While most people know that Colgate’s undergraduate population has become increasingly international, it may come as a surprise that so many young people, in their formative middle school and high school years, travel across oceans to come to campus.
Summer 2011 has given hundreds of talented athletes and musicians from all over the world a taste of college life at Colgate, from residence hall living to communal meals at Frank. And through Facebook, YouTube, and other social media, these enthusiastic ambassadors spread their positive impressions of Colgate.
The Eastern U.S. Music Camp returned to Colgate for its 36th successful season. Musicians of all levels, ages 10 – 18, honed their skills in Colgate’s practice rooms and studios, and performed for the public at Brehmer Theater.
Campers came from throughout the United States and Canada, as well as from Singapore, Korea, China, Japan, Italy, Germany, Great Britain, France, Brazil, Venezuela, Guatemala, Canada, Korea, the Netherlands, and Colombia. A video of “This Magic Moment,” performed by the men’s ensemble on July 9, now lives on YouTube.
The camp drew about 200 participants from 12 nations for each of the two weeks it was on campus. With 2,984 fans, the organization’s Facebook page was abuzz with reports of fun and challenging times at Colgate, and the camp promises to return next year.
Finally, the All American Lacrosse Camp brought 80 male and female athletes to campus between June 26 and July 13. Twenty players from Manchester, England, joined participants from across North America.
“The appeal is the community,” said camp director Bill Hardy. “It’s safe, clean. You turn on the lights in the stadium and look down the valley — it’s just a beautiful place.” Citing Ian Murphy ’10 as one of several athletes who played for the Raiders after attending the All American summer camp, Hardy predicted that others have a similar goal for the future.