Culture

What does it mean to Live Western?

Presented by an AVLtoday Partner

Three people standing in a river with a WNC waterfall

Video producers Alex Childress ’17, Priya Jaishanker, and Samuel Wallace ’16 worked behind the scenes to capture WCU students exemplifying what it means to Live Western. | Photo provided by Western Carolina University

Did you know universities can have personalities just like people? In fact, it’s even better when a university fully understands its specific personality traits in order to relay (and embody) an identity that students can connect with.

In 2021, Western Carolina University partnered with Carnegie, a full-service digital brand agency, to define its institutional personality and get a better understanding of how people perceive the university.

Here’s what happened: 500+ students, faculty, staff, and alums participated in a survey that was used to define WCU’s personality. Using a Jungian archetype methodology, archetypes that reflect the human experience were assigned to the university. The assessment found WCU emanates these top three personality types:

Supportive Advocate

Supportive and selfless, driven by compassion, warmth, and the desire to care for others
Delivers nurturing, comfort, and protection
Values altruism, commitment, and generosity
Causes people to feel valued and supported

Experiential Adventurer

Adventurous and inquisitive, driven by the quest for discovering the unknown
Delivers progress and an unmatched interest for uncovering truth
Values investigation, curiosity, and trailblazing
Causes people to feel intrigued and emboldened

Determined Enthusiast

Resilient and enthusiastic, driven by overcoming challenges through passion and ambition
Delivers fun and surprising strength, energy, and perseverance
Values enjoyment and hard work
Causes people to feel triumphant and exhilarated

A student works in a lab with a microscope and bunsen burner — “This campus community is incredibly strong and supportive in a way that provides meaningful connections deeper than at other college campuses,” says Travis Jordan, WCU’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer.

A new brand campaign: Live Western

WCU used its top three personality types to craft its new “Live Western” campaign, which showcases the personal experiences of WCU students, alumni, faculty, and staff.

“To Live Western means something different to everyone, by honing in on the individual experiences, it allows us to tell a collective story on why Western stands above the rest as a regional comprehensive university,” says Travis Jordan, WCU’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer.

Curious what it means exactly to Live Western? Here’s a video that captures the Catamount experience.

Are you or your teen thinking about becoming a Catamount? Chat with Admissions to see if WCU is a good fit. The deadline for Fall 2023 (regular action) is Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023.*

BECOME A CATAMOUNT

This content was created in partnership with Western Carolina University and written by Rachel Taylor-Northam.*

What’s most important in your college experience?

A. Engaging campus life
B. Variety of areas of study
C. Qualified + experienced faculty and staff
D. Other (let us know what’s important to you)

TELL US YOUR OPINION

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Tuesday, Nov. 22

A History of Saints: Author Event | Tuesday, Nov. 22 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | North Asheville Library, 1030 Merrimon Ave., Asheville | Free | Join local author and artist Julyan Davis for a reading and discussion of his award-winning novel, “A History of Saints.”
Open Folk Asheville | Tuesday, Nov. 22 | 7-9 p.m. | The Funkatorium, 147 Coxe Ave., Asheville | Free | Check out a thoughtfully curated lineup of heart-on-sleeve artists sharing songs.

Wednesday, Nov. 23

Friendsgiving Game Night/Dance Party! | Wednesday, Nov. 23 | 7-10 p.m. | Bears Smokehouse BBQ, 135 Coxe Ave., Asheville | Free | Enjoy half-priced wings and discounted whiskey + bourbon at this pre-Thanksgiving party.

Thursday, Nov. 24

South Asheville Turkey Trot | Thursday, Nov. 24 | 9 a.m. | Biltmore Park Town Square, One Town Square Blvd., Asheville | This classic local tradition can be done in-person or virtually and benefits nonprofit Sheep Dog Impact Assistance.
Pack’s Thanksgiving Buffet | Thursday, Nov. 24 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Pack’s Tavern, 20 S. Spruce St., Asheville | $25-$50 | Enjoy a buffet of Thanksgiving eats, including herb-roasted turkey, glazed ham, cornbread dressing, collard greens, potatoes, and plenty of pie.

Friday, Nov. 25

Devil’s Foot Dance Party | Friday, Nov. 25 | 7-11 p.m. | The Mule at Devil’s Foot Brewing, 131 Sweeten Creek Rd., Asheville | Free | Enjoy a night of tunes from DJ Lake Solace with mixed drinks from The Mule.
Holiday Market and Black Watch Release | Friday, Nov. 25 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Event Center at Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy., Asheville | Free | Shop local vendors and celebrate the release of the Black Watch Double Chocolate Milk Stout.

Saturday, Nov. 26

Sip and Shop Local Makers Market | Saturday, Nov. 26 + Sunday, Dec. 18 | 2-6 p.m. | The Rh , 10 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville | Free | The Rhu will expand its hours to host local vendors that offer everything from vintage clothing and pottery to handmade jewelry.
Rumours: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute | Saturday, Nov. 26 | 8 p.m. | The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville | $25-$28 | Relive the legendary Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits with this acclaimed Atlanta-based cover band.

