Belmont Abbey College announces significant expansion
BELMONT, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Ten endowed department chairs and 150 Honors College scholarships highlighted Belmont Abbey College’s new capital campaign announcement.
In a new conference on Tuesday, college leaders discussed an additional $50 million in the school’s $150 million grand plan this week. While the school will reap the benefits of this announcement, an additional $20 million will go toward the new monastery.
With colleges nationwide on shaky ground, leaders maintained the school was “here to stay” in the Belmont and Gaston County communities.
First, the college will portion out $15 million for the endowments. The college did not specify which departments would get the monies but stated these chairs would “maintain and fortify the expertise that supports the core values of the college.”
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Second, the college said it would apportion $15 million for 150 Honors College scholarships. The college intended for students in this program to complete their degrees “debt-free” with an added requirement. College leaders spoke of a “pay it forward” encouragement to the school after graduation. No specifics for that “pay it forward” plan were announced.
Finally, the announcement came with a physical addition. The monastery, which started the college, would benefit from a new residence. Currently, the monastery sits between the basilica, administration, and student classrooms.
The new structure would help offer “a more energy-efficient structure, enrich the community life of the monks, attract new vocations, and serve as a testament to the monks’ enduring stability and commitment to remain in this place.” Abbot Placid Solari said 14 monks currently inhabit the three-story monastery with 1-2 potential prospects.
School leaders say the current monastery would be carefully refurbished and put to a new use by the college.
The college hopes to meet this overall $150 million mark by the school’s 150 anniversary in 2026.
Other Belmont Abbey works in progress
On Monday, the college had a special ribbon-cutting to officially open the Jerry and Martha Schmitt Dining Hall.
The hall’s expansion includes a brand-new deli station and an interactive student choice station. In addition, the new facility will consist of an allergen-friendly station and a dessert station.
Private college and Gaston County receive $9 million for proposed performing arts center
The Catholic-centered private institution boasts 30 majors, 45 minors, and other master’s programs.
Publicly, the school has put itself at the forefront of religious freedom causes. The school’s “Made True” campaign also champions $55 million towards those causes and aims to inject itself into the public sphere while forgoing federal involvement.
At the same time, the school recently got $9 million in N.C. State money for a new performing arts center on the college campus.
School officials formed a working group to steer the center’s plans with area individuals, but school leaders maintain a stronghold over the school’s design and future events.
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