Post by Emmelina Sullivan on Dec 9, 2009 15:44:02 GMT -5
Beckett College is a private coeducational college located in the rather small college town of Blackwood, New Jersey. Founded in 1905 by Leroy Beckett, this small but exceptional school has earned a reputation for its excellent equestrian program, outstanding Architecture and Agriculture departments, and consistently successful Division II basketball team.
The grounds are beautiful, situated on an expanse of eight hundred gently rolling acres of meticulously landscaped and well manicured land. Some of the original buildings still stand, but these are mostly for show, so to speak, as classes are held in relatively new and very modern buildings. Students appreciate not only the fact that campus is serene and aesthetically pleasing, but blends a rich history and cutting edge technology.
With a student cap of 5,000, Beckett College is rather difficult to gain acceptance to. However, this also means smaller class sizes and a less crowded campus in general. Students describe the school's atmosphere as laid back and comfortable while still being focused on providing not just a quality education, but a fulfilling college experience and a head start on life in the real world.
Although Beckett College certainly provides students with a top notch education, there is so much more to this school than classes and grades. Visitors and new students often remark on how personable and helpful everyone on campus is, and how there is such a strong sense of community and school spirit. There are a multitude of ways to get involved with the school, from athletic teams to clubs of all kinds. Altogether, the Beckett College experience is exceptionally rich and satisfying and sends students out into the world with the experience and impressive credentials needed to get the best jobs, create a fulfilling and successful life, and truly make a difference in the world.
Blackwood, New Jersey is a small suburban town in the middle of Camden County. With a population of a little under 6,000, not including the students of Beckett College, the city is small and almost sleepy. There isn't a lot in the way of nightlife, but given Blackwood's proximity to so many big cities, that's not a problem.* Besides, residents enjoy the quiet, close-knit community and the fact that the crime rate is practically zero.
For as long as anyone can remember, Blackwood has been a very "horsey" area. There are many small barns in the area for those interested solely in trail or pleasure riding, or simply taking riding lessons as a hobby. From 1960 to 1997, Cedar Creek Farm was the premier equestrian facility for miles. Owner and head trainer Jim Collier, a highly successful trainer and rider of top level show jumpers, was an equally successful instructor and coach of the equestrian team at Beckett College. A few years after Jim passed away, the figurative torch was passed on to Rob Carson, owner of the very new Blackwood Equestrian Center.
*Philadelphia, PA – 22 minutes
Trenton, NJ – 50 minutes
Atlantic City, NJ – 55 minutes
Asbury Park, NJ – 83 minutes
Newark, NJ – 95 minutes
Jersey City, NJ – 97 minutes
New York, NY - 106 minutes
Manhattan, NY - 108 minutes
Hackensack, NJ – 110 minutes
Brooklyn, NY - 113 minutes