Sunday, Nov. 27

Make & Take | Sunday, Nov. 27 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Local Cloth, 408 Depot St., Asheville | Free | This family-friendly crafting event features indigo dyeing, felting, embroidery, tie dyeing, and more.
North Slope Art Market | Sunday, Nov. 27 | 12-4 p.m. | DSSOLVR, 63 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville | Free | Shop locally made crafts including art, mugs, clothing, and jewelry.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Experience the joy of the holiday season at Biltmore as an Annual Passholder

Try This: Experience the joy of the holiday season at Biltmore as an Annual Passholder

Presented by an AVLtoday Partner

Biltmore Company_GVL, AVL Experience #1_11.22.22

The Walled Garden is cared for and maintained by 15 full- and part-time expert gardeners, with other garden crews pitching in during seasonal changeouts. | Photo provided by Biltmore

It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year, Asheville — and to celebrate, one of my (Editor Stephanie speaking 👋) absolute favorite holiday activities is heading to Biltmore Estate.

No matter how many times I go (and I’ve been a lot), I’m always blown away by the beauty of Biltmore House and all the amazing activities, sights, and bites the estate has to offer — especially during the holidays.

What we tried (with pricing):

The house gets a lot of love. But honestly, my first stop is always the Walled Garden, which is always different. As an Annual Passholder (on sale through the end of the month), this is one of the biggest perks — to see how a historic site changes, grows + evolves across the seasons.

Pro tip: If you’ve been considering becoming an Annual Passholder, now is the best time to do so. Not only can you save $90, but active Passholders as of Sat., Dec. 31 will also enjoy Passholder Appreciation events in Jan.-March 2023, which includes up to 25% off shopping, dining + outdoor activities (read: the year’s deepest discounts).*

HOLIDAY MAGIC THIS WAY

Weather

57º | Partly cloudy | 0% chance of rain

Eat

Morsel Cookie Co., a bakery known for thick, cakey, and inventive confections, has relocated to downtown Asheville (45 Rankin Ave.). All cookies + frosting are scratch-made, with flavors including pecan pie, birthday cake, cookies and cream, vegan peanut butter and jelly, and more. Check out a sneak peek. 🍪

Development

The forthcoming Pratt & Whitney facility in South Buncombe has finished construction on the majority of its exterior structure. The $650 million aerospace manufacturing center is expected to begin operating in mid-2023. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Renovations at the YMI Cultural Center have kicked off. The $6 million project will include updates to its basement, a modified kitchen, newly-lit gallery and climate-controlled archival room. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

Outdoors

The NC Bird Atlas is asking for folks to participate in its winter bird cataloging project. Wanna join the flock? Visit the website to sign up and learn more. 🦅 (Mountain Xpress)

Try This

Local Redditor Firm_Relative_7283 has created five Little Free Library walking tours for sections of West Asheville, Montford, and North Asheville. Check ‘em out. 📚

Travel

Grab your snorkel and bathing suit. Miami is just two hours away via a direct flight from the Asheville Regional Airport. Plus, enjoy a little change in scenery with four more direct flights.

Open

Hot couple alert: the WNC Farmers Market teamed up with the WNC Nature Center to open a new wildlife exhibit in Asheville. The Educational Farmers Market Garden provides fresh produce for animals in the exhibit + educates visitors on sustainable relationships between agriculture and nature. 🐻 *

Real Estate

Located less than five minutes to Old Fort, this exquisite 3 BD, 3 BA new construction home boasts front + back covered porches, soft-close kitchen cabinets, and breathtaking mountain views. Bonus: It’s situated with quick access to many nearby trailheads, including Catawba Falls. 🏡 *

Shop

Why wait to start shopping this holiday season? Check out our gift guides featured on our online shop Six & Main. Shop for the pet lover, party host, and foodie in your life. There’s something special for everyone. Let the shopping begin. 🛍️

The Buy

Unbox the best holiday gift of all: a smile you’re proud of. SmileDirectClub is the easiest way to straighten your teeth in as little as 60 days — for 60% less than Invisalign or braces. 👀 *

Sports

If you’re into (or even sort of into) sports: The GIST is a must-subscribe newsletter that provides a refreshing female voice and perspective on sports four times a week. Read: If ‘do the thing and score the points’ is your baseline understanding, you might enjoy this to uplevel your knowledge. *

Featured Deal

Now through Wednesday, Nov. 30, MB HAYNES is offering $300 off a new HVAC system. Snag the deal + peep other monthly specials.*

Correction

In yesterday’s newsletter, we erroneously said the next 1 Million Cups at Hatch would take place today, Nov. 22. Those events always take place on Wednesdays. The next one is Wednesday, Nov 30.

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

The return of No Man’s Land Film Fest 📽️

No Man’s Land Film Festival returns to Asheville

A still from the film “Ecopoint.” | Photo courtesy of No Man’s Land Film Festival

The No Man’s Land Film Festival will return to Asheville for its fifth year on Tuesday, Nov. 29 at New Belgium Brewing’s Liquid Center (21 Craven St).

This all-women adventure film fest strives to provide a voice for women, transgender, and gender fluid representation in adventure, sport, and film.

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. and the screening starts at 7 p.m. You can also attend the event virtually. While no registration is necessary for the in-person event, it is required for the virtual screening.

The event is free to attend, but the idea is to raise money for local conservation + preservation. Contributions will go to support MountainTrue, a nonprofit that aims to protect the forests, clean rivers, and communities in WNC and North Georgia. 🎬

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Laura.

Editor’s pick: Scrambling over Thanksgiving plans? Don’t forget, we’ve put together a whole guide on the subject. See where to dine-in or carry-out your meal.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Catch up on Asheville’s newest pickleball shop.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Laura Hackett, Brook Bolen, Sarah Leonhardt, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Helen Purnell | Advertise with us.

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