Belmont Abbey graduates 143rd class NUMBER OF GRADUATES: More than 300 students earned bachelor’s degrees, including December graduates THE WEATHER: mid 70s and sunny ADRIAN AWARD WINNER for TEACHING EXCELLENCE: Dr. Mike McLeod, Biology Department coordinator of environmental studies, professor of biology ABBEY TRADITIONAL STUDENT OF THE YEAR: Abigail Houseal competed in women's soccer for four years, and a business management major; recipient of the Top Economics Student Award; president of sophomore and junior class; vice president of student body as senior HER REMARKS: "It is the people that make this place feel like home. It's the people - that's what we tell everyone on why we chose the Abbey. It's the people who make this institution amazing."