In a divisive time, with heated political and social climates, anything that creates unity is valuable. Theaters could play a great role in this than we realize. Greg Israel, the owner of Sylva’s “Catamount Cinemas” and “Smoky Mountain Cinemas” in Waynesville, says “Theaters create social opportunities and unify people in many ways.” Israel, among many […]
The steam-powered magic behind local “Polar Express”
December 15, 2022 by
The magical “Polar Express” train ride has returned to Swain County for December, but what is the true “magic” according to some passengers and crew members? Since 1988, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, otherwise known by its reporting mark “GSMR,” has served as a major North Carolina tourist attraction and sees nearly 200,000 visitors yearly. […]
Transgender day of Remembrance vigil
December 14, 2022 by
Candles and emotional speeches marked the yearly Transgender Day of Remembrance where people from all communities gathered to celebrate the lives lost to transgender violence. Transgender Day of Remembrance is a day of memorial held yearly on Nov. 20. On WCU’s campus where they have held this memorial for over six years, community members […]
WCU rings in the holiday season
December 14, 2022 by
The holiday spirit was in full swing Thursday, Dec. 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the University Center, as students, faculty, staff and their families enjoyed the Holidays on the Plaza. This holiday event was hosted by Chancellor Kelli Brown, Mr. Dennis Brown, and the Chancellor’s Division in partnership with the Department of Campus […]
WCU art students create books for Cherokee learners
December 13, 2022 by
Story co-produced with Madison Pait WCU art students create and donate books for Cherokee learners in WCU’s Introduction to Printmaking course. “We’re partnering with the Cherokee learners to create a children’s book. And the hopes for this book is for all of the students in the class to create a picture that sort of symbolizes […]
WCU’s progress in making campus accessible for all
December 8, 2022 by
WCU’s campus is not fully accessible for people with physical disabilities. Owen Perkins, a freshman at WCU, has a visual impairment. “It’s not the most walkable campus,” said Perkins. See the video below on how hard it is for Perkins to navigate campus. Many organizations at WCU are providing resources and accommodations for students with disabilities, but more […]
