WVU Potomac State College is creating a summer offering geared toward family fun with movies under the stars.
Beginning June 2 and running through July 28, the Potomac State Quad will be transformed into an outdoor theatre, with free screenings of family-friendly movies open to the community.
Each evening will feature a different movie, each centering on a theme with an important lesson, as highlighted by members of the College's Student Government Association, who are sponsoring the series. The films are being specifically curated to be for general audiences that can be enjoyed by all ages.
PSC President Dr. Jerry Wallace proposed the concept of “Catamount Cinema” to invite the larger community to enjoy a campus activity during the summer months, when the student population has dwindled and the night temperatures in Keyser remain pleasant for al fresco-type events.
“President Wallace brought the idea up based on the success of a similar initiative he helped implement at his previous institution,” said Kara Hotchkiss, director of Student Life and Engagement at Potomac State. “We are always looking for ways to continue to build the connection between campus and the community.”
“Working with Kara Hotchkiss and (facilities director) Micah Pears, we noticed PSC had the resources to make this happen in the summer,” said Wallace. “The Catamount Cinema Series is a wonderful opportunity for families in our community to come enjoy our beautiful campus and entertainment.”
The movies will be held each evening on June 2, June 16, June 30, July 14, and July 28. All movies will begin at dusk. People can arrive at 8 p.m. and are welcome to park around Campus Drive, in the Science Hall lot, near the library, and behind the Administration Building and Academy Hall.
Chairs, pillows, blankets, and outside food and beverages are allowed for the comfort and enjoyment of attendees. Please note that pets, alcohol, drugs, smoking, and vaping are not permitted.
“We want people to feel welcomed and at home on campus. It’s important to us to continue expanding upon that relationship, adding the summer movie series to our list of community events like Trunk-or-Treat and Frosty Fest,” Hotchkiss said. “It’s also a great opportunity to invite the community to the center of campus to enjoy a free event while taking in the views from the Quad.”
“We are showing child-friendly movies with good life lessons, and the films were selected by PSC students,” said Wallace. “We are hoping the weekday movies can give local families the chance for some low-cost family fun sponsored by Potomac State College.”
Potential moviegoers should refer to the College’s social media pages for updates regarding the events, any weather delays, or cancellations, and for vendor and food truck announcements.
Catamount Cinema is being sponsored by the Campus President’s Office and Student Government Association in cooperation with campus facilities and special events teams on campus.