Wheaton College is deeply engaged in the life of the communities that surround the campus. In myriad ways, the college both benefits from and contributes to the quality of life in Norton and the surrounding communities of southeastern Massachusetts and the greater Boston region.
Students and faculty collaborate with a wide variety of local organizations—from public and private schools to business and human service organizations—providing volunteer energy to residents while advancing the college’s learning and research goals.
The college also hosts dozens of events each year, from art exhibitions and concerts to lectures on topics of general interest. Nearly every performance and event is open to the public, and most are free of charge. The Wheaton campus also hosts numerous community events each year, from local high school track to the offerings of the Norton Institute for Continuing Education (NICE).
Many local residents are part of the Wheaton community, too. For example, local residents—adults and high school students—play alongside Wheaton students in the Great Woods Symphony Orchestra, a full-sized concert ensemble that plays a wide range of classic and contemporary music. And the college’s NCAA Division III Lyons athletic teams count many local residents among the fans that contribute to our home field advantage.
The college is proud to partner with schools and municipal agencies as well a number of local organizations, including the Attleboro Council of Churches, Crystal Springs Farm, Foxboro Hugs, Homes with Heart, Norton Head Start, the Norton Land Preservation Society, Rhode Island Food Banks, and the Salvation Army.
Through the Wheaton Community Council, community and business leaders join together to identify new ways for the college and the community to work together for mutual benefit.
Symphony Under the Stars
The Great Woods Symphony Chamber Orchestra performs behind the Presidents’ House at Wheaton College each summer. Under the direction of Delvyn Case, the orchestra plays a mix of classical and pop favorites. The concert is open to the public and draws a considerable crowd for music under the stars.
Wheaton College is committed to principles of equal opportunity in admission of students, its educational programs and employment.