Merry Christmas to the Honors College Family!
The fall semester of 2025 has wrapped up just in time for the Advent and Christmas seasons to begin. This semester, the Honors College is grateful to have been blessed by experiencing a taste of the good life through lectures, cultural events, introductions to new members of the community, and much more! What follows in this edition of The Forum newsletter is just a glimpse of the wealth of fellowship and learning that have enriched the students and faculty.
Please join me in congratulating our student team for their work in crafting the current Forum edition! Welcome back, and a big thank you to Alexandra Marchand ('26), Marino Alexander ('27), Mariela Braud ('28), Hudson Jordan ('28), and Caden Martinez ('28) for their continued work as a part of The Forum team. We also thank and welcome some new faces, including Agnes Adams ('29), James May ('29), Maeve Reese ('29), and Tabitha Weaver ('29)! An enormous thank you, also, to Susan Brandolini ('23) for her continued assistance and support.
Please enjoy the Fall 2025 edition of The Forum newsletter! Happy Advent!
—Mary Amanda Weaver, Class of '27, Student Editor of The Forum
Dr. Wysocki as Interim President
After the retirement of Dr. Thierfelder, the Board of Trustees selected Dr. Joseph Wysocki as Interim President of Belmont Abbey College. Before becoming Provost, Dr. Wysocki was the Dean of the Honors College. He greatly shaped the program into what it is today. For the past semester, Dr. Wysocki led the school while the Abbey searched for a permanent president. On November 18, 2025, it was announced that Dr. Jeffrey W. Talley was selected for the position. We at The Forum would like to thank Dr. Wysocki for all his hard work this semester, and we are excited to see how he will serve the Abbey next!
Left: Dr. Joseph Wysocki
Welcoming New Honors Babies
Paul William Weisser
Paul William Weisser was born on July 22nd, 10:30 PM, measuring at 7 lbs, 14 oz, and 20.5.” He enjoys car rides, stroller walks, Raffi songs, and being read to.
Judah Thomas Boor
Judah Thomas Boor was born on Thursday, June 26, at 5:32 AM and he is the sweetest little guy. He was baptized on August 1st, on the dual feasts of St. Peter In Chains and the Maccabees. He is named after Judah Maccabeus and his middle name is for his grandfather.
Summer of 2025
Annual Sophomore Beach Retreat
This summer the sophomores of the Honors College continued the tradition of the annual Shakespeare Beach Retreat! Here students spend two days on Hilton Head Island, SC to grow closer to each other, discuss works of William Shakespeare, and reflect on the first two years of their education at Belmont Abbey. Unlike previous years, this year's retreat centered around the Roman tragedy, Antony and Cleopatra, with seminars led by the esteemed Dr. Eugene Thuot.
Schola Summer Program
The Honors College hosted the annual Schola summer program in July. Schola campers studied selected readings, such as Ecclesiastes and Tolkien, and participated in seminar-style classes with Honors professors. Apart from academics, Schola campers enjoyed ultimate frisbee, a line dance lesson, a trip to the Whitewater Center, a hike to a waterfall, and a talent show at the end of the week. The Honors College looks forward to welcoming some of these highschoolers as freshmen in the coming years.
Conferences
Classical Education Conference
This October, Dr. Boor hosted the "Sharing Salt" conference, which brought over 20 graduate students to campus for a series of lectures, seminars, and panels. Many leading figures in Classical Education, such as Robert Jackson, Joshua Gibbs, Elisabeth Sullivan, and Andrew Ellison delivered remarks. The Honors College is grateful to the Knight Foundation for funding the entirety of the conference.
Above: watch Andrew Edison's talk from the "Sharing Salt" conference
Dr. Thuot's Reading Group
Dr. Eugene Thuot has been diving deep into William Shakespeare’s Anthony and Cleopatra with a collection of students. This reading group gives students a chance to enjoy Shakespeare with a break from the expectations of classes! The group will continue meeting into the spring semester.
Right: Dr. Eugene and Mrs. Thuot
James G. Martin Center Dinner
This semester, students attended the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal’s annual policy gala in Raleigh, NC. Amity Shlaes, a prominent writer and columnist, spoke on Calvin Coolidge and the need for a revival of classical education. Several hundred educators and benefactors of classical education in North Carolina were present alongside Belmont Abbey College.
Left to Right: Kate Dow ('28), Emily Ward ('28), Elizabeth Sullivan (Executive Director of the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education), Thomas Hudson ('28), Ava Shayeghi ('28)
Susan Brandolini's Conference Visits
Miss Susan Brandolini ('23), as Director of Recruitment and Operations for the Honors College, attended conferences to expand the awareness of the Honors College. In July, she attended the CiRCE Institute's "A Contemplation of Building(s)" Conference to connect with partners of the Honors College and to share information about our Master of Arts in Classical and Liberal Education. In October, Miss Brandolini attended the Duc In Altum School Summit, a lovely retreat and opportunity to introduce the Honors College to new faces!
