In this episode of Conversatio, join Dr. Daniel Kling and Dr. Hannah Kling as they explore the dynamics of state population growth and identity. Delving into research on Michigan’s population trends, they navigate the delicate balance between community expansion and preserving local character.
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Belmont Abbey College Announces the Fr. Joseph Koterski Endowed Scholarship
Belmont Abbey College Announces the Fr. Joseph Koterski Endowed Scholarship
Belmont, N.C. (April 8, 2024) – On the 2024 celebration of the Feast of the Annunciation, Belmont Abbey College announces the establishment of the Fr. Joseph Koterski Endowed Scholarship. This scholarship, dedicated to the legacy of former Belmont Abbey Board of Trustee member, Fr. Joseph Koterski, and generously established by Noel J. and Maggi Fitzpatrick Nadol, will provide valuable financial support to Belmont Abbey students pursuing a degree in Nursing.
Fr. Joseph W. Koterski, SJ, lived out a vocation of servant leadership, witnessing to the profound love of God as priest, teacher, and pro-life advocate. His love for God overflowed with love for everyone especially the unborn. He would often have those around him reflect on “the heart of Christ beating in the womb of Mary.” Fr. Koterski spent almost 30 years as an associate professor at Fordham University. During that time, he also served in a variety of roles, from Philosophy Chair and Director of the Master of Arts in Philosophical Resources to Chaplain and Master of the residential college at Queen’s Court. Fr. Koterski’s commitment to the pro-life movement and his unwavering love for God made him an influential figure at Belmont Abbey College.
The scholarship aims to help nursing students graduate with a lesser financial burden, enabling them to pursue their vocations of service to the community with greater freedom. In dedicating this endowed scholarship to the memory of Fr. Koterski, Noel J. and Maggi Fitzpatrick Nadol hope to reward and inspire in Belmont Abbey nursing students the same servant leadership and joyful dedication to the cause of life.
Belmont Abbey College is actively restoring the growth and development of the healthcare industry through the formation of ethical, holistic, and compassionate nursing professionals. As these students graduate and enter the workforce, they will bring with them the values of servant leadership and a deep commitment to the well-being of others, positively influencing the communities they serve.
To ensure the success of the Fr. Joseph Koterski Endowed Scholarship, Belmont Abbey College is seeking support from the community. The college invites individuals and organizations to join in fundraising efforts, enabling more students to benefit from this scholarship opportunity. Every contribution will make a significant difference in the lives of Belmont Abbey nursing students, empowering them to pursue their dreams and make a lasting impact on society.
For more information on how to contribute to the Fr. Joseph Koterski Endowed Scholarship, please click here.
Sarah Bolton
Marketing Project Manager
Belmont Abbey College
704-461-7016
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.
Belmont Abbey College Adds Cybersecurity, Computer Science, and Digital Marketing – Three New Online & Hybrid Undergraduate Programs
Belmont Abbey College Adds Cybersecurity, Computer Science, and Digital Marketing – Three New Online & Hybrid Undergraduate Programs
Belmont, N.C. (April 3, 2024) – Belmont Abbey College announces the addition of three new online and hybrid academic programs. Focused on the digital and computer sciences, the new degrees provide students with expertise in high-demand areas where employers search for talent. The college introduces Bachelor’s Degrees in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, and Digital Marketing.
Through a strategic collaboration with Rize Education, Belmont Abbey College has expanded its program offerings to include cutting-edge online courses that prepare students for successful careers. Available in both hybrid (combining on-campus and online courses) and fully online formats, these programs provide students with a dynamic and flexible educational experience. This collaboration offers numerous benefits, including a flexible schedule, access to industry experts nationwide, and the opportunity to acquire resume-ready skills. Combined with the Abbey’s core in the liberal arts, these degrees promise a well-rounded experience that will equip students for the workforce.
The BS in Computer Science degree offers a dynamic learning experience tailored to suit students’ diverse interests in computing. The curriculum empowers students to analyze problems using expertise in computer technology, critical thinking abilities, research proficiency, and adeptness in articulating solutions across different audiences. Project-based and portfolio-building classes will help graduates produce impressive resumes before graduation and hone skills that hiring managers demand. Potential careers with this credential include work as a Computer Programmer, Database Analyst, or Software Developer.
The BA in Cybersecurity at Belmont Abbey College prepares students with technical expertise and business acumen, positioning them for lucrative and in-demand roles in this rapidly expanding field. Dedicated to cultivating ethical leaders committed to innovation, this program aims to redefine excellence in cybersecurity education. Through inventive curriculum, hands-on experience, and a focus on ethical decision-making, this program empowers students to adapt to and mitigate emerging digital threats, safeguarding organizations and communities in an increasingly interconnected world. Graduates with a degree in Cybersecurity can join the professional world as Forensic Examiners, IT Auditors, and Security Analysts.
The BA in Digital Marketing degree, available as an online major or in-person minor, helps students develop as nimble thinkers, skilled in both the art of persuasive communication and the science of data analytics. Belmont Abbey’s program gives students a deep background in both, along with the intuition needed to blend them into an effective strategy. The program begins with core business fundamentals rooted in Catholic values and then teaches digital marketing concepts critical for today’s emerging marketers. Individuals with a BA in Digital Marketing can work in several capacities, including Advertising, E-commerce, Market Research, and Technology.
Dr. David Williams, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty at Belmont Abbey College, expressed his excitement about the new academic offerings, stating, “We are thrilled to expand our program offerings to meet the evolving needs of our students and the demands of the job market. Rooted in the principles of Catholic and Benedictine education, these new academic programs will not only equip our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in high-demand fields but also instill in them a sense of responsibility to contribute positively to the world around them.”
These new programs are available starting this fall through a partnership with the Lower Cost Models Consortium (LCMC) and Rize Education. The LCMC is a strategic partnership of private colleges and universities nationwide, collaborating with Rize Education to provide access to a cutting-edge curriculum that prepares students for successful careers.
According to Kevin Harrington, CEO of Rize, “We are proud to collaborate with Belmont Abbey College in delivering high-quality online courses that prepare students for success in the most in-demand fields. Our partnership will give students the tools they need to thrive in the rapidly evolving job market.”
Belmont Abbey College remains committed to providing its students with a well-rounded, liberal arts education that prepares them for future success. By expanding its academic offerings to include Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Digital Marketing, the college is ensuring that its graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel and ethically lead in today’s workforce.
For more information about the new undergraduate programs, click here.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 3, 2024
Sarah Bolton
Marketing Project Manager
Belmont Abbey College
704-461-7016
Megan McCorkle
Head of Marketing
Rize Education
About the Lower Cost Models Consortium (LCMC): The LCMC is a national consortium of over 130 fully accredited, non-profit colleges and universities formed in 2015. Members of the LCMC are committed to working together to address the challenges of increasing costs in higher education by implementing innovative programs and reducing institutional costs for these programs to pass along savings to students. In this way, the LCMC hopes to develop new models of higher education that benefit students while simultaneously contributing to the sustainability of accredited, nonprofit, 4-year institutions.
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.
A Reflection on the Easter Triduum
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.
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.
