Culture

What does it mean to Live Western?

Presented by a RALtoday 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)

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Tuesday, Nov. 22

Harrison Tweed Live Helium Records Album Recording | Tuesday, Nov. 22 | 8 p.m. | Goodnights Pop-Up Club, 511 Woodburn Rd., Raleigh | $20-$28 | Get your laugh on with the co-host of the “Let’s Talk About Sets!” comedy podcast.

Wednesday, Nov. 23

We Built This | Wednesday, Nov. 23-Monday, March 27, 2023 | 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Historic Oak View County Park, 4028 Carya Dr., Raleigh | Free | Take a tour of this traveling exhibit highlighting the stories of Black architects and builders in NC.
Wednesday Wine & Weeds | Wednesday, Nov. 23 | 4-7 p.m. | Sweet Peas Urban Gardens, 107 St. Marys St., Garner | Free | Sign up to get your hands dirty in the gardens while sipping wine and other tasty beverages.

Thursday, Nov. 24

Trophy Trot 5K | Thursday, Nov. 24 | 9 a.m. | Trophy Brewing & Taproom, 656 Maywood Ave., Raleigh | $10-$130 | Celebrate Thanksgiving Day with this race through Dix Park and reward yourself with a Trophy beer.

Friday, Nov. 25

Soccer Fan Fest | Friday, Nov. 25 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Moore Square, 201 S. Blount St., Raleigh | Free | Watch the 2022 World Cup matchup of USA versus England, play games like Knockerball and soccer darts, and enjoy arts, crafts, a DJ, food trucks, and a beer garden.
WRAL Nights of Lights | Friday, Nov. 25-Saturday, Dec. 24 | Dorothea Dix Park, 1030 Richardson Dr., Raleigh | $20-$50 | Enjoy this drive-thru light show complete with local art installations, illuminated trees, and holiday light displays.

Tuesday, Nov. 29

WCPSS Magnet Elementary Mini Fair | Tuesday, Nov. 29 | 9:30-11 a.m. | Conn Magnet Elementary School, 1220 Brookside Dr., Raleigh | Free | Prospective students + parents are invited to explore Wake County magnet elementary program options, visit with school representatives, and learn about the application process.*

Saturday, Dec. 3

16th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 3-6 p.m. | Harris Teeter Concert Park, Flowers Commerce Dr., Clayton | Free | Enjoy a festive tree lighting plus visits with Santa, train rides, bagpipers and music, dessert trucks, and family arts + crafts.*

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

Weather

59º | Partly cloudy | 0% chance of rain 🌤️

Civic

Last week, City Council approved a proposal to rename Devereux Meadow Park to Smoky Hollow Park in honor of the neighborhood’s history. The 14-acre plot near Smoky Hollow will be developed into a park with money from the recently approved Parks Bond.

Open

There’s a new chicken chain on the block. Pollo Campero, a fast-food restaurant known for serving Latin-style chicken, opened its first Triangle location. Try the new spot at 8300 Litchford Rd., Raleigh. 🍗 (The News & Observer)

Cause

Wake County is hosting a Holiday Cheer program, which matches community members in need with Thanksgiving and Christmas sponsors (think: meals and gifts). Sign up to volunteer at a gift or food distribution event throughout November and December.

Community

The City of Raleigh relaunched its holiday curbside pickup zones to support quick retail and food vendor stops for the holidays. Look for the temporary “Holiday Curbside Pickup Zone” signs in downtown now through early January.

Drink

Sip on this. From now until Monday, Nov. 28, The Optimist is brewing thanksgiving pie lattes for a cause. All profits from the seasonal latte will go to the Food Bank Central & Eastern NC. ☕

Try This

Bring the family to join the Triangle Land Conservancy and Raleigh Astronomy Club for a night of stargazing at Three Bears (711 Beaver Dam Rd., Raleigh) on Saturday, Dec. 3. Also enjoy family activities and treats from Cocoa Forte. Secure your spot. 🔭

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. 🛍️

Real Estate

1500 Sunday Dr. is under new ownership and leasing + management teams, and to celebrate, Trinity Partners worked with Mon Macaron to create custom macarons with tailor-made packaging to deliver to tenants of the building. Bonus: There’s ~10,000 sqft of office space still available for lease.*

Eat

Still looking for a dish to bring to Thanksgiving dinner? Enter: Mayo boards. Yep, that’s right — mayonnaise boards have been getting a lot of attention. Would you dig in or dodge? If you choose to indulge, find a base for your board.*

The Buy

Want a straighter smile? This company can make it happen in as little as 60 days.*

Sports

Level the playing field with this women-led newsletter that provides the sports coverage you need, four times a week. Subscribe.*

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Pass the conversation, please 🍽️

6 Raleigh-themed table topics

Someone holding a tray of barbecue, mac and cheese, and corn.

This might be controversial but... which barbecue type reigns supreme? | Photo by RALtoday

Are you dreading questions like: “When are you getting married?” or “Who did you vote for?” this holiday season? Consider utilizing one (or all) of these six table topics to spark a new, lighter conversation around the dinner table.

Which barbecue type reigns supreme?
What is your favorite local holiday tradition?
Which in-progress Raleigh development are you most excited about? (There are a lot.)
What is Raleigh’s Hollywood Sign?
If Raleigh wasn’t already nicknamed the City of Oaks, what would be its nickname?
If you were left on a deserted island, which Raleigh restaurant’s menu would you bring with you?

Now we’re curious — share your answers below.

NO WRONG ANSWERS

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Cat.

Editor’s pick: I am fully prepared for my family to come to town this week... I think. I made reservations at 42nd Street Oyster Bar for Wednesday night and a Saturday dinner reservation at O-Ku to celebrate my dad’s birthday. I also plan on taking them to The Willard for a night cap and view of the city. 🌃

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Impress your Thanksgiving guests with Ashley Christensen’s Pimento Mac and Cheese Custard.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Cat George, Anne Tate, Sarah Leonhardt, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Charis Painter | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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