A very happy summer to our friends, families, and benefactors!
This semester has been a whirlwind of tradition and change as Belmont Abbey College is transitioning into a new era. With the announcement of President Thierfelder's retirement, the addition of a new faculty member to the Honors College, and the introduction of a new major program, the college is wading into new ground! Amidst all the change, the 149-year tradition of Belmont Abbey continues to flourish through annual cultural events, stimulating conversation, and student camaraderie.
Please enjoy this snapshot of the events of the spring 2025 semester. A big thank you to Ms. Susan Brandolini ('23), Alex Marchand ('26), Marino Alexander ('27), Hudson Jordan ('28), Caden Martinez ('28), and Mariela Braud ('28), for all the work they did to make this edition possible!
Pax Christi,
-Mary Amanda Weaver ('27), Student Editor
Dr. Thierfelder's Retirement
Earlier in the semester, Dr. William Thierfelder announced his plan to retire from the college presidency this August after 21 years of service to Belmont Abbey. He is responsible for establishing the Honors Institute, which has since grown into the Honors College. Dr. Thierfelder has also contributed to the wellbeing of the college’s community with the institution of eight new master’s degrees, the addition and refurbishment of new facilities, and philanthropic efforts such as the Made True Campaign. In the future, Dr. Thierfelder plans to return to the college as a faculty member.
(Left) Dr. William Thierfelder
The Growth of the MA Program
Under the leadership of Dr. Christine Boor, the Master of Arts in Classical and Liberal Education program has grown to be one of the largest graduate programs at Belmont Abbey College since its launch in the fall. It currently has over 25 students. It provides future leaders and educators with a foundation in the liberal arts and the Catholic intellectual tradition in order to properly form their students in the pursuit of goodness, truth, and beauty.
(Right) Dr. Christine Boor
New Honors College Faculty Hire
The Honors College is thrilled to welcome Dr. Elizabeth Weisser as an Assistant Professor of Great Books! A native Californian, she attended Thomas Aquinas College for her undergraduate degree, which then inspired her to pursue political philosophy. She attained her Ph.D. in political science from Baylor University in 2022, where she has since taught courses on the Constitution and political philosophy. Dr. Weisser’s interest in ancient Greek philosophy is demonstrated in her dissertation, titled “Seeing the Good: Moral Perception in Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics,” which addresses the possibility of the objective knowledge of morality. She will be teaching the freshman courses on Plato and Aristotle in the fall.
(Left) Dr. Elizabeth Weisser
The Professors Neff Welcome New Baby, Elijah John
On Friday February 21st, Alex and I welcomed our second born into this world: Elijah John. I am again amazed at the immense joy and wonder felt in this most ordinary occurrence of the human experience. Elijah teaches us that it is not in the wind, earthquake, or fire that the Lord most often manifests Himself to us, but rather in the still small voice. We are sanctified through the ordinary.
-Prof. Elisa Torres-Neff
“A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.” -John 16:21
Dr. Varacalli’s Travels
As the Interim Dean of the Honors College, Dr. Varacalli was invited to visit several different classical schools over the past year. Proudly representing Belmont Abbey College, he traveled to Pinnacle Academy, Millennium Charter Academy, and Saint John Bosco. He also attended the Regina Caeli Gala in Nashville, NC (pictured right).
This summer, he will visit a myriad of Classical and Catholic organizations, bringing a taste of Belmont Abbey to the Chesterton Schools Network, the Society for Classical Learning, the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education National Conference, and the CiRCE Institute National Conference. Striving to make Belmont Abbey College a major hub of classical education in America, Dr. Varacalli will continue to advocate for the Honors College, bringing in prospective students and professors.
(Right) Dr. Varacalli and alumna Monica Amery ('23) at the Regina Caeli Gala
Adrian Award for Faculty Excellence
Dr. Nancy Llewellyn was awarded the Adrian Award this year at graduation. She continues to push Belmont Abbey College to new heights. She successfully led efforts to establish a Latin and Greek major. Upper-level Latin and Greek courses will be offered through the Veterum Sapientia Institute in the Fall semester of 2025.
