Brideshead Revisited: College Retreat Led by Dr. Andrew Moran
In this week-long college student retreat, undergraduates will encounter Evelyn Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited. What is the nature of our memory? What may one rightly long for, and what must one leave behind? Recounting the loves and losses of Charles Ryder’s life, the novel follows travails of friendship, faith, and love in pursuit of final rest. Led by Dr. Andrew Moran in seminars and lectures, students will consider Waugh’s portrait of imperfect relationships and its commentary on human nature.
Throughout the week, participants engage in deep and meaningful conversations, share meals together, and spend time hiking, kayaking, and climbing. In addition to fostering the virtue of intellectual humility and a love of truth, these retreats seek to foster intentional and thoughtful community.
For interested students, the week concludes with the opportunity to interview for a teaching position at one of Valor’s classical charter schools, which put the contemplative life at the heart of faculty culture.
About the Leader
Dr. Andrew Moran is Associate Professor and Chair of English at the University of Dallas. He earned his B.A. from the University of Dallas, his M.A. from the College of William and Mary, and his Ph.D. from the Institute of Philosophic Studies at the University of Dallas. His scholarship focuses on the writings William Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, and Evelyn Waugh, among others. In addition to the Literary Tradition sequence, Dr. Moran teaches courses on Shakespeare, Dante, medieval and early modern literature, Renaissance drama, and modern Catholic fiction.
About the Retreat
Cultivating wonder in human community and the natural world, this college retreat includes:
Seminars and lectures guided by Dr. Andrew Moran
Intentional meals fostering community among participants
Outdoor activities in the Austin area, such as hiking, climbing, and kayaking
Meaningful time with the leaders and faculty of Valor Education
Cost
Meals, accommodations, and texts are provided by the Valor Institute. Participants are responsible for transportation to and from Austin. Travel scholarships are available upon application.
Testimonials
“I left the week changed . . . this is how we’re meant to read and to study these books. I will take all that I have learned and cherished this week into this last semester at school.”
“My favorite aspect was meeting individuals from different schools and learning from them, as well as developing friendships . . . the lack of phones and technology meant everyone was in the present moment and more attentive, which was also amazing.”
“Every single student was willing to share and really take the time to know me. I absolutely felt loved and intentionally known by everyone.”
Application Deadline: November 31, 2027
Sponsorship: the Valor Institute is looking for partners to join us in expanding our retreat offerings. Click here to learn more about how you can support the Valor Institute.