WASHINGTON, D.C.— Former Belmont Abbey College President Dr. Bill Thierfelder received the Saint John Henry Newman Award from The Cardinal Newman Society during its annual leaders summit June 16-17 in Washington, D.C.
“Dr. Thierfelder greatly expanded the college and established its national reputation for outstanding athletics, learning and virtue –all the while refusing to yield to pressure to compromise Belmont Abbey’s Catholic mission and Benedictine heritage,” the society said in a statement announcing the award. “On behalf of Catholic families, we recognize Dr. William Thierfelder for his exemplary leadership and witness to the Church and culture, and we uphold him and Belmont Abbey College as models of faithful Newman Guide Recommended education.”
Current Belmont Abbey College President Jeffrey W. Talley, Ph.D. echoed those thoughts.
“This prestigious award acknowledges the ‘good works’ of my predecessor, who served as President for more than two decades,” Talley said. “Bill led Belmont Abbey College through remarkable growth and transformation. Under his stewardship, the college expanded academic programs, opened five new residence halls, enhanced campus facilities, launched an unprecedented $150 million capital campaign, reinvigorated the college’s Catholic identity, and strengthened community partnerships.”
— Catholic News Herald. Photos provided