Classical Schools Job Fair
On January 30, the Honors College had the opportunity to host 35 different classical schools in the Haid Ballroom for a job fair. Tables representing schools from all over the country were present, including local schools in Charlotte and Gastonia, and even schools from Florida, Nevada, and Alaska. The various schools were all open to hiring available seniors for various teaching positions. We can't wait to see what other opportunities open up to Honors students in the future!
(Left ) Andrew Kern, Founder and President of the CiRCE Institute, who gave a talk at this event titled "The Crisis in Education"
Wagner's Ring
On March 22, Dr. Varacalli led the Honors College on a grand excursion to the Belk Theater to enjoy a performance of several selections from Wagner's "Ring." The esteemed music director Christof Perick conducted the performance, which was both mesmerizing and deeply moving. This event held special significance for the seniors, as it marked their final symphony with the Honors College.
(Left) Dr. Varacalli and students pose for a picture after the performance.
Thomas Hudson's Trip to Ave Maria
On January 30, Thomas Hudson ('28) was flown down by the Thomistic Institute to Ave Maria University to give a talk on the 800th anniversary of St. Thomas Aquinas' birth! Thomas was among a handful of other speakers from a variety of different colleges, and his topic was titled "Healing the Divorce Between Civil Law and Morality: A Thomistic Solution for a Modern Crisis." Thomas was also privileged to meet a handful of highly respected scholars and theologians, such as Fr. Romanus Cessario O.P. , Fr Micheal Sherwin O.P. , and Dr. Francis Beckwith. We can't wait to see what he does next.
(Right) Thomas Hudson ('28) giving his talk
Honors Ball
The Honors Ball this year was an absolute hit! Students showed off their new moves on the dance floor of the Haid Ballroom in one of the last events of the year. This year’s ball was organized by David and Elizabeth (formerly Burger) Cornwell who have both graduated with the class of 2025.
(Left) Honors students and faculty tear it up on the dance floor
Trip to the Gastonia Ghost Peppers
On April 26, the Honors College attended a baseball game to watch the Gastonia Ghost Peppers. Hamburgers and hot dogs were served, and Jackson Guntharp ('25) had the honor of throwing the first pitch! Br. Edward, Br. Manny and Br. Bede also attended and had a great time. Overall, it was a relaxing and refreshing way to conclude the semester.
(Right, clockwise) Students eagerly wait in line to get food. Jack Guntharp ('25) walks out to throw the first pitch of the game. Br. Bede, Br. Edward, and Br. Manny pose for a picture with seniors Truman Hale ('25), Luke Davis ('25), Ellie (formerly Burger) Cornwell ('25), and David Cornwell ('25).
Scholarship Weekend
The current Honors students and faculty welcomed prospective students for seminars and social revelry in February for the annual Honors Scholarship Weekend. With rising Seniors John Carlson ('26), John Hetzel ('26), and Patrick Gerrity ('26) MCing, the night festivities ended in several Honors men getting a face full of whipped cream!
(Left, clockwise) Prospective students in seminar. John Hetzel ('26) and Patrick Gerrity ('26) introducing icebreaker games. Caden Martinez ('28), and Paul Liulevicius ('27) after a whipped cream encounter. Current and prospective students socializing.
Senior Farewells
This May, the Honors College once again held the annual senior banquet. After dinner, the seniors enjoyed performances put on by the underclassmen. These included skits written about the seniors, superlatives, and a beautiful poem recited by Dr. Varacalli. The evening concluded with heartfelt addresses from Dr. Varacalli and Dr. Boor, followed by speeches of the seniors to each other.
(Right) The senior class of 2025 watch a skit put on by the underclassmen
Life Well Lived Lectures
This semester’s Life Well Lived lecture series was hosted by Mr. Professor Neff. With topics ranging from fairy tales to Thomism to the importance of ancient languages, students looked forward to a new and interesting lecture every week. Speakers reserved time to answer questions at the end of lectures, ensuring that the students could dig deeper into what they had learned. The lecture series had a strong emphasis on the value of prose and poetry, and students were separated into small groups to practice poetry recitation, which was performed in the Basilica lawn at the end of the semester.
