海角社在线 Celebrates Largest Graduating Class in School History at 147th Commencement
海角社在线 Celebrates Largest Graduating Class in School History at 147th Commencement
Belmont, N.C. (May 17, 2025) 鈥 Today, 海角社在线 celebrated its 147th Commencement Ceremony, marking the largest graduating class in the college鈥檚 history with 360 graduates.
The day鈥檚 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鈥攖he second cohort to complete Belmont Abbey鈥檚 growing nursing program. The ceremony also recognized a notable number of student-athletes, underscoring the college鈥檚 commitment to its mission of 鈥渟port and virtue,鈥 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鈥檚 hope and prayer that they would quite literally be God鈥檚 blessing over this beautiful country in the years to come,” said Dr. Bill Thierfelder, President of 海角社在线. “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鈥攑lacing 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鈥檚 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 海角社在线.
This year鈥檚 commencement also held special meaning as it marked Dr. Thierfelder鈥檚 final graduation as president of the college. Under his leadership, Belmont Abbey has experienced unprecedented growth and success鈥攊n 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 海角社在线 and its programs, visit www.belmontabbeycollege.edu.
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