On August 14, 2017, the Cormier Honors College’s (CHC) largest class ever – 96 Honors first-year students! – will move to campus and begin our annual Honors Leadership Retreat. The program will kick off with a Meet and Greet social for the new students and their families, Longwood faculty and staff (please join us at 5PM at Wheeler Mall!), and the 56 upperclassmen who are serving as Honors Mentors. That same evening, the academic adventure begins with an opening workshop by the American Shakespeare Center (http://www.americanshakespearecenter.com/).
"With ASC Actors and Education artists, participants explore the way leadership works in speeches of Shakespeare's leaders, good and bad, from Richard III to Antony to Henry V. In dynamic sessions with our skilled actors they discover the vocal and physical clues that enable and enhance their personal communication styles, and they practice those skills through the formation and presentation of challenge statements related to their own work and lives. Moreover, they play. Yes, play. Using the methods of communication and teamwork that the ASC has developed through our work with Shakespeare's rehearsal conditions, participants explore cooperative problem-solving in teams and present their work before an audience of peers.
As we delve into the text of Shakespeare and the elements of performing that bring them to life, we find that the connections multiply and that the opportunities for training and exploration not only generate a better connection to the workplace, but also a better connection to the community at large."
The Leadership Retreat is framed by the Cormier Honors College’s three pillars: scholarship, community, and service. New and returning students will build community through their work with the ASC and also their team-building challenges at Sandy River Adventure Park. They also will enjoy Longwood ghost stories with the legendary Dr. Jordan, and explore Farmville's culinary delights in a "Dine Around Downtown" dinner outing. The Leadership Retreat will culminate with community service throughout Prince Edward County and a formal etiquette and networking dinner facilitated by Ms. Ashley Crute.