Visits
Visit from Dr. Alicia Reed, Assistant Principal of Charlotte Catholic High School
On February 13, Dr. Alicia Reed visited the Alumni House to give a talk about Charlotte Catholic High School. Many Honors College students were in attendance, and Dr. Reed extended the invitation for Belmont students to consider potential future teaching positions at their school. A few members of the Honors College have attended Charlotte Catholic in the past, most notably Ava Blaha ('28), so the talk landed very close to home. Since the school is very close to Belmont, a future position as a teacher or faculty member would allow students to stay close to the area after graduation.
(Right) Dr Alicia Reed, Assistant Principal of Charlotte Catholic High School
Lectures
Rich Sotell and Gregory Collins Lectures
Students were invited this semester to attend a lecture by Gregory Collins, a lecturer from Yale University, and two lectures by Rich Sotell, a financial advisor representative. Dr. Collins' lecture was entitled, "Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois on Civil Society and Education." Rich Sotell's lectures were entitled, "How Money Works" and "Welcome to the Real World."
(Left) Gregory Collins
Fr. Planty Lecture
On March 27, the Honors College welcomed Fr. Donald Planty, pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Arlington, Virginia, to give a talk on sacred architecture. In his presentation, Fr. Planty explained the importance of beauty in sacred architecture and the regulations and rules for constructing Catholic churches. He also discussed several varied architectural styles from over the centuries and shared some of his favorites.
(Right) Father Donald Planty
Conferences
CiRCE FORMA Symposium
In January, the CiRCE Institute hosted the second annual FORMA symposium at Belmont Abbey College, with the co-sponsorship of the Honors College. The conference hosted the keynote speaker Gregory Wilbur and a series of panels, all of which explored ideas within the Quadrivium.
(Right) FORMA panelists
Father Joseph Matlak
Father Joseph is a professor of the Honors College and priest in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic eparchy of Parma, Ohio. He is also an oblate of St. Benedict and a member of the Constantinian Order of St. George. This year, he taught Ancient Greek, Biblical Texts I & II, and the Senior Seminar on Love, Friendship, and Marriage.
Where did you grow up and what was your education like?
I grew up in England. To keep things simple, whenever I am asked I usually reply that I am from "the Shire." I was born in Dunstable (Bedfordshire), grew up in London Colney and St. Albans (Hertfordshire), and went to university in London. I attended Catholic primary and secondary schools: St. Bernadette's in London Colney, and Nicholas Breakspear in St. Albans. My secondary education was where I developed a great love for theology, history, and languages. My undergraduate studies were in Ancient History at King's College London, where I began to explore my own theological and ecclesiastical heritage more deeply, and learned Latin and Greek along the way. After six years of discerning a vocation, I left my family, country, and continent to attend seminary at Catholic University of America, Washington DC, where I completed Bachelor of Sacred Theology, Master of Divinity, and Licentiate in Sacred Theology degrees. Those eight formative years were crucial for me to deepen my knowledge of the Scriptures, the Fathers, the Doctors of the Church, and the great theologians of Eastern and Western Christianity. Finally, I completed doctoral studies at the Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies, Cambridge, England, at the age of forty. All in all, my education has been long, quite internationally flavored, but a great blessing.
Who was the most influential teacher you had in your life?
As a Christian and priest, I must admit that the most influential teachers are the Holy Spirit and the saints. From an earthly perspective, I look back and consider so many teachers along the way. In primary school, the kindness of Mrs. Taylor. In secondary school, the teachers of the religious education department who introduced us to philosophy and ethics (e.g., Mr. Plum), the history department (e.g. Mr. Nichols and Mr. Baker) who gave us a fascination for our heritage, and the language department (e.g., Mr. Henshaw) who created possibilities for us to learn multiple foreign languages. At university, we had world-class professors of Byzantine history and theology, such as Professor Charlotte Roueché. In seminary, there were so many excellent professors over the course of eight years, e.g., Monsignor Paul McPartlan who supervised my licentiate thesis, Professors Robin Darling Young, Susan Wessel, Michael Root, Chad Pecknold, Christopher Ruddy, etc. Finally, I cannot neglect to think about those good priests who patiently taught me how to be a priest, especially Archpriest Roman Galadza of blessed memory, among others.
