July 30, 2026
From July 14 to July 17, the Hampden-Sydney College Office of Culture and Community hosted 30 young men from across the country on campus for a transformative introduction to college.
As part of the Elite Program, Elite Summer Bridge welcomes local- and out-of-state students entering grades 9 through 12, who may be questioning whether college is the right path for them. Through an immersive experience on campus, participants learn about the College's mission, discover its academic and leadership opportunities, and experience the brotherhood that defines life on the Hill.
“Hampden-Sydney College really does breed leaders," says Dean of Culture and Community Desiree Nicholson. "It shapes young men into honorable men, devoted family men, successful businessmen, and engaged members of their communities, and we believe in that. Through the Elite Program, we want to ensure that any student who aspires to that path has the opportunity to pursue it, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.”
Created by Dean Nicholson, the Elite Program consists of three tiers that support students from high school through college. The first tier is Elite Pre-College, which focuses on early outreach, relationship-building, and mentorship opportunities in collaboration with the Office of Admission. The program currently serves students from eight local high schools, with the Office of Culture and Community staff and Hampden-Sydney students working to build connections and provide mentorship. Through the Office of Admission, out-of-state high school students also learn about Hampden-Sydney and the benefits of the Elite Program, gaining guidance and support. Elite Summer Bridge is the second tier. The third tier is Elite Scholars, a program that provides 15 admitted students with four years of on-campus mentorship, leadership development, brotherhood, and scholarship support.
While on campus this July, Summer Bridge participants took part in activities designed to introduce them to the Hampden-Sydney experience, including academic sessions, college preparation workshops, community-building activities, reflections, and alumni testimonial sessions featuring Associate Dean of Students for Student Conduct and Character and Director of Greek Life Dwayne Bowyer ’92, Keshawn Gilliam ’16, Geoffrey Fontenot ’14, and Justin Jones ’15. They also received hands-on mentorship from Hampden-Sydney student mentors Ryan Nicholson ’27, Bricen Pool ’28, Dennis Midgette ’28, Jefferson Paz ’28, Kenen Barlowe ’28, Nadir Abdussalaam ’29, and Gabriel Bruno ’29, who served as big brothers and role models while showcasing the opportunities and experiences that define life at Hampden-Sydney.
“Serving as a mentor has been a great opportunity to show students from the local area and across the country what life is like as a college student,” Dennis says. “Programs like Elite Summer Bridge are important to me because I wasn’t always interested in exploring college when I was in high school. Having an opportunity like this allows us to show students who may not initially see college as a possibility that it is an option, and that no matter their background, they can come here and be the best version of themselves.”
As the College continues to provide exceptional experiences, the dedication of faculty and staff members and students to welcoming visitors, sharing their stories, and building meaningful connections plays a vital role in shaping the Hampden-Sydney experience. These efforts will continue to help the College thrive for the next 250 years.
“It’s a blessing that we are able to provide resources and opportunities for young men who may feel like their options are limited,” says Coordinator for Mentorship and Empowerment Rhamel Brewer ’22. “It’s just a matter of opening the right doors and connecting with these young men in a way that will stay with them into adulthood.”
Through programs like the Elite Program, the College continues to provide opportunities for students from all backgrounds to become good men and good citizens.
