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Holy Cross College Welcomes Matt Bellina
Matt Bellina brings his "We Can!" attitude and expertise to Holy Cross College as the new Director of Student Activities and as an adjunct professor of education and gerontology.
With the South Bend Parks Department for the past five years, Bellina was responsible for overseeing the city's O'Bbrien Fitness and Recreation Center and wellness programs for city employees. While in this position, he worked closely with the Directors of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to help make South Bend one of America's first "We Can!" cities -a national program to combat childhood weight problems through nutrition and increased fitness.
Matt Bellina holds an MA in Wellness Management and Gerontology from Ball State University. He is also a graduate of Holy Cross College's neighboring Saint Joseph High School where he competed in soccer and track and was active in band and Student's Against Drunk Driving. "I have always been interested in sports and fitness, but it wasn't until reaching graduate school that I realized I wanted to make it my life's work." Matt said.
Bellina has been around Notre Dame, Indiana most of his life. In addition to graduating from St. Joe's, he often attended events at Saint Mary's College where his father, Joseph Bellina, Ph.D., is professor of chemistry and physics. His mother Joan Weber LaflammeMarie is a former employee of Ave Maria Press and The University of Notre Dame. Today he lives in South Bend with his wife Suzanne and their two sons, Michael and JT. Holy Cross College's Dean of Students, Dan Cochran, remarked "We are very excited to have Matt on the staff. He is going to be a real plus for our college. He brings energy and great experience."