As a homeowner at the Cullowhee River Club, you’re just steps away from the largest university west of Asheville: Western Carolina University (WCU). It’s in this tranquil mountain atmosphere that you’ll find a community of young students and lifelong learners. The university also offers high quality sporting events; and entertainment; to students and nearby residents like you.
WCU’s motto is: No Matter Your Choice, Decide to Succeed! Once you’ve moved into your new home, the college environment calls, imbuing you with the desire to succeed at whatever you choose to do.
Even if you’re a retiree looking for your forever home or a part-time resident who cherishes the splendor of the mountains, WCU offers plenty of opportunities to stimulate your heart, mind and body.
“Neither comprehension nor learning can take place in an atmosphere of anxiety.”
— Rose Kennedy
About Western Carolina University
WCU is the westernmost University of North Carolina campus. UNC is a 16-school university system that serves the citizens of North Carolina through world-class teaching models, extensive research, scholarship, outreach and service. As part of the UNC system, WCU attracts a global student population eager to study and explore the area’s immense natural diversity.
Originally founded as a teaching college in 1889, WCU provides comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs to nearly 11,000 students. The admissions process is competitive, with an average acceptance rate of 39 percent. The school awards baccalaureate, master, and doctorate degrees, and it holds 21 special program accreditations. High-demand degrees include a wide range of programs in:
- Engineering
- Science
- Healthcare
- Education
- Humanities
- Business
- The arts
And the school doesn’t ignore athletics. WCU is an NCAA Division 1 Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) school and WCU Catamount athletes participate in the Southern Conference for both men’s and women’s teams. The Catamount Club, the fundraising arm for WCU athletics, is a popular association for sports enthusiasts and supporters in the Western North Carolina region. You can walk to games year-round and enjoy the perks of the club if that’s your pleasure.
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
— Benjamin Franklin
Entertainment at WCU
As a Cullowhee River Club resident, you have quick access to a slew of entertainment options. https://www.wcu.edu/event-calendar/ Western Carolina University provides convenient access to outstanding music, theatre, fine and performing arts, shops, festivals, life-long learning opportunities, sporting events and dining choices on a regular basis — all within walking distance! On campus, grab a snack or a meal at a familiar favorite, such as:
- Moe’s Southwest Grill
- Starbucks
- Chili’s
- Freshens
- Papa John’s
- Chick-fil-A
- Java City
- Einstein Bros. Bagels
While WCU students participate in sports throughout the school year, there’s much more going on within the campus. In addition to competitive sporting events, you can enjoy activities that include:
- Mainstage Theatre shows https://www.wcu.edu/bardo-arts-center/performance-hall/school-of-stage-and-screen.aspx produced by the School of Stage and Screen
- Musical productions led by Broadway legend Terrence Mann https://www.wcu.edu/learn/departments-schools-colleges/fpa/stagescreen/faculty-and-staff/terrence-mann.aspx
- Dance shows that highlight a mix of ballet, modern, jazz and tap techniques
- A Sunday Cinema Series https://www.wcu.edu/bardo-arts-center/performance-hall/performance-series/cinema-series/ of pre-recorded live productions shown in HD on the big screen in the Bardo Arts Center Performance Hall
- The Handmade Holiday Sale https://www.wcu.edu/bardo-arts-center/fine-art-museum/handmade-holiday-sale.aspx featuring high-quality, handmade gifts created by students, staff, and alumni. Items for sale include artwork, ceramics, sculpture, wearable accessories and a variety of other handmade craft items.
And of course, you’ll never lack for cultural treats, such as:
- Educational and entertaining traveling exhibits that have included Our State Dog, Cherokee Qualla Arts & Crafts and The Walton War: An Almost Forgotten History
- The Mountain Heritage Center https://www.wcu.edu/engage/mountain-heritage-center/index.aspx (and museum store) with its continually growing collection of regional quilts and a collection of more than 10,000 artifacts related to the cultural and natural history of the area
- Journey Stories that examine the intersection between various modes of travel and Americans’ deep yearning to move about the world freely
- Educational programs for youth and adult audiences involving specially designed gallery, school and outreach programs
- Dulcimer U, https://www.wcu.edu/engage/professional-enrichment/conferences-and-community-classes/dulcimer-u/ America’s premier mountain dulcimer education program, which offers workshops, accommodations, concerts, jam sessions and a vendor area inside the Blue Ridge Residence Hall
- WCU Cherokee Center, https://www.wcu.edu/engage/cherokee-center/ the headquarters for outreach and involvement in the local Cherokee community
- Special concerts, comedians and conferences at the Liston B Ramsey Regional Activity Center
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
— Mahatma Gandhi
Never Stop Learning at Western Carolina University
Join your friends and neighbors from the Cullowhee River Club for many of the ongoing professional growth and enrichment classes, workshops and programs https://www.wcu.edu/engage/professional-enrichment/conferences-and-community-classes/index.aspx offered through WCU. You don’t even have to make a commitment to take advantage of these ongoing programs and events offered on campus; just join in as your schedule permits.
Continuing education at WCU is exciting, healthy and empowering. There’s something for nearly every interest. All offerings take place on campus or online. They’re taught by Western Carolina University staff and professors. They’re open to the community and just minutes from your doorstep. Consider a few of the many offerings open to you:
- Samples of the special events the school sponsors:
- Creativity in the Digital Age
- Cullowhee Native Plant Conference
- Health Communication and Community Engagement
- Learn a new language and take a trip with a university professor. For example, every summer, German professor Dr. Will Lehman takes students to his home away from home in Stuttgart, Germany.
- Take swim classes, available for children and adults. All swim programs are led by instructor Michael Creason, a retired assistant professor in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation at WCU.
- Stay fit in the pool with aqua fitness classes designed to exercise your muscles and increase your cardiovascular endurance. Water aerobics can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of your age or fitness level.
- No prior skill or experience is required to discover your creativity and explore the world of fine art. Open to both adults and kids, these community classes work closely with the Bardo Art Center and some of the rotating exhibitions.
- Earn a certificate in nutrition, health and fitness as offered through partnerships with Western Carolina University, Educational Fitness Solutions, board members, affiliates, industry experts, instructors and internship affiliates.
- Year-round camps for kids of all ages range from art and science to robotics, theater and outdoor skills.
Find your place in a stimulating university environment that welcomes community participation. Find your way toward life-long learning goals and beneficial programs. Find your home in the Cullowhee River Club near Western Carolina University.
No Matter Your Choice, Decide to Succeed!