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The Catholic College of the South

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Belmont Abbey College Celebrates Second Annual Graduate Commencement

Belmont Abbey College Celebrates Second Annual Graduate Commencement

Belmont, N.C. (October 28, 2025) – Belmont Abbey College celebrated its second graduate commencement ceremony, conferring degrees upon 53 students across seven master’s programs on October 18th, 2025. This event marked the inaugural graduation of the Master of Classical and Liberal Education and the Master of Arts in Communication.

The ceremony also honored graduates from the Master of Arts in Leadership, Master of Business Administration, Master of Health Administration, Master of Science in Data Analytics, and Master of Science in Nursing programs. These programs have prepared graduates not only to become future leaders in business, healthcare, and education, but also to lead purposeful and principled lives rooted in integrity.

In anticipation of commencement, graduates of the Master of Classical and Liberal Education participated in the inaugural Sharing Salt Conference, a gathering designed to foster dialogue, learning, and community among current graduates, educators, and advocates of classical education.

“This commencement is more than a celebration of academic achievement—it is a testament to the hard work, discipline, and values that our graduate students carry forward into the world,” said Dr. Brad Frazier, Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School, who served as Master of Ceremonies.

Dr. Joseph Wysocki, Interim President and Provost, addressed the graduates with a message of encouragement and reflection, highlighting the significance of their academic achievements and the college’s ongoing mission. “The world needs more Abbey alumni in professional leadership,” said Dr. Wysocki. “Leaders who not only succeed in their fields but who live with integrity, courage, and purpose. You are a vital part of our mission to renew the world through truth and virtue.”

The ceremony took place outdoors in front of the historic Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, a cherished Abbey tradition. Following the ceremony, graduates, families, faculty, and friends gathered for a celebratory reception. 

This commencement represented not only the academic success of the graduates but also their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to living purposeful, values-driven lives.

For more information about Belmont Abbey College and its programs, visit www.belmontabbeycollege.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 belmontabbeycollege.edu.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Sarah Bolton

P: 704-461-7016 E: sarahbolton@bac.edu

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Belmont Abbey College Celebrates Largest Graduating Class in School History at 147th Commencement

Belmont Abbey College Celebrates Largest Graduating Class in School History at 147th Commencement

Belmont, N.C. (May 17, 2025) – Today, Belmont Abbey College celebrated its 147th Commencement Ceremony, marking the largest graduating class in the college’s history with 360 graduates.

The day’s festivities began with a baccalaureate Mass held on the piazza of the Abbey Basilica, presided over by the Most Reverend Michael T. Martin, O.F.M. Conv., Bishop of Charlotte. The graduation ceremony followed, led by Chancellor Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B., and President Dr. Bill Thierfelder.

This year’s class included 24 nursing graduates—the second cohort to complete Belmont Abbey’s growing nursing program. The ceremony also recognized a notable number of student-athletes, underscoring the college’s commitment to its mission of “sport and virtue,” which fosters both academic excellence and athletic achievement. In addition, several legacy families celebrated the graduation of another child, a powerful testament to the enduring values passed down through generations at the Abbey. The class also included 24 graduates from the Honors College Scholarship program and 21 scholars from the Hintemeyer Catholic Leadership Scholarship program, exemplifying a continued dedication to leadership, service, and intellectual growth.

“Each of our graduates is the answer to Abbot Leo Haid’s hope and prayer that they would quite literally be God’s blessing over this beautiful country in the years to come,” said Dr. Bill Thierfelder, President of Belmont Abbey College. “I am forever grateful for the wonderful example of our graduates, faculty, coaches, staff, and monastic community who are committed to living lives of excellence and virtue in all that they do.”

A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the 2025 Student of the Year award to Germaine Hanley, honored for exemplifying the ideals of the Abbey: academic excellence, steady leadership, meaningful involvement, and the daily pursuit of virtue both inside and outside the classroom. Each year the baccalaureate Mass homily serves as the commencement address. In lieu of a traditional commencement speaker during the graduation ceremony, Belmont Abbey continues its unique tradition of featuring the Student of the Year as the primary speaker—placing the focus on student success and voices.

The College also awarded honorary degrees to three distinguished individuals: Bishop Michael T. Martin, Kenneth Christopher Peek, and Dr. Josef F. Schmid III, recognizing their exemplary contributions to their fields and their alignment with the college’s values and commitment to excellence and virtue so that in all things God may be glorified. In addition, Dr. Thierfelder received an honorary degree in recognition of his 21 years of visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to Belmont Abbey College.

This year’s commencement also held special meaning as it marked Dr. Thierfelder’s final graduation as president of the college. Under his leadership, Belmont Abbey has experienced unprecedented growth and success—in academics, athletics, and campus development. His commitment to Catholic higher education and student formation leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to shape the Abbey community for generations to come.

For more information about Belmont Abbey College and its programs, visit www.belmontabbeycollege.edu.

Press Inquiry Contact:

Sarah Bolton, Marketing Project Manager, SarahBolton@bac.edu or 704-461-7016.

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Belmont Abbey College Partners with the Veterum Sapientia Institute to Elevate Graduate Offering

Belmont Abbey College Partners with the Veterum Sapientia Institute to Elevate Graduate Offering

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Belmont, N.C. (May 30, 2024) – Today Belmont Abbey College announces a new partnership with the Veterum Sapientia Institute (VSI). Aimed at enhancing learning opportunities for students interested in the Master of Arts in Classical and Liberal Education (MACLE), individuals seeking this degree can complete all required credits for graduation at Belmont Abbey, or 12 of the required 30 credits through VSI’s Teaching Credential in Latin Pedagogy. Intended for individuals with a passion for the Latin and Greek languages, this new certification is designed to give current and aspiring teachers the tools to make their Latin classes more interactive, and integrate the Catholic faith into their student learnings. This is the first-of-its-kind credential to teach Latin in an integrated, Catholic approach using active pedagogy from the only pontifically-approved institution for Latin and Greek language study in the United States. Belmont Abbey and VSI welcome the inaugural cohorts for their respective programs in the Fall of 2024. 