Lectures
Cardinal Gerhard Müller
The Honors College was exceedingly grateful for the opportunity to host Cardinal Gerhard Müller, who is the former Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF). As a prominent author and theologian, Cardinal Müller gave a talk on the crisis of modernity and the Church's timeless response to human crises.
Above: watch our Converatio episode, featuring Cardinal Müller
A Life Well Lived Lecture Series
Professor Elisa Neff orchestrated the lecture series, "A Life Well Lived," to introduce the class of 2029 to the Honors College culture. The students gathered on October 22 for a poetry recitation, having memorized works from Frost, Keats, Wordsworth, and more. Professor Weisser made a special guest appearance and recited Tolkien!
Top Left (clockwise): Professor Elisa Neff addressing the freshmen; students reciting poetry; the Honors class of 2029 in the Abbey lawn.
John Bursch, "On Religious Liberty"
The Honors College hosted its first lecture of the semester on September 17th. John Bursch of the Alliance Defending Freedom delivered a talk entitled "How to Live Your Catholic Faith in Your Professional Calling," in which he discussed the integration of the Catholic faith within the workplace.
Right: Students listening to John Bursch's lecture.
Constitution Day: Dr. Wilford McClay
This September, The Honors College gladly welcomed Dr. Wilfred McClay from Hillsdale College for the annual Constitution Day Lecture. In his talk, Dr. McClay discussed the significance of the Constitution in regards to national identity and its proper use in civic education.
Left: Dr. McClay addressing Honors College students and faculty
Patrick Deneen: "What is Postliberalism?"
This semester Patrick Deneen, professor of political science at Notre Dame and author of works like Why Liberalism Failed and Regime Change, gave a lecture on the question "What is Postliberalism?" Here, he explored the history of liberalism throughout the 19th and 20th centuries and encouraged students to think about what the future of our society may look like.
Right: Patrick Deneen
Jason Baxter, "Can Poetry Save the World? Dante's Incarnational Poetics"
On October 29th, Honors College students and faculty enjoyed a lecture by Dr. Jason Baxter, from Benedictine College. His lecture, “Can Poetry Save the World? Dante's Incarnational Poetics” gave an account of Dante Alighieri’s poetic career and the revolutionary style of his Italian poetry in The Divine Comedy. Dr. Baxter has completed the latest translation of the Inferno, and he continues to translate Purgatorio and Paradiso.
Above: Watch Jason Baxter's Lecture, "On Dante"
Kimberly Begg, "From Joan of Arc to Gen Z"
Kimberly Begg, president of the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women, offered an age-old recipe for the role of women in a world divided between feminism and misogyny. She argued that each woman's vocation looks different, but each woman can find clarity in God's specific plan for her life.
Above: Check out our Conversatio episode with Kimberly Begg! Left: Kimberly Begg
Cultural Events
2025 All Night Republic Reading
On September 26th,the Honors students hosted the 5th annual all-night reading of Plato's Republic. In addition to focused attention to the text, Honors students enjoyed 12 hours and 15 minutes of increasing antics as the night progressed. The activities were brought to a close at 8:41am with cheers, students finally sauntering off to bed... or breakfast.
(Left, clockwise) Truman Hale ('25), who was one of the founders of the Republic reading; Maeve Reese ('29); Kitty Wyatt ('27); Mariela Braud ('28)
The Pines of Rome
On November 14, Honors College students, faculty, and alumni attended the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra's rendition of Respighi's Pines of Rome. Symphony goers were delighted with three movements: Requiem, Fountains, and lastly the Pines.
Inter-Class Activities
Sophomore-Freshman Party
This semester, the freshman class put on their finest flannels for a fall-themed party at the alumni house hosted by the sophomore class. The two classes socialized, played group games, and made smores around a bonfire. Fr. Joseph Matlak stopped by the party as well and led Greek dancing.
Mentorship Program
At the start of the school year, the incoming freshmen were welcomed and connected with individuals from the classes of '26 and '27! The seniors and juniors offered assistance and expertise on the challenges of college—particularly the Honors College— throughout freshman year.
Country Swing Dance
On November 21, Honors Student Isabella Ferrante ('28) hosted the Honors College's first-ever Country Swing Dance! The dance was open to all students, and the Haid Ballroom was transformed with lights, fall colors, and plenty of pumpkins for a spectacular hoedown. Superintendent for the schools in the Diocese of Charlotte, Dr. Greg Monroe, began the dance with instruction in line dancing and swing dancing.
