Discover the insightful perspective of Dr. Richard DeClue, an esteemed Abbey alum, as he delves into the unity of Pope Benedict XVI’s Theology in the newest episode of Conversatio. Tune in to listen to this enlightening presentation, originally shared at the “A Day of Reflection: The Life & Thought of Joseph Ratzinger” conference held last spring.
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Belmont Abbey College Honors Dr. Peter and Betty Ann Wittenberg with Dedication Ceremony For Renovated Microbiology Lab
Belmont Abbey College Honors Dr. Peter and Betty Ann Wittenberg with Dedication Ceremony For Renovated Microbiology Lab
Belmont, N.C. (August 29, 2023) – Belmont Abbey College celebrated the dedication ceremony for the newly renovated Wittenberg-Shevchenko Microbiology Lab on Tuesday, August 29th, 2023. The lab was named in honor of Dr. Peter and Betty Ann Wittenberg for their extraordinary leadership and generosity that will help continue the tradition of excellence in the sciences.
Peter and Betty Ann have been longtime friends of the monastic community and college, with interests in the science field as a retired pathologist and nurse, respectively. Thanks to their generous support, the funds to renovate the microbiology lab was made possible. During the ceremony, Peter shared that this investment was a personal one, “The Benedictines educated me and I wanted to use this money on something good, to have an impact on the future of these kids. The way the sisters took me in and taught me English, I wanted to do something for the future of this generation.”
The newly renovated microbiology lab will serve many purposes among faculty and students and will ensure improved student experience and academic success. The lab will provide students with the opportunity to conduct research and experiments in a state-of-the-art facility, allowing them to gain hands-on experience and develop their skills in the field of microbiology.
Dr. Heather Ayala, Chair and Associate Professor of Biology and Biochemistry at Belmont Abbey College, expressed her gratitude for the Wittenberg’s contribution, stating, “We are so grateful for the generous gift by the Wittenbergs. This lab will allow us to expand our current Microbiology offerings as well as help us to support our growing nursing program. The new facilities will help us continue to provide our students with skills and hands-on experience that will prepare them for careers in the sciences and health sciences.”
The dedication ceremony was attended by members of the Belmont Abbey College community, including faculty, staff, and students. The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a tour of the newly renovated lab.
Belmont Abbey College has a long-standing tradition of excellence in the sciences, and the newly renovated microbiology lab will help continue this tradition. The lab will provide students with the resources they need to succeed in their academic pursuits and prepare them for careers in the sciences.
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 Announces Inductees for Dr. Michael P. Reidy Athletics Hall of Fame
Belmont Abbey College Announces Inductees for Dr. Michael P. Reidy Athletics Hall of Fame
Belmont, N.C. (August 22, 2023) – Belmont Abbey College announces the induction of three exceptional individuals and one remarkable team into the Dr. Michael P. Reidy Athletics Hall of Fame this fall. On September 23, 2023, the Belmont Abbey community will gather to honor and induct the following into the Hall of Fame:
- 1989 Men’s Soccer Team
- Frank Zinke ’69
- Theresa Breslin ’09
- William Collins ’66
The Dr. Michael P. Reidy Athletics Hall of Fame celebrates excellence and outstanding achievements within Belmont Abbey College’s Athletics program. Vice President and Director of Athletics, Stephen Miss, highlights the importance of recognizing these inductees for their personification of ‘The Abbey Way’ and their impact on the college. “The evening of Saturday, September 23rd will be a momentous occasion, providing us an opportunity to Raise the Red collectively in honor of some of Belmont Abbey College’s finest! These Crusaders’ induction in the Dr. Michael P. Reidy Athletics Hall of Fame serves as a recognition and reminder – not only of their outstanding athletic achievements on fields and courts of competition but also of their tremendous professional and personal accomplishments and contributions, which are attributable, in part, to the holistic formation and development of body, mind, and soul afforded all those blessed to receive a Belmont Abbey College education.”
The 1989 Men’s Soccer Team went 20-4 and was undefeated in both Conference Carolinas and District 26 regular season play, rising as high as #7 in the National polls. They also claimed the Area VIII Championship, advancing to the 12 team National Tournament Finals – the first school from North Carolina to break through qualifying since the 1966 Abbey Hall of Fame team. Dozens of honors followed, including: National Coach of the Year, 3 All Americans, an Academic All American, 6 All-South, 7 All Conference & All District performers, as well as the 2 time District & Conference Player of the Year, and the National Tournament MVP-Goalkeeper. Their remarkable achievements on the field were instrumental in defining Belmont Abbey College as an elite soccer program.
Frank Zinke, one of the leading scorers in basketball history at the Abbey, demonstrated exceptional talent and work ethic throughout his athletic career. Zinke’s field goal percentage placed him among the greatest college players of his time, being ranked first and second in the nation in his junior and senior years. His basketball achievements, alongside his off-court involvement and well-known humor and kindness, make him a true role model as a student-athlete who exemplified the mission of Belmont Abbey College.
Theresa (Nolan) Breslin, a standout athlete from the class of ’09, consistently displayed exceptional skill as a three-time All-American on the Women’s Lacrosse team. A member of the team since its inception, Breslin served as team captain before graduating from the Abbey cum laude. She now practices her unwavering commitment to excellence as an attorney of the Florida and Illinois bar and strongly supports the Abbey’s lacrosse program.
William “Bill” Collins, a distinguished student-athlete from the class of ’66, left an indelible mark on the Abbey’s baseball program. He was a member of the 1966 team that won the District 26 Regional Championship and produced the first winning season (18-12) since Belmont Abbey reinstated the program after World War II. A two-time Team MVP, Collins won the Marty Thomas Award in 1966 and earned District 26 First Team All-Regional honors that year. A faithful supporter of the baseball program, Collins’ talent and dedication show the essence of a Belmont Abbey Crusader.
These individuals and team have significantly contributed to the thriving culture of athletic excellence and virtue at Belmont Abbey College, and this induction ceremony honors their contributions to their respective programs and Abbey Athletics.
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/.
Fall 2023 Wellness Update
As of January 30, 2023, Belmont Abbey College’s institutional COVID (coronavirus) protocols have followed those consistent with other infectious diseases (influenza, RSV, gastroenteritis).
- If you have a fever or other infectious symptoms, please stop by or call the Wellness Center to make an appointment (or see your family physician or go to Urgent Care if you prefer.)
- The Wellness Center will determine whether or not you need flu, covid, strep, and/or mono testing.
- If you test positive for either the flu or covid, the guidelines for treatment are the same.
- You should not return to class, the cafeteria, or your sport (if you are an athlete) until you are fever free for 24 hours without needing Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
Outside a pandemic, all healthcare is confidential. You don’t need to discuss test results with your professors or others. As you should not go to class with a fever, please inform your professors if you are running a fever and keep them posted when you feel well enough to return. Our goal is to limit exposure to illness in our community.
The BEST prevention of the spread of illness is excellent handwashing. Always cover any cough, and don’t share cups or utensils.
For more information or help, contact the Wellness Center at 704-461-6877.
Exploring the Russo-Ukrainian War: Insights from Students and Faculty
Dr. Clark Summers, Professor of Politics and History, discusses the recent events relating to the Russo-Ukrainian War with Abbey students during an online session of an Informal Policy Working Group, a bi-weekly gathering of students and faculty to follow up on topics of interest.