VSI’s new Teaching Credential in Latin Pedagogy aligns with Belmont Abbey’s overall mission and the aim of the Master’s in Classical and Liberal Education to develop future generations of educators who believe in the education of the whole person- mind, body, and spirit. Dr. Christine Boor, The Vilma György Pallos Endowed Chair of Classical and Liberal Education, speaks to the importance of this partnership. “This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both institutions as we join forces to expand academic offerings, foster innovative learning, and prepare graduates for success in the classical education space,” said Boor. 

Developed with administrators, educators, and non-profit leaders in mind, the MACLE follows an online, synchronous format with 30 credit hours required for graduation. This program offers students who are enrolled in Belmont Abbey’s MACLE program the ability to fulfill partial credits through VSI, the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE) and the Center for Independent Research on Classical Education (CiRCE). “We developed this program with the foremost goal of formation in Classical Education, but believe that these partnerships provide a personalized component to each student’s degree program,” said Boor. Belmont Abbey College is currently accepting MACLE applications for the Fall 2024 semester. The deadline to apply is July 15, 2024. Get program information and apply here. 

“We are thrilled to embark on this collaborative journey with Belmont Abbey College,” said Christopher Owens, CEO at Veterum Sapientia Institute. “This partnership will not only enrich the academic experience for our students, but also empower them in the schools in which they are serving or will serve. Together, we are shaping the future of Catholic education and creating innovative pathways for our students to study the wisdom received from our Catholic tradition,” said Owens. The Veterum Sapientia Institute exists to form Catholics in their cultural and spiritual birthright by teaching living Latin and Greek languages. Committing to becoming the premier institute for this purpose, VSI is a renowned organization for pedagogical education in Latin and Greek. Click here for more information on VSI’s Teaching Credential in Latin Pedagogy.

Press Inquiry Contact: Julia Long, Director of Enrollment Marketing, julialong@bac.edu or 423-827-8727

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Belmont Abbey College Celebrates 146th Commencement Ceremony

Belmont Abbey College Celebrates 146th Commencement Ceremony

Belmont, N.C. (May 11, 2024) – Today, Belmont Abbey College marked a significant milestone with the celebration of its 146th commencement ceremony, with a total of 314 students awarded undergraduate Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees at the annual graduation event on campus. The celebration began with a customary baccalaureate Mass at the Abbey Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, followed by the graduation ceremony on the basilica piazza, presided over by Chancellor Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B., and President Dr. William Thierfelder.

Twenty graduates earned their nursing degrees (14 pre-licensed and 6 RN-BSN), marking the first-ever nursing graduation at Belmont Abbey College under the guidance of Interim Chair and Program Director Dr. Lee-Ann Kenny. “This is a momentous occasion for our nursing program and Belmont Abbey College as a whole,” said Dr. Kenny. “These graduates have worked tirelessly to achieve their goals, and we are immensely excited to see their hard work positively impact our community.”

In addition to the nursing graduates, five seminarians received their bachelor’s degrees in philosophy, along with one of Belmont Abbey’s monks, Br. Chrysostom Sica. This group of graduates represents the college’s commitment to fostering faith within the Charlotte diocese through an education rooted in truth.

The 2024 Student of the Year was announced during the ceremony, recognizing Ronald Anthony Klein as an outstanding individual who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievements and contributions to the college community. Instead of a conventional Commencement speaker, the Student of the Year is featured, emphasizing the college’s commitment to its students.

The commencement ceremony also honored individuals who contributed significantly to their respective fields. Belmont Abbey College bestowed honorary degrees upon Kathleen Burke Barrett, Bishop Barry C. Knestout, and Mary Thierfelder, the spouse of President Bill Thierfelder, recognizing their outstanding accomplishments and dedication to their professions.

Belmont Abbey College continues to uphold its mission of providing a transformative education rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition. The college remains dedicated to nurturing the intellectual, spiritual, and personal development of its students, preparing them to make a positive impact in their chosen professions and communities.

For more information about Belmont Abbey College and its programs, please visit www.belmontabbeycollege.edu.

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For Immediate Release

Contact: Rolando Rivas

P: 704-461-6561 

E: rolandorivas@bac.edu

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Shine Bright Segment

Author: The Crusader Staff Writer, Ayanna Pompey

I wanted to shed light on a historical moment for two students. Stacy White and her mother, Kimberley Jennings, are scheduled to graduate college at the same time next year, in May 2023. Stacy and Kimberley both attended Gaston College together before transferring to The Abbey. Stacy and Kimberley both have full-time schedules that occupy most of their day, but they still have the perseverance to keep striving for excellence. They both are prime examples of excellence that shine brightly throughout Belmont’s campus. In May, both Stacy and Kimberley will graduate from Belmont Abbey in History, Politics, and Government.

This historic moment for the Abbey reassures students that anything is possible with determination, regardless of age. Thank you both for choosing Belmont to continue a great legacy. 

If you see them around campus, please congratulate them on their successes!

This article was originally posted in the Fall 2022, Issue 2 of The Crusader Newspaper. Download the full issue.

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