Ms. Brigid Frey
From: Modesto, California
High School: Homeschool
Favorite book: J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy
Why the Abbey? I chose the Abbey because I really love its Catholic community and the Honors College.
What has your first year experience in the Honors College been like? My first year in the Honors College has been very rewarding in all aspects. Through the friends I have made, the amazing teachers I have had, and the great books I have had the opportunity to read and discuss, I have become a much better and well-rounded person. I look forward to further growing through the Honors College in the years to come.
Mr. Shawn Amato
From: Fredericksburg, Virginia
High school: Summit Academy
Favorite book: The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Why the Abbey? I chose the Abbey for the Honors College and because some of my friends were going.
What has your first year experience in the Honors College been like? My high school was also centered on the liberal arts and I wanted to pursue it more in college. My first experience has been amazing at the Abbey. I am very grateful for all the new people I have met and the new friendships formed.
Access the video clips of three Honors freshmen and meet more of the class of 2029!
Senior Theses
Congratulations to the class of 2026 for the completion of their senior theses this semester! Below is an overview of the topics and authors discussed by each senior.
Joshua Keim
On November 18, Joshua Keim presented his thesis, "Ladder of Divine Descent." In his thesis, Joshua discussed virtue as understood by the Greeks, specifically Aristotle and Homer, in contrast to the Christian understanding of virtue. Using the writings of St. Isaac the Syrian, Joshua contrasted the Christian virtues of Humility, Meekness, and Mercy with the Greek perceptions of Magnanimity, Thumos , and Justice.
John Carlson
On November 19, John Carlson presented his thesis on Walker Percy. John displayed Percy's ability to delve into human nature and desire through the reality of what sin and addiction do to a person. He showed how Percy portrays sin as both a hindrance and a coping mechanism. However, John also presented Percy's portrayal of the hope for redemption, in the possibility of recognizing the harmful irregularities of sinful behavior.
Elijah Zachary
On November 20, Elijah Zachary presented his thesis on why human beings tell stories. Through the lense of Homer's Iliad, Elijah focused on the characteristics of heroes and monsters. Using the characters of Hector, Achilles and Agamemnon as guides, Elijah argued that Homer uses stories to remind the reader both to strive for something greater than himself, and that there is something inherently good inside himself.
Maura Baird
On November 20, Maura Baird presented her thesis on friendship. Maura contrasted the natural pagan wisdom with the Christian understanding of virtue, drawing on Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics and C.S. Lewis' The Four Loves. Maura explored the questions of whether grace is present in friendship before the Incarnation, and what true friendship looks like in the light of Christian revelation.
Alexandra Marchand
On November 21, Alexandra Marchand presented her thesis on C.S. Lewis' Till We Have Faces. She discussed the broader themes of man's journey to God through Orual's own faith as seen with her various masculine mentors throughout the work. Alexandra explored how Orual's eventual acceptance of her faith is a combination of loving herself, accepting her femininity, and rejecting the stringent rationalism she carries throughout the first section of the novel.
Susan Reid
On November 21st, Susan Reid presented her thesis on St. John Chrysostom's Divine Liturgy. She emphasized that Divine Liturgy is an agreement to follow Christ in his assent to Heaven. Fasting, prayer, and regular reception of the sacrament of confession and the Holy Eucharist allows disciples to fulfill the call to unification with Him, or "Theosis." She delved into the importance of embracing suffering as a gift that can ultimately lead to greater sanctification.
Sadie Hampton
On November 21st, Sadie Hampton presented her thesis on St. Augustine. She explored human purpose, concluding that man is usually persistent in seeking God because man is meant for God. She emphasized that "Relationship with God is not a position but a movement, not a point but a process." She argued that one ought not be sedentary in seeking God, but continually pursue Him.
Jolin Steen
On December 4th, Jolin Steen presented his thesis on Kierkegaard with a special focus on Abraham. He discussed the themes of faith and sacrifice, emphasizing that Abraham did not resign Isaac to death, but rather had a profound faith in God's overarching plan.
Mathew Buckley
On December 4th, Mathew Buckley dually presented his thesis on C.S. Lewis and H.P. Lovecraft. Mathew explored the character Orual from Lewis' 'Till We Have Faces," discussing the dichotomy between viewing herself as worthy of love whilst believing that only beautiful things can be loved. This causes Orual to obsess over her beautiful half-sister Psyche in a twisted idolatry. He argued that Orual's disfigured obsession transforms into a rightly-ordered admiration of others' beauty.
