Dr. Alex Lessard and Dr. Jared Staudt to speak at the 2nd Adeodatus National Conference at Belmont Abbey College
Two professors from Rosary College will be featured speakers at the 2nd Adeodatus National Conference, held June 18–21, 2025 at Belmont Abbey College in Charlotte, North Carolina. The event is hosted by Adeodatus, a national initiative founded by Dr. Alex Lessard, a Rosary College professor, to support the renewal of Catholic liberal education.
This year’s theme, “Students Fully Alive!“, reflects the conference’s mission to offer Catholic educators rich formation in the liberal arts tradition while equipping them to address the pressing challenges of 21st-century classrooms. Participants will receive pedagogical formation grounded in 2,500 years of best practices and practical strategies tailored to modern educational realities.
As Founder and President of Adeodatus, Dr. Alex Lessard has spearheaded this national gathering to renew Catholic education at every level. Through his leadership, the conference has become a hub for educators seeking to integrate classical pedagogy, sacramental vision, and cultural formation. Dr. Lessard brings to the conference his deep engagement with both the philosophical and civic dimensions of Catholic education in America.
Dr. Jared Staudt, professor and trustee at Rosary College, is also a featured speaker. A leader in Catholic theology and education, he currently serves as Director of Content for Exodus 90 and teaches for the St. John Vianney Seminary Lay Division. Dr. Staudt’s session will focus on the Eucharist as the heart of Catholic education, drawing from his book Words Made Flesh: The Sacramental Mission of Catholic Education.
His leadership background includes:
He is also the author of How the Eucharist Can Save Civilization and The Primacy of God. He holds a canonical mandatum from the Bishop of Charleston and is a Benedictine oblate.
The conference offers an all-keynote format, featuring sessions on:
Day 1: Sound Bodies & Keen Minds
Topics: Scholé, memory, mimesis, technology, sleep/play balance
Speakers: Brenda Tufte, Michael Adkins, JoAnn Schultzenburg, David Fleischacker, Chris Perrin, Sr. John Dominic Rasmussen
Day 2: Pure Hearts & Kindled Spirits
Topics: Integrity, common sense, flourishing, Catholic formation
Speakers: Philip K. Howard, Pam Patnode, Andrew Seeley, Edward Short, Ann Brodeur, Mike Foley, Deal Hudson
Day 3: Eucharistic Education & Catholic Culture Curriculum
Featuring: Adeodatus–Cardinal Newman Society Eucharistic Project
Speakers: Jared Staudt, Patrick Reilly, Joshua Hren, James Matthew Wilson, Fr. Spencer Howe, Mike Alexander
Day 4: Catholic Education in America
Featuring: Cornerstone Forum–Adeodatus “Tocqueville Project”
Speakers: Alex Lessard, Michael Adkins, Pat Wolf, Mike Alexander, Allison Ellis, Christopher Owens, Dave Deavel
In addition to keynote sessions, participants will experience:
Daily Mass, Matins, and Liturgy of the Hours with the Belmont Abbey monks
Eucharistic Adoration available throughout each day
A mosaic-making workshop through the Adeodatus Sacred Art Program
All meals are included in the registration fee. Discounted lodging is available at:
Conference Dates: June 18–21, 2025
Location: Belmont Abbey College, Charlotte, NC
Through their leadership and scholarship, Dr. Alex Lessard and Dr. Jared Staudt reflect Rosary College’s mission to advance the renewal of Catholic education in service of truth, beauty, and sanctity. Their involvement in the Adeodatus Conference highlights the college’s commitment to forming both students and educators for the intellectual and spiritual challenges of our time.
For press inquiries or to request interviews with Rosary College faculty, please contact info@rosary.college.
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