What was it like to discern the married priesthood?
According to the tradition of the Eastern Churches, a candidate for major orders has to be married before ordination. In Eastern Christianity, monasticism is a vocation held in very high esteem. Those who discern celibacy commonly seek out a monastic community, and I was open to this vocation. However, after having met my wife in church, I realized that God was calling me to marry her. Thereafter, the bishop decides whether or not to ordain a married man. I may never have been ordained, and so the important thing was to discern whether or not I was called to marriage first. The most important thing to understand is that this is a divine vocation. While not being a priest herself, the wife of the priest certainly shares to some extent in the priestly life and ministry of her husband. She is traditionally an esteemed and revered member of the parish, and very often takes on positions of leadership and service in accordance with her abilities and talents. Therefore, it is no wonder that the wife of a priest is traditionally given a title. The Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches is clear that a priestly family is called to shine forth as an example of virtue among the Christian faithful. People look to us, in order to see how we pray, how we honor and respect one another, how we serve those around us, how we image the divine plan for marriage and the family.
How did you come to the United States and what brought you to the Abbey?
As I was discerning the priesthood, I discerned that I would like to pursue my vocation within the context of the Church in the United States of America. Therefore, I applied and was accepted into a diocese here in the United States. After one year as an assistant priest at our cathedral in Parma, Ohio, I petitioned my bishop to move to Charlotte, North Carolina, where I came to know Belmont Abbey College. After being a school chaplain, I was introduced to the possibility of teaching, and so I decided to apply to the Abbey. Dr. (Magistra) Nancy Llewellyn introduced me to the Abbey community by inviting me to teach introductory Greek, and, after a couple of years as an adjunct professor, I was invited by the professors of the Honors College to teach full-time.
What is your favorite class to teach?
As a student of theology, my favorite discipline to teach is theology. So far, I have taught Biblical Texts and the senior seminar entitled "Love, Friendship, and Marriage." I have enjoyed all of these classes. It is very rewarding to help students to discover and deepen their knowledge and appreciation of the Sacred Scriptures, especially through the Fathers and the Sacramental and Liturgical traditions of the Church. I have enjoyed the multiple disciplines that were involved in the senior seminar, which allowed me to bring some of my doctoral research into the discussions.
What saint's writings are your favorite and why?
I enjoy reading the Desert Fathers and all those saints who write in that same tradition, whether they be ancient or contemporary. Their teachings are accessible and often very brief, yet they are profound and full of meditative possibilities. They appear to be simple and even overly simplistic, but their wisdom is often very challenging and thus relevant to every age. I find that many contemporaries have not been raised in this ancient tradition, and I enjoy helping people to rediscover the perennial wisdom of these saints.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I would like to finish getting to know my home continent of Europe, and then experience the Holy Land and Lebanon, the Far East (e.g., Japan, China, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore), India, the African Continent (e.g., Egypt, Ethiopia, Morocco), and Australasia and the South Pacific.
What is one lesson you hope your students learn while in College?
In his Rule, St. Benedict set out to create a school of the Lord's service. Evagrius Ponticus famously stated that the theologian is the one who prays. For me, therefore, my main task is not only to bring our students to a deeper intellectual capability, but also to introduce them to a deeper spiritual life. In other words, my desire is to help all of our students to be "theologians" in the proper sense of the term, which is to be able to speak to God and about God (in the tradition of St. Dominic), and to link everything they learn with this primary orientation. In doing so, I hope to help our students develop the true humility that is necessary for that journey. I desire that the students of our Honors College appreciate that they are being formed "liberally," to realize and accept that each step of gaining understanding is only the beginning of something deeper. As St. Augustine of Hippo famously stated, my hope is that our students will only be truly satisfied when they rest ultimately in God.
