student life

February 13, 2023 By bacw Leave a Comment

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.

February 12, 2023 By bacw Leave a Comment

Being Broke Is No Joke… How To Become Financially Literate in College.

Author: The Crusader Staff Writer, Regina Vegihe

“Money the Abbey Way” (MTAW) is Belmont Abbey College’s program to improve students’ financial literacy. This program has the following mission statement: “Your beliefs about money, and the decisions you make about money, are intimately related to what it means to live a good life and to lead a life of integrity, to succeed professionally, to become a responsible citizen, and to be a blessing to yourself and others.”

In other words, MTAW teaches students how to wisely save, earn, spend, borrow, and tithe money. Dr. Cote, the advisor of MTAW, recommends that students start saving now as she says, “Putting money aside daily instead of buying coffee will pay off for the long term.” Furthermore, “It is about thinking long term, not just short term.”

MTAW hosts many events for Financial Literacy as well. In September, MTAW hosted its first Financial Literacy event of the year. Soon, an email will be sent out with details about a speaker presenting on investment risks. In the spring, a speaker will be presenting on employee benefits. Dates of these events will be coming soon.

There are five tips that MTAW strives to teach Belmont Abbey Students. These include…

Knowing Personal Finance to make an informed financial decision
Apply Finance principles to a situation and choose the best financial outcome for them
Understand Church Teachings about money and apply them to their life.
Think about beliefs and values to use money wisely for themself, their family, and their community.
Confidence in making a financial decision. To learn more about MTAW, go to the Online Student Success Hub on

canvas and look under modules for “Financial Literacy: Money the Abbey Way” Many resources, such as bac.igrad.com, will help students understand personal finance.

Being broke is no joke, so start learning about personal finance now. You will thank yourself later!

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

December 24, 2022 By radefolaju Leave a Comment

Men’s Group

Author: The Crusader Staff Writer, Brian Hoverath

The Belmont Abbey Men’s group is a club meant to help the young men of Belmont Abbey focus on being virtuous through activities and ideas. It is only open to men and is held in the student commons from 7-8 pm on Monday nights. The group meets with the intention of having an invited speaker talk on something that relates to Christian ideals.

The topics presented range from paleontology, liturgy of the hours, politics, dating advice, and even sword fighting. The group also takes trips to places that relate to topics being discussed. Ideas for trips are approved by the club leaders and financed by either the school or the individual club members.

The group even has their own flag that is recognized by the North American Vexillological Association. After interviewing the two club heads, Josiah Newsome and Luke Cumby, I decided to attend their most recent meeting. This meeting was held on a Thursday, due to a scheduling issue.

The meeting I attended involved a student discussing traffic laws and enforcement. While this may sound rather tame, it quickly became a conversation on how the federal government’s enforcement of such laws can be an invasion of privacy. This in turn became a conversation on how the government should balance privacy.

If this sounds like something that you would be interested in, you may reach them at their Instagram @bacmensgroup.

This article was originally posted in the Fall 2022, Issue 1 of The Crusader Newspaper. Download the full issue.

December 17, 2022 By radefolaju Leave a Comment

Campus Activities Board: Who Are They?

Author: The Crusader Staff Writer, Hannah Schudlik

Belmont Abbey College’s Campus Activities Board (CAB) is a student organization that designs and provides exciting activities and programs for student life. CAB is credited with sponsoring various events such as movie nights, dances, talent shows, and holiday parties. Nate Bolton is the faculty advisor for the club, as well as the director of student activities on campus. As a Belmont Abbey alumnus, Nate is dedicated to creating a fun experience and community-based environment for students.

What Do They Do?
Typically, CAB begins planning ideas in September for events that will be held from October through May. Abbeyfest is a traditional Belmont Abbey event held
in the fall semester that incorporates live music, catering, and mini-games for the college’s students and alumni. Last year, October brought chilly weather and beautiful scenery to campus. Thus, CAB hosted “Nightmare on Abbey Lane!” Members of the club guided students, and the school faculty’s children down the spooky-decorated Abbey Lane. Activities included pumpkin carving, costume and decorating contests, live music, games, and trunk-or-treating.

The spring semester consists of planning for an annual dance formal and student talent show. The Spring Formal, hosted by student activities and CAB, surprises
students each year with an unknown destination for a school dance. Previous locations have been the Honey Hunters baseball stadium, downtown Belmont, and
even on a yacht! As March approaches, “Abbey’s Got Talent” will show off Belmont Abbey students singing, dancing, performing comedy routines, and more!

Why You Should Join?
CAB is a great way to meet new people and form friendships! The club meets once a week (typically via Zoom) to discuss ideas and plan events, so it is not too
demanding of one’s time. There is little commitment required, as attendance for meetings and events is not mandatory. The team consists of a President, Vice
President, Secretary, and an abundance of students. Being a part of the council allows for experience in social media management and creating flyers (pictured
below). If you have creative ways to get students involved on campus, email natebolton@bac.edu to join CAB!

This article was originally posted in the Fall 2022, Issue 1 of The Crusader Newspaper. Download the full issue.

December 16, 2022 By radefolaju Leave a Comment

Campus Resources to Remember

Author: The Crusader Staff Writer, Amanda Johnson

College is never a perfect time for anybody. For young adults coming out of high school, four years away from home can be hard for anybody. However, it is always important to know about the resources that are available on campus.

ACADEMICS:

If you are struggling in a class, go to your professor’s office hours – they are there so that students can come and ask for help! In my experience, every professor is happy to meet with you outside of class.
Tutoring options that are new this year: Look into the STEM Lab on the first floor of the Science Building and the Writing Center in Stowe 216. These are often student-led – so they know what it’s like to be in your shoes!
Academic Advising is located in the New Residence Hall on the first floor (to the left when you walk in). These lovely ladies are able to help you understand academics here as a whole and might help you figure out what
classes to take next. If you have already declared your major, get in contact with your academic advisor within your department. You can find their name on Self-Service at the bottom of your unofficial transcript!

MENTAL HEALTH/WELLNESS:

The Counseling Center is located on the bottom floor of the Haid. You can schedule appointments online at https://belmontabbey-counselingcenter.clientsecure.me and talk with our counselor about anything from academic stress, grief, social distress, and so much more! They take a solution-focused approach, which means that you do not attend for more than 6 sessions.
The Resident Assistant on duty isn’t only for if you’re locked out or want to make a noise complaint – if you are feeling overwhelmed and need someone immediately to talk to, call them and tell them you’re struggling. Every RA gets trained on how to respond to mental health crises!
You could also just reach out to your personal RA if you want some guidance or a listening ear and don’t know where else to turn. Your RA is usually on your floor or wing and is always willing to help.
If you feel unsafe, you can contact Campus Police at (704) 400-6200. They can give you a ride from your car at night if you are parked far away, will jump your car if necessary, and do so much more!

This article was originally posted in the Fall 2022, Issue 1 of The Crusader Newspaper. Download the full issue.