Graduation has come and gone, but Brevard College (BC) will still be bustling this summer. From camps to performances, groups and events are scheduled to be on campus from May until August.
The SOAR experience at Brevard College has seen a larger attendance than ever before. The Admissions department hosts these campus orientation and registration sessions for new students several times in the months leading up to the Fall semester, beginning in April.
While on campus, students register for fall classes and learn about campus life before moving in come August.
“Brevard’s recognition as one of the best colleges in the South manifests at SOAR,” said Dr. Chad Holt, vice president of admissions. “Students work one-on-one with an academic advisor and begin to chart their course towards their academic and career success. The large numbers at SOAR demonstrate that students want a relationship-based, highly engaged educational experience, which is what we provide.”
The annual Brevard Distance Runners Camp also returns for three weeks in July. Now in its 51st year, the program’s mission is “to provide a stellar getaway in a cooler summer climate for young, rising runners to come and improve on their already established running skills and abilities.” Enrollment has a wait list, and nearly 1000 runners from around the world attend and help staff the program each year.
Norm Witek is one of the camp directors and founder of this annual camp. He is a former Brevard College cross-country and track coach — producing a record 5 consecutive NJCAA championship teams — as well as a three-time National Coach of the Year, a member of the NJCAA Hall of Fame and Brevard College Hall of Fame, and Professor Emeritus of Exercise Science at Brevard College.
“We made the decision in the past year that we had to control our numbers in order to not sacrifice the camper experience,” said Witek.
For the July 4th holiday, Brevard College welcomes the public onto campus to view the fireworks, organized by the City of Brevard. Campus will open to coincide with the Transylvania Community Arts Council Duck Race Fundraiser at Kings Creek in the afternoon, and fireworks are scheduled for 9:30 PM. Restrooms will be available and food trucks will be dishing up next to the Ives-Lemel Family Field.
“We extend a warm welcome to everyone as we celebrate Independence Day this year,” said Dr. Bradley J Andrews, president of Brevard College. “We are grateful to be able to share our space in the heart of Brevard with the community and look forward to gathering together to enjoy the beautiful fireworks display.”
Finally, Brevard College partners each year with the Brevard Music Center (BMC) for their student opera performances at the Paul Porter Center for the Performing Arts and the College’s Dining Services prepares food all summer long for the music program. According to the program website, more than 500 students, ages 14 through post-college, attend BMC in summer to study music, in addition to a distinguished faculty of over 80 artists.
“We are happy to work with BMC again this year for their summer program,” said Nicholas Carter, director of dining services for Brevard College. “It’s an ideal collaboration and we are happy to share our space and resources with their students and faculty.”