Dear Honors College Students, Parents, Alumni, and Benefactors,
This spring was certainly an eventful one for both Belmont Abbey College and the Honors College. February brought the announcement of President William Thierfelder’s retirement. Dr. Thierfelder’s twenty-one-year presidency was transformative. Under his leadership, the college increased enrollment, built its iconic adoration chapel and five new residence halls, and developed new academic programs, like the Honors College. We cannot thank Dr. Thierfelder enough for all his hard work and dedication to this community. The Honors College sends him our prayers and best wishes for this new chapter in his life.
I would like to take a moment to share some exciting faculty updates. Professors Elisa Torres Neff and James Alexander Neff welcomed their second child, Elijah John Neff on February 21. Elijah is healthy and happy at home and Professor Neff is ready to tackle the next challenge of our Summer Schola program. This summer, Dr. Christine Boor and Mr. Kyle Boor are looking forward to welcoming their first child. Please extend to them your prayers for a safe and healthy birth and recovery. Finally, we are excited to welcome our new tenure-line faculty member, Dr. Elizabeth Weisser, who will teach the freshman courses on Plato and Aristotle.
This edition of the Forum celebrates both the continuation of old traditions and the beginning of new ones. For a third year in a row, our Honors Ball was hosted by an engaged couple. Seniors David Cornwell and Elizabeth Burger did a fantastic job organizing the dance. This year we have twenty-four graduating seniors, a new record for the Honors College. Our Master of Arts program continues to flourish with over 25 students. With the gracious support of the CiRCE Institute, we were pleased to host our first Classical Education Job Fair in January, which brought to campus over 30 high schools from around the country.
As with all things at Belmont Abbey, we seek to glorify God in everything we do. May the good works done here serve as a reminder of our rich faith and trust in the Holy Spirit. In the words of our new shepherd of the Church, Pope Leo XIV, “God loves us, God loves you all, and evil will not prevail! All of us are in God’s hands. So, let us move forward, without fear, together, hand in hand with God and with one another!”
I wish to thank the 36 individual donors who contributed to our Founders’ Day Fundraising Drive. Your generous donations will support new undergraduate experiences and the renovation of our facilities in St. Leo’s Hall. And special thanks to Mary Amanda Weaver (’27) for organizing this wonderful newsletter.
God Bless,
Dr. Thomas Varacalli, Interim Dean of the Honors College
Graduate Spotlights
Lily Aranyos
Thesis: “The People Should Never Rise, without Doing Something to Be Remembered–Something Notable and Striking: How the Sons of Liberty Pushed the American Colonists to Declare Independence from Britain"
- Hometown: Greenville, NC
- Major: History
- Minors: Great Books, International Studies, Medieval Studies
After Graduation Plans
I hope to own a few cats, have a house, and be debt-free, however that happens.
Senior Quote
"Well, it's your lucky day because I do remember the score."
-Lily Aranyos
Jack Baird
Thesis: "The Clash of Amateurism and Professionalism: A Guide for Contemporary Athletic Institutions"
- Hometown: Greenville, SC
- Major: History
- Minor: Great Books
After Graduation Plans
I plan to begin a sales career and marry the love of my life who I met at the Abbey! :)
Senior Quote
“No man who really is a man ever cared for the easy task. There is no enjoyment in the game that is easily won. It is that in which you have to strain every muscle and sinew to achieve victory that provides real joy.”
-Eric Liddell
Elizabeth Burger
Thesis: "Improving Communication and Quality of Life in Patients with Post-Stroke Aphasia Using Individualized and Intensive Speech Language Therapy: An Evidence-Based Practice Project"
- Hometown: Huntersville, NC
- Major: Nursing
After Graduation Plans
Marriage to one David Cornwell and working as an RN at Atrium Health Pineville
Senior Quote
“Peace out, eighth grade.”
-Ellie Burger
Mary Brugger
Thesis: "The Downfall of Madam Bovary"
- Hometown: Virginia
- Major: Great Books
- Minors: Theatre, Psychology
After Graduation Plans
Getting my masters in behavior analysis to become a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst)
Senior Quote
"Fear not, beloved, you are safe; take courage and be strong."
-Daniel 10:19
David Cornwell
Thesis: "Throw Away the Worser Part: An Analysis of Confession and Penance in Hamlet"
- Hometown: Spokane Valley, WA
- Major: Great Books
- Minors: Theology, English
After Graduation Plans
Get married this summer and stay in the Charlotte area.
