CROSSROADS - Page 2
SEPTEMBER 1972
CROSSROADS
VOLUME 1 - ISSUE 6
Published bimonthly by
Belmont Abbey College,
Belmont, North Carolina.
Second class postage paid at
Belmont, N.C. 28012.
Crossroads is intended to
serve as a forum for the several
constituencies of Belmont
Abbey College. It will also
attempt to provide signiHcant
information about the many
issues which affect higher
education generally, and this
college in ‘particular. The
editors welcome diversity of
opinion; editorial standards
aimed at will be those of
Christian ethics, good taste,
and Journalistic quality.
The Editorial Board of
Crossroads includes students,
faculty, and administration.
Additionally, several editors at
large have volunteered to cover
such areas as student affairs,
humanities, and science and
religion.
Correspondence should be
directed to: Editor,
Crossroads, Belmont Abbey
College, Belmont, -North
Carolina, 28012.
Abbot From Page 1
our educational tone and the
quality of life on campus. We
wish only the best for our
students, not just during the
transitory four-year period of
their stay here, but for their
entire life span and for eternity.
If our campus environment is
different from others, we do no
one an injustice, as we have a
duty and a right, both legally and
morally, to establish such an
environment consistent with our
belief. All are free to select an
educational environment con
sistent with their own con
sciences. We desire those per
sons of quality who earnestly
seek what we have to offer. We
~n
Cll
Dear Sir
I thought sure someone like
• Fr. Cuthbert would come forth
and identify those abbeymen of
’41. Parry Downs you did take
that picture - but how I got
possession I’ll never know.
Frank Jenkins and Bill Fulton’s
(not Frank MacKenzie) names
were not mentioned. Now for the
abbey officers of early ’42 - L-R -
Tom Kane, Lewis McGhee,
Charlton Howard, Bob Powers,
Larry Jones, John Eck, Tom
McSorley, Hugh Noell, Parry
Downs and Jack Noell
(deceased). Abbey went
military the early part of ’42.
Jack Kraemer whose head
appears in the ’41 pictures was
the first to join-up the U.S.M.C.
Jack Sherry
L. R., Tom Kane, Lewis McGhee, Charlton Howard, Bob Powers,
Larry Jones, John Eck, Tom McSorley, Hugh Noell, Parry Down,
Jack Noell
ifivv a wide range of freedom;
we expect consonaiu
sibility; we reject per
missiveness, bad manners, and
anything incompatible with the
teachings of Christianity and
Catholicism.
There are some today who
believe the educational en
vironment should be stripped of
any mark, standard, or com
mitment stemming from
Christianity or Catholicism. We
must strongly reject such
notions for our institution. We
also hold that the mere presence
of some individuals committed
to our philosophy and religious
heritage will not suffice to insure
the high quality of this en
vironment. Presence and
structure are necessary.
Belmont Abbey College,
besides being Christian and
Catholic, is also Benedictine. Its
Benedictinism gives it a
distinctive character. A central
concept of Benedictinism is
family life. Our schools are
small, and because of this we can
all benefit from a familial en
vironment. If one does not care
for this type of atmosphere, then
one is free to select another type
of institution. In such an en
vironment as ours, students have
a right to expect more from their
Teachers than classroom-hour
contact alone, and students have
an obligation to make effective
use of the presence of a
dedicated faculty. At Belmont
Abbey we believe the principles
of Benedictine family life can
help reverse the negative trends
in modern life that are so
destructive to society and the
common good.
In society today we are, un
fortunately, witnessing in some
sectors a deterioration of family
life and of moral, etlucai auu
religious values. The college and
university campus has not been
exempt from such influences.
There have been instances of a
rejection of the ordinary social
amenities, lack of respect for
personal and property rights,
various forms of per
missiveness, use of obscenities
in speech, writing, and action,
possession and use of dangerous
and illegal drugs, displays of
pictures and the like which of
fend good taste, ethical values
and Christian morals, etc. Our
own campus has not been
exempt from such activities.
However, we wish clearly and
emphatically to indicate before
any student matriculates at
Belmont Abbey College that such
activity is inconsistent with our
educational milieu and will not
be tolerated. As a private in-
stitution we have a right to
establish an educational en
vironment consistent with our
philosophy. If one feels this
environment is too restrictive of
personal freedom, then one is
free to go elsewhere. Firm but
just sanctions can be expected
for violations of college rules.
Fundamental fairness is to be
employed by the College in all
instances. The common good is
always to be protected, and
major violations of rules are to
be dealt with by suspension and
expulsion. 'There is no place for
favoritism, and all are to be
treated justly and fairly.
Finally, one question has been
prominent in the minds of many
for several years, namely, the
question of “open dorms” or
visitation privileges. The Board
of Trustees in 1970 and 1971
rejected requests for visitation
Tt\ Tomiarv of 1971 the
pi 1 V AAA ^
Board reached this decision
after extensive consultation and
discussion. Parents were polled,
ideas of Student Government
leaders were presented before
the Board, and other colleges
were consulted, as well as our
own administration. The Board,
after careful consideration,
unanimously rejected the
request.
'This past summer the Board
again considered this question
after receiving more data.
Various views were frankly and
honestly presented and
discussed. After due discussion,
the Board again rejected the
concept of visitation privileges.
We find that a change in present
policy is’ unwarranted and not
conducive to the type of
educational environment we
desire to establish.
Some may feel that this
decision hinders social growth.
We hardly think so, given the
nature of our mobile society.
However, if one feels this policy
is not conducive to a healthy
environment, he is free to seek
another environment elsewhere
that is more compatible with his
principles. Therefore, we would
like to make it unmistakably
clear that the so-called question
of “open dorms” or visitation
privileges is now a closed
question at Belmont Abbey
College. Also, we consider a
violation of this rule a major and
serious violation of College
policy, and it is to be dealt with
accordingly. The administration
is to enforce this rule strictly.
. It has been inferred by a few
IJiat what is related here will
mean the end for Belmont Abbey
College because students will
elect to go to colleges and
universities that have at least a
neutral environment. We at
Belmont Abbey have greater
faith in human beings than such
a narrow and pragmatic view.
The basic goodness in people and
in our students, both present and
past, encourages us to remain
firm even in difficult times. We
do not intend to be so pragmatic
as to sacrifice our sacred values
and traditions on the altar of
expediency. We wish only the
best for our students. Time and
time again we are told by former
students that what we have is not
fully 'appreciated until their
graduation. We are encouraged
by these fine men and women to
continue in our Christian,
Catholic, and Benedictine
tradition.
We are filled with a sense of
pride and satisfaction when our
former students frequently tell
us they love the Abbey. We are
repeatedly told not to secularize
or cheapen the Abbey because
much of their material success
and happiness in life is due to the
training received at Belmont
Abbey College.
We desire to continue to build a
loving community where all will
work together for a better
Belmont Abbey. Tbe good
image, tone, and quality of the'
Abbey will benefit all and'
ultimately enhance the op
portunity for material and-
spiritual happiness.
We call upon all to help us
shine even brighter in the future.
You can send us students wno
desire to learn and to love, and
you can encourage all your
friends to lend us the necessary
material aid to survive and to
flourish in the years ahead.
Finally, we encourage you to
write us an encouraging word of
support, and we in turn will
continue our prayers for you--our
family, friends and benefactors.
With every good wish, I am
Sincerely yours,
(The Right Rev.) Edmund F.
McCaffrey, O.S.B.
Abbot Ordinary and
Chairman of the Board of
Trustees
Attention: Home
coming Weekend
February 3