Life@Western Carolina
2026-2027 MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION
LIFE@WesternCarolina offers adults ages 50 and over an opportunity to continue learning, discover new interests, and build lasting connections. This dynamic lifelong learning program features non-credit presentations delivered by WCU faculty, retired educators, and subject matter experts from across the region.
Each semester includes 12 engaging sessions, held on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Hunter Library on WCU's Cullowhee campus. More than a lecture series, LIFE@WesternCarolina is a community of curious and active learners who enjoy shared experiences, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to participate in campus, cultural, and social events together.
Join us to expand your knowledge, meet new friends, and experience the lifelong rewards of learning.
Membership Options
- $150 Membership Fee
- 24 Sessions (1 per week, 12 per semester, 2 semesters)
- 1 free guest pass
- Free parking on campus during weekly sessions
- $85 Membership Fee
- 12 Sessions (1 per week, 12 per semester, 1 semester)
- 1 free guest pass
- Free parking on campus during weekly sessions
Guests may attend up to 2 weekly sessions for a $15 fee. If a guest has attended twice and would like to attend more sessions, they will be asked to register as a member.
Fall 2026 Schedule:
| Date | Speaker Name | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| September 9, 2026 | Dr. Shane Schoepfer | Challenges of Working in Antarctica |
| September 16, 2026 | Dr. Wes Milner | Current Events |
| September 23, 2026 | Julie Boisseau-Craig | History of Green Energy Park |
| September 30, 2026 | Allyn Maxfield-Steele | The Highlander School |
| October 7, 2026 | Taylor Leonard & Sam Brumer | Organizing Technology |
| October 14, 2026 | Dana Madej | Jackson County Animal Shelter |
| October 21, 2026 | Fergus Tuohy | The Enneagream |
| October 28, 2026 | Mary Joyce | Journalist / Author |
| November 4, 2026 | Joyce Dugan | EBCI Chief / Educator |
| November 11, 2026 | Leslie Lang | Givens Estates Retirement Community |
| November 18, 2026 | Stephanie Swepson Twitty | Black Wall Street, Asheville |
| December 2, 2026 | Bob Buckner | History of Community Bands |
Spring 2027 Schedule:
| Date | Speaker Name | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| January 13, 2027 | Brent Martin | Author |
| January 20, 2027 | Dr. Chris Cooper | Midterm Elections |
| January 27, 2027 | Steve & Lauren Baxley | Cacao Bean to Truffle |
| February 3, 2027 | Dr. Gretchen Dietz | Recruiting Engineers |
| February 10, 2027 | Walker Boswell | Foxfire School |
| February 17, 2027 | Jeremy Jones | Cipher: Deconding Ancestor's Secret Diaries |
| February 24, 2027 | Dr. Betty Farmer | Public Speaking |
| March 3, 2027 | Dr. Jane Lutkin | Cognitive Measures |