Joshua Moore
On December 2, Joshua Moore presented his thesis on G.K. Chesterton's Orthodoxy. Joshua explored despair, which is a self-lead rejection of the parts within a man that orient him toward God, in contrast to comedy, which is an acknowledgement of our disjointed souls after the fall in a way that is honoring to God. Joshua completed his thesis with the instruction that humility, levity, and sincerity are all needed to maintain a comedic Christian soul. Joshua argued that a man falling in the street is only funny because man alone is made in the image of God.
Graduating Seniors
I. Where did you go to school and what was your education like? For undergraduate, I attended Thomas Aquinas College, a Catholic Great Books school featuring Socratic seminar-style classes. The seminar method was an aspect of the program I found especially thrilling. I received my PhD in political science from Baylor University. My education there was centered on the study of political philosophy, especially on the political writings of Aristotle and Plato. The strong community was one of my favorite aspects of graduate life. Our professors used to invite us students to bonfire nights, games of Spades, and evenings of conversation at the local “Dancing Bear Pub.” II. What is the most influential class you have ever taken? A course on Socrates with my graduate professor Dr. Mary Nichols. The course covered Kirkegaard’s Philosophical Fragments, and Plato’s Meno, Theaetetus, and Phaedrus. Dr. Nichols helped me to see the great personal care Socrates has for those with whom he converses and to recognize that a teacher’s role is to help the student to make learning his own rather than pass on knowledge. III. What brought you to the Abbey? I was originally drawn to Belmont Abbey on account of the strong commitment to Catholic liberal education and the opportunity to teach seminar-style classes on the great books. Upon visiting, the strong quality of the Honors College students was what really cemented my desire to be here. I found my teaching demonstration genuinely enjoyable due to the eagerness students showed to discuss and the thoughtfulness of their contributions. IV. What is your favorite class to teach and why? Plato and Aristophanes. The Republic has an amazing power to captivate the imagination and enliven the consideration of so many difficult and intriguing questions, such as the correct relationship between the private individual or family and the broader political community. I always learn something new every time I read the book. Whenever I read it, I find myself relating almost every topic of conversation back to it somehow, to my husband’s great amusement. V. What is one lesson everyone should learn while in College? Learn to love true “leisure,” that is, activities that are inherently meaningful. Take delight in your studies. Invest in friendships that are centered not on merely having a good time, but on sharing in truly worthwhile activities. College is a time where one is uniquely free to experience and develop a taste for leisure in this sense before the responsibilities of full-time employment and caring for a family are present. VI. If you could have lunch with any 3 historical figures, who would they be? It’s hard to choose, but I would have to say Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, and Jane Austen – that is Aristotle and his two greatest students! VII. What's your favorite, The Iliad, The Odyssey, or The Aeneid? Of the three, the Iliad is the one I have studied with the most care, so that would have to be my preference. I find it such a rich exploration of the tragedy of death and the potential for human excellence that emerges precisely on account of the painful awareness of our own mortality. VIII. If you could learn any new skill, what would it be? I would love to learn to write good poetry.
A good case can be made that Fall 2025 was the most eventful and successful semester in Honors history. Our students attended lectures by one of the most influential cardinals in the Catholic Church, a leading Catholic podcaster with over two million subscribers, and the newest translator of Dante. They initiated several new traditions, including the Country Swing Dance and the Dusk & Dawn book club. Our alumni acted upon their vocations. Truman Hale ’25 and Evan Lutz ’23 entered the monastery as postulants, while several Honors alumni married other Honors alumni. Two Honors professors gave birth over the summer. Dr. Christine Boor organized our first Classical Education Conference. Dr. Joseph Wysocki, the first dean of the Honors College, served admirably as Interim President. Dr. Elizabeth Weisser joined us as an Assistant Professor, while Dr. Jeffrey Talley – a three-star general – was named the Incoming President. The first half of our eighth year was a great success. I am grateful to our talented students for their dedicated work, our alumni for their sterling character and continued commitment, and our faculty and staff for upholding a high standard of academic excellence and pastoral care. I would like to extend my gratitude, particularly to the parents who entrusted their children to us, as well as to our friends and benefactors, for their ongoing support. As the Honors College continues to grow, so does the cost of our programming. Please consider giving a Christmas donation to the Honors College, either as a one-time gift or as a recurring monthly gift. Any referrals to potential donors would also be greatly appreciated. These donations would go to support undergraduate experiences in the Spring 2026 semester (such as our lecture series, interclass parties, bonfires, Honors Ball, Senior Sendoff Party, and student attendance at various undergraduate conferences). Most importantly, please keep the Honors College in your prayers as we interview prospective students for the Class of 2030. Truly, we are blessed to be part of such a caring community. I sincerely hope that you have a joyful Advent and Christmas season. Dr. Thomas Varacalli ‘11 Dean of the Honors College
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Thank you to Ava McHugh, Emily Ward, for use of their photos throughout.
Credits:
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