In the sixth episode of Conversatio, Fr. Matthew Schneider sits down with Dr. Shane Gomes and Dr. Richard Dell’Isola to discuss the integration of faith and psychology. Discover how these two fields intersect to provide healing and insight.
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Belmont Abbey College Establishes Permanent Belmont House in Washington, D.C.
Belmont Abbey College Establishes Permanent Belmont House in Washington, D.C.
Belmont, N.C. (October 19, 2023) – Belmont Abbey College announces today the establishment of a permanent residence in Washington D.C. with the purchase of a property for its thriving Belmont House, made possible with a $1.7 million gift from Dr. Maximo Alvarez. Belmont Abbey College has established a new home for the Belmont House in Washington, D.C., located in close proximity to the U.S. Capitol. The college established the original Belmont House in 2021 where it has helped to return Christian voices to the public square, promote Judeo-Christian values, and prepare young professionals to engage with our culture and politics in fruitful and ethical ways. The venue has brought together people of faith, people in government, policy experts, and Catholic ecclesiastical leaders from around the world, particularly where Catholics and Christians face severe persecution. The recent bipartisan Nigerian resolution addressing the systematic ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom in the country is one fruitful example of these consequential discussions.
In the spirit of the Benedictine Hallmarks of hospitality and stability, the Belmont House on Capitol Hill is in service to the church and country. The work of the Belmont House seeks to restore the witness of faith to its rightful place in the public square. Even within its first two years, Belmont House has become a significant Catholic intellectual and public policy venue in our nation’s capital, and thanks to Dr. Maximo Alvarez, the Abbey looks forward to a future Made Strong in Washington, and someday in other centers of cultural influence across the United States.
Having immigrated from Cuba to the U.S. as a child under Operation Pedro Pan, Dr. Alvarez now serves as a trustee of the Pedro Pan Group, an outreach of the Catholic Welfare Bureau of Miami still working to sponsor and assist immigrant children in need. Founder and President of Sunshine Gasoline Distributors, Inc, he has long been both a vital force in the Florida business community and an exceptional philanthropist, whose generosity demonstrates an unwavering commitment to giving back.
Today Dr. Alvarez’s exceptional generosity continues to champion those often denied a voice in the public square. Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Alvarez expressed his gratitude for the pivotal role Belmont Abbey College played in his success. He stated, “I’m here to express my gratitude for the years that I spent at Belmont Abbey. Belmont Abbey is another entity, to which I owe my success. Today I’m just paying back a little bit of what was given to me. If I gave away everything I have today, it wouldn’t even be 10% of what was given to me through charity by the people of this country.”
While Dr. Alvarez’s legacy already extends far beyond any simple calculation, his contribution, through the Belmont House, to Making Strong the future, not only of Belmont Abbey College, but also of this country, is genuinely incalculable. Belmont Abbey College plans to refurbish and enhance the newly purchased property, ensuring it is ready to welcome the public. Learn more about Made True: the Campaign for Belmont Abbey College by visiting www.bac.edu/madetrue.
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/.
Belmont Abbey College Receives $9 Million in State Funding for New Performing Arts Center
Belmont Abbey College Receives $9 Million in State Funding for New Performing Arts Center
Belmont, N.C. (October 9, 2023) – Belmont Abbey College receives $9 million in funding from the North Carolina General Assembly in its 2023-2024 budget towards the total cost for the construction of a new performing arts center. With the help of this investment, the college can begin to plan for the construction of a new performing arts center which will allow the college and the surrounding region to enjoy theater, musical performances, art exhibitions, dance, along with other educational and cultural events in a beautiful, welcoming, first-rate facility.
“The Performing Arts Center at Belmont Abbey College will greatly enrich the lives of the people in our community,” said NC Senator Brad Overcash. “I am proud of the $9 million appropriation to create this important community resource.” NC Representative John Torbett echoes this sentiment, stating, “I am extremely proud to be a part of the building of Belmont Abbey College’s success through the building of a world-class cultural destination. This performing arts center will assist in growing the talents of our youth as well as presenting the talents of professional artists. I am especially honored to have played a part with so many others in support of the Abbey.”
The construction of a fully outfitted performance space will provide opportunities for theater and stage productions, as well as dance competitions, art exhibits, and conferences, making Gaston County a desired destination for large, high-quality events and performances.
