarelli ‘13 as they sit down with Mike Ellis, Director of Alumni Relations, to explore the intersection of faith and the modern workplace. Tune in for an insightful conversation on leading with faith in today’s professional world.
