Connecting Through Nature

Levi Kovic ’23, Chanhassen, Minnesota
Major/Minors: Vocal Music Education; Church Music, TESOL

Please tell us about yourself.

I’m a fun-loving and enthusiastic guy. I love to explore the world around me and search for beauty and goodness. I’m very passionate about music, the outdoors, and creating connections with others. Since the start of COVID, I’ve really been getting into guitar, which has been a blast, and last semester my roommates and I created a band that has been a really fun creative outlet.

How did you get involved with Concordia Outdoor Recreation Club?

I think I saw an email or Instagram post and I immediately knew I had to get involved.

What draws you to the outdoors?

The innate beauty of it all, and the fact that the earth has been here for an unfathomably long time before humans were even close to existing, makes it even more extraordinary. I also grew up spending a lot of time camping, canoeing, fishing, and hiking, so one of my personal values has always been to spend time outdoors.

What’s the history of CORC as an organization?

CORC was started right before March 2020 when we all got sent home due to COVID-19. We hadn’t been officially approved as a club yet, but there was interest from students and an executive team. After coming back from quarantine, the club needed a new president, so I threw my hat in the ring and here I am. We put on some events last year that were a ton of fun, but this year we’ve really ramped things up. We went camping at Buffalo River State Park last semester, which was a big moment for us, and now we’ve got some more big ideas for this semester that students should be excited about.

What has it been liking seeing CORC gain interest so quickly?

It is really cool. It’s special to be a part of something of this caliber and be able to lead something that students are genuinely excited about. The other day, I bumped into a friend who asked me if CORC was planning any events coming up, and it made my day knowing that people are looking forward to events and are excited about what we’re doing in the club.

Why do you think clubs like CORC are important on college campuses?

It can be a great, healthy outlet for a demographic that is constantly stressed out and also gets students actively moving and exercising. One of the biggest ways to combat mental health and burnout is to exercise, and why not do it in the most beautiful of places?

What are your favorite outdoor activities? 

Hiking, road-tripping, and sightseeing. I’m also trying to get into rock climbing.

What inspired you to lead CORC?

The outdoors is one of my biggest passions. I also want to create a space for Cobbers from all walks of life to connect in the outdoors, something that is in dire need of some good TLC.

How does the CORC executive team run? 

We’re a collaborative team. We usually have meetings weekly where we discuss what events are next, logistics, community outreach, and dream up new ideas. On top of the executive team, we also have created an events planning committee that will meet for the first time this semester.

What is your favorite part of being involved with CORC?

I love being able to see how much fun everyone is having at events. It’s really encouraging to see people smiling and hear them laughing. Being able to provide a space of connection for students is really cool.

What has been the highlight of your CORC experience this year?

Our weekend camping trip to Buffalo River State Park was a blast. I still can’t believe we were able to make it happen because it had been such a dream of mine since becoming president of the club. It was so much fun to take the Cobber vans out and get off campus to disconnect and recharge for a bit.

How can students get involved with CORC?

We have an Instagram account, @concordiaorc, and a majority of our information is communicated through our email list. If you want to be added, send me an email at lkovic@cord.edu and I can take care of that.

Anything else you would like to add?

Join CORC! It’s a really fun time and a safe space for everyone. Even if you have never done anything outdoorsy, you are more than welcome to join us.

^{Published February 2022}