Senior Quote
"Suit the action to the word, the word to the action."
-William Shakespeare
Luke Davis
Thesis: "On the Nature of Christian Sufferings"
- Hometown: Suwannee, GA
- Major: Great Books
- Minor: Latin
After Graduation Plans
Dream: to continue on to grad-school and be a scholar.
Senior Quote
“Men have forgotten this truth, but you must not forget it. You become responsible forever for what you have tamed.”
-Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince
Dennis Graveline
Thesis: "This Story Shall the Good Man Teach His Son: On Henry V, the Ethical Leader When Machiavelli Isn't Around"
- Hometown: Berkley, MI
- Major: Great Books
- Minors: Theater, International Relations
After Graduation Plans
Entering the US Army as a Foreign Language Specialist. Shipping out for basic training in September, headed for the Defense Language Institute in January, then contracting for four years of active service. Hopes and dreams include more international travel, US road trips, learning more languages, maybe getting into acting again, and long walks on the beach.
Senior Quote
"Immortals are never strangers to each other, no matter how distant one may make her home."
-Homer, The Odyssey
Anna Lancellotti
Thesis: Afterward: "Exploring the Connection Between Posttraumatic Growth and Forgiveness"
- Hometown: Cranford, NJ
- Major: Psychology
- Minor: Great Books
After Graduation Plans
Social Worker
Senior Quote
"What but design of darkness to appall?--/ If design govern in a thing so small"
-Robert Frost
Kate Linton
Thesis: "A Small Band of True Friends: Aristotle and Austen through the Ethics of Emma"
- Hometown: El Dorado Hills, CA
- Major: Great Books
After Graduation Plans
To raise a Catholic family in Charlotte, with the knowledge and wisdom I have gained at the Abbey, and have children go to (and teach in) the Honors College.
Lily Miller
Thesis: "Burning Anew Amidst the Old Stones: Charles Ryder’s Path to Conversion in Brideshead Revisited"
- Hometown: Waukesha, WI
- Major: Great Books
- Minor: Theatre Arts
After Graduation Plans
Teaching High-School Humanities at the Chesterton Academy of Annapolis!
Senior Quote
“The sweetest thing in all my life has been the longing… to find the place where all the beauty came from.”
-C.S Lewis, Till We Have Faces
Anais Naupari
Thesis: "Mary, The Healer of All Wounds: As Shown in Dante’s Purgatorio and Paradiso"
- Hometown: Woodbridge, VA
- Majors: Theology and Criminal Justice
- Minor: Great Books
After Graduation Plans
Following graduation, I will be spending the summer traveling through Ireland and Italy with friends.
Senior Quote
“Into the face that most resembles Christ now look: for by her radiance only she can render you prepared for seeing Christ”
-Dante Alighieri
Anina Puccio-Gonzalez
Thesis: "Emotivism: The Manipulative Philosophical Theory"
- Hometown: Sacramento, CA
- Major: Interdisciplinary Studies
- Minors: Environmental Science, Great Books, Biology
After Graduation Plans
I have been accepted into Medical School, where I hope to become either a Pediatric Cardio or Pediatric Neurologist.
Senior Quote
"Keep working even when no one is watching."
-Alex Morgan
Anna Steiner
Thesis: "An Undivine Creation: How the State of Nature is Incompatible with a Divinely Created World"
- Hometown: Columbus, GA
- Major: Great Books
- Minor: Language
After Graduation Plans
Plans to pursue a graduate degree in Political Theory.
Senior Quote
"The soul gradually adapts itself to the objects that occupy it, and it is great events that make great men."
-Rousseau
Alumni News
Congratulations to all our alumni!
Follow us on social media to stay updated on the latest Honors College news and events!
A special thank you to Rolando Rivas, Dr. Thomas Varacalli ('11), Professor Elisa Torres-Neff, Susan Brandolini ('23), Jonah Dollenger ('25), Jack Baird ('25), Anina Puccio ('25), Grayson Yancey ('25), Theresa Brandolini ('26), and Caden Martinez ('28) for use of their photos throughout.