The project promises to be a major economic development agent for Gaston County and will provide new opportunities for students and the community alike. Gaston County Manager Dr. Kim S. Eagle has expressed support for the project, stating that “The new performing arts center would directly connect to the County’s adopted strategic plan by supporting two of our own strategic focus areas: Economic Development and Planned Growth, and Recreational, Cultural, and Life-Long Learning Opportunities. Taken together, our community strategic plans and visions would directly benefit from the addition of this community asset and would advance our goals to provide a warm and welcoming community that is the premier destination to live, work, and play in the Charlotte region.”
Chris Peek, President and CEO of CaroMont Health, has also emphasized the economic benefits of the new facility, stating that “this new facility will not only support students in their quest to learn, grow and perform, but will also serve as a major economic development agent for Gaston County and the region.” Patrick Mumford, President and CEO of the Gaston Business Association (GBA) shares a similar viewpoint: “The GBA recognizes Gaston County’s artistic and cultural assets, such as the proposed performing arts center on the campus of Belmont Abbey College (BAC), are essential to sustaining economic growth. We are encouraged by the recognition of this facility’s ability to address arts events and performance needs of not only BAC, but also
those of the broader Gaston arts community.”
The college launched its $100 million Made True capital campaign earlier this year. As part of this campaign, the college hopes to secure additional philanthropic support from alumni, parents, and the broader community for the new performing arts center on campus. President Thierfelder remarked, “This project helps realize the college’s mission to bring the true, the good and the beautiful to as many people as possible and thereby culturally enriching the state of North Carolina and beyond.”
The Abbey will be developing a Community Leaders’ Advisory Committee to give input for the study, programming, and conceptual design for construction of the performing arts center. The committee will solicit and collect input from the college’s constituents and other subject matter experts in the community to formulate recommendations that will be developed into a report that will include conceptual drawings and suggested programming in the Center.
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/.
Belmont Abbey College and Primal Brewery Collaborate to Create “Made True Brew”
Belmont Abbey College, located just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina, has always been more than just a college; it’s a community united by faith and tradition. With a mission to create a world “made true,” the Abbey partnered with Primal Brewery in downtown Belmont to craft a classic doppelbock beer named “Made True Brew.” This collaboration, a testament of faith, commitment to the local community, and the art of brewing, will make a tangible difference for years to come.
Belmont Abbey College launched the Made True campaign in February 2022 as a groundbreaking $100 million initiative and development plan. It aims to establish a new monastery, performing arts center, and other academic enhancements. In addition, the campaign seeks to reduce reliance on federal aid and stewardship programs to help students graduate debt-free. Through this campaign, Belmont Abbey College embraces the responsibility to transform our country’s growing culture, striving to be a welcoming liberal arts school that restores our culture so humankind can thrive under the light of God’s providence.
Both Primal Brewery and Belmont Abbey College are united by a shared commitment to enriching their communities through hospitality and the art of brewing. Together, they created “Made True Brew,” a doppelbock beer that not only spreads the theme of the Made True campaign but provides an opportunity for the community to come together over a great drink. Brother Tobiah and Andrew Browne of Belmont Abbey College collaborated with Ray Steimal and Jim Swintek of Primal Brewery. The Made True doppelbock is now available at both Primal Brewery locations and the college plans to feature it at many of its events.
According to Stemial and Swintek, “Beer is social. We started brewing beer as a social event. We’ve always considered ourselves a gathering place. For us, it’s about that camaraderie. Primal in the Wesbter’s Dictionary means essential, fundamental to good, wholesome life. The social environment, that’s in our blood.” This community-building goes hand in hand with the Benedictine hallmark of hospitality that the monks at the Abbey so joyously exhibit. Not only do the monks welcome and extend a personal hospitality to each member of the college community, but their welcome extends further to our local community of Belmont as well.
Belmont Abbey is grateful to call Belmont home and appreciates collaborating with Primal Brewery and other local businesses to promote fellowship and personal growth within our community. If you plan to visit the Abbey, you will want to attend our homecoming celebration from October 6-8th, 2023. While you’re in town, stop by Primal Brewery, just a few minutes from campus, to give “Made True Brew” a try. So please mark your calendar and join us for a weekend of fun, fellowship, and fantastic beer.
The Future of the Catholic Church in the American Political Order
Join us for the latest episode of Conversatio as Dr. Thomas Varacalli discusses his upcoming book, “The Future of the Catholic Church in the American Political Order,” with Rolando Rivas. Explore the history of Catholics in America and their role in American society. Tune in for an insightful conversation.
