Community College

If Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) has ever been just a bridge between high school and the four-year university of a young student’s dreams, that’s certainly not the case now. 

People trekking across one of the eight locations the college operates in the region could be: learning to weld, taking advantage of programs geared toward those on the autism spectrum, sprucing up their CV with a new coding certification or a more lucrative associate’s degree, or—if it’s the evening of November 5—heading to the Magnolia Performing Arts Pavilion for a production by Ailey II.

The arrival of the renowned dance company, an extension of the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble, kicks off a new series of events geared toward bringing the city as a whole to the college’s main campus for a cultural evening, even if they’ve no plans to matriculate there.

Chancellor Larissa Steib remembers seeing Alvin Ailey as a girl. She’s thrilled to present such quality entertainment at her school, but her true excitement comes from the opportunity to showcase BRCC in a new light. “It’s about bringing individuals to the campus and letting them see that we’re a community college and we represent the community in everything we do,” said Steib. 

“Ninety-five percent of our students remain in Baton Rouge,” she added. “They’re working here, they’re paying taxes here, their kids are going to school here. They live here.”

Chancellor’s Evening with Ailey II will be held at 6:30 pm, November 5, at the Magnolia Performing Arts Pavilion. Tickets, beginning at $50, at brccf.org.