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Belmont Abbey College

The Catholic College of the South

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Senior in Kindergarten

Author: The Crusader Staff Writer, Laura Gonzalez

Life as a student flies by without realizing it. Some moments feel so long and others end faster than they start. As my time as a student is becoming shorter and shorter, it is ironic that I will start all over in the grade that is the start for everyone. Kindergarten! I am a senior here at the Abbey, but almost every moment has been spent in Kindergarten with 25 students. Usually people think that it entails lots of arts and crafts, story times, and nap time, but let me be the first to say, they took my nap time away. With spending so much time in Kindergarten, I have noticed some similarities to the college lifestyle as well.

The similarities between college students and kindergarteners:

  • Nap time
  • Drawing during class
  • Making random comments during class to either distract the teachers or to keep yourself interested
  • The slightest amount of work can lead to someone crying or throwing it away in the trash to forget about it
  • Lunchtime is the biggest social hour of the day when you can barely hear the person next to you
  • Watching Youtube videos of whatever the teacher tried to teach for a better understanding
  • Dancing on elevated surfaces
  • After a long day of school, a nice cold drink hits the spot
  • Love fruit juice
  • Food is the best motivation, especially when it is free

Who would’ve thought 5 and 6-year-olds would have such a similar lifestyle as college students. The experience of being in Kindergarten with 25 has been such a crazy, fun, and educational experience. Each day is different and constantly keeps me on the edge of my seat. From a teacher’s perspective, it is amazing to see the student’s growth and the joy on their faces when anything involves food. From a student’s perspective, you can see the happiness in the teacher’s eyes when they realize you did listen to the instructions or comprehended the learning objectives of the lessons.

A senior in Kindergarten is what I am, but I could never imagine anything better. I have learned more from my 25 students in just four months than I could have imagined. Being a student-teacher has made an enormous impact on my life and was the best challenge I have experienced. I look forward to becoming a full-time teacher after I graduate.

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

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Interviewing Lindsay Wolcott

Author: The Crusader Staff Writer, Jose Hernandez

Join us in welcoming the new Coordinator of Campus Visit Experiences and Abbey Advocates, Lindsay Wolcott. Lindsay is originally from Long Island, New York, where she attended and graduated from the University of Buffalo in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and Early Childhood Development. Along with earning a minor in Counseling, she then earned her Master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration at Canisius College in 2022.

How did you hear about Belmont Abbey and what made you decide to take on the position?
My brother attended Belmont Abbey College, and was a student athlete here. Being 7 years younger than him, I often joined my parents for road trips to the Abbey to see him. Having spent so much time here at the Abbey, the campus always felt like home to me. When looking for a job, I saw that there was a position at Belmont Abbey in my field, and the decision to come back here and closer to my family was very easy for me.

What were some other experiences (whether it be jobs, volunteer work, or internships) that you believe are applicable to the admissions team?
I always had a passion for helping prospective students find their home and unique college life. I recently graduated with my masters in higher education and student affairs administration. During my graduate studies, I completed a two-year graduate assistantship in accessibility services and two graduate internships in student life; one in fraternity and sorority life, and another in new student orientation. All of my hands-on experiences in the field of higher education have given me the opportunity to work closely with students, create events on a college campus, and more. Working admissions gives me the opportunity to utilize each of these skills in new and exciting ways.

What are some hobbies you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love spending time with my friends and family. Moving to a new city has allowed me the chance to explore new shops, areas, restaurants, and more. I also love cooking and trying new recipes, and getting to share that with my loved ones as well!

When you feel like you’re in a slump, what motivates you to push through?
Whenever I feel like I’m in a slump I always try to take a moment for a deep breath to reset. I try to remind myself that everyone goes through slumps and has hard days, and that it’s okay to take a moment to reset. I find that when I take a moment for myself and give myself time to rest, I can revisit my work with a clear head and ready to push through the rest of the day.

Are there any mottos/philosophies that you implement in your life?
The motto I like to keep in my is that everything happens for a reason. I am a firm believer that anything that happens in my life is meant to be a test, and not to stress on little things. I try my best to not hold onto every small inconvenience, just know that the inconvenience that I received has a purpose and reason behind it. With this motto, it helps me to look on the bright side, that something better is out there for me.

The Abbey Advocates is student-driven, meaning the bulk of the work is put onto the students that work for you. How do you feel you can be a guide for them, and help push them to be better leaders within the program?
I feel that I can guide the Abbey Advocates through my own experiences as a student leader during college, but also through encouraging them through all they do on campus. I have already seen the Advocates show their leadership skills, and so I do my best to provide them with the material and support they need. The Abbey Advocates do so much to support the admissions office, and it’s an amazing experience to work with these students who are filling the roles as leaders within the office.

This is your first year with the Abbey as a Coordinator, joining a staff of experienced faculty who know the school inside and out. What are traits/virtues you believe could help you stand out from the rest of your coworkers?
I believe that I have a drive to not only do the best I can do, but also to anything I set my mind to. I have always been a very motivated person with the desire to reach any goal I set for myself. Being the youngest person in my graduate program, I feel that I can prove to the rest of my coworkers that I belong in this position.

And now for an ice breaker question, what is your go-to song to sing in the car?
My go-to song is Mr. Perfectly Fine (Taylor’s Version) by Taylor Swift!

If you are interested to learn more about the Abbey Advocate program, or you know someone who may be interested to learn more about the school, contact Lindsay at lindsaywolcott@bac.edu.

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

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