Beyond the Curriculum

The good cheer, camaraderie, friendliness of students taking part in Honors education at Belmont Abbey is remarkable. In fact, it is not at all surprising or infrequent that in such an atmosphere and among young persons of excellent character genuine and lasting friendships emerge. Indeed, among great thinkers who have discerned what it is that lies at the heart of human friendship, Aristotle notes that “there is nothing so characteristic of friends as living together.” That is, the highest and most authentic friendships require much time together and shared activity. — For Honors College students, conversations will abound.  The sounds of fine music and the sights of enthralling dance performances will gladden spirits. Stories and jesting will pepper shared meals. And, when taking part in Abbey-by-the Sea, students will find themselves playing in the surf between rich discussions and bike rides together. — When the time for Study Abroad comes, the presence of trusted companions will enhance the delights of travel. Joined by shared aspirations and values, the community of friends that is the Honors college will in the end be evidence of what Aristotle says about friendship: “The friendship of good persons is good and increases with the frequency of their meetings.”

On several occasions during the course of an academic year, Honors College students are given opportunities to attend at little or no cost artistic performances in nearby Charlotte, North Carolina. Included in these opportunities are performances by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and visiting orchestras; dance performances by the extraordinary Charlotte Ballet Company and visiting dance companies; touring Broadway plays like Les Miz, Phantom of the Opera, South Pacific; Gilbert and Sullivan performances by Opera Carolina; performing artists in jazz and blue grass music; performances by the Ten Tenors and similar groups.

The Abbey By the Sea is an Academic Retreat: 3 nights, 2 days at Hilton Head Island. This Honors College opportunity is intended to provide to students a distinctive academic experience which combines serious and enjoyable reading (usually a Shakespearean play), vibrant group discussion enhancing interpretation of and reflection upon the literary work discussed, extended camaraderie and collaboration in a beautiful natural and architectural setting on one of the finest East coast beaches in this country.

Led by Belmont Abbey professors, this is a unique opportunity to experience the broadening effects of travel as well as first-hand encounters of historic sites in one of the world’s most beautiful countries.