Western Carolina University’s School of Music took on a whole new challenge when creating this opera. From making sure Ron Rash’s works were honored and reflected in the inspiration of lyrics and feeling, a school-run musical collaboration with special guests, and an overwhelming amount of care and detail, down to the lighting and design work […]
Mountain Life Bingo invites WCU community to explore campus and culture
January 26, 2026 by
Western Carolina University is inviting all students, faculty and staff to step outside and reconnect with the mountains through the WNC Mountain Life Bingo game, a campus-wide program made to encourage exploration and community connection. The bingo challenge is part of Western Carolina University’s 2026 campus theme, now in its second year, which focuses on mountain culture and community wellbeing following Hurricane Helene. The theme highlights the Appalachian environment, Cherokee traditions and […]
WCU sets stage for first opera inspired by Appalachia
January 22, 2026 by
Mark your calendars and make weekend plans to see Western Carolina’s first opera performance on Friday, Jan. 23. WCU takes inspiration from Ron Rash’s poetry works of Appalachian history and transforms them into this new medium, filled with drama, human themes—and most importantly song. The weather moved the premier night for “Shelton Laurel: An Appalachian […]
From studio to stage: Senior portfolios celebrate creativity
November 15, 2025 by
The Bardo Fine Arts Museum unveiled its 2025 senior portfolio exhibition with a reception of laughter and camaraderie. While the students attaining their Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees described their commitment to their process, their work spoke to their dedication to their craft. With an expected turn out of 60, expectations were blown out of […]
WCU Homecoming Carnival bigger then ever
November 13, 2025 by
Around 4,000 people turned out for this year’s Homecoming Carnival on Nov. 2 and Nov. 3, marking one of the largest attendances in the event’s recent history. Associate Director for Student Programs & Activities, Coleman Leopard, said the size of the crew made a noticeable difference. “We have a lot of new staff members on […]
Trick or Treat, rain or shine
November 7, 2025 by
Mini vampires, witches, ghosts and more came together to celebrate an early Halloween with their community. The Cullowhee United Methodist Church on WCU’s campus hosted their traditional Trunk or Treat alongside a HalloWHEEn Extravaganza meal for the community, in Wednesday, Oct. 29. Due to the rainy weather Cullowhee has experienced this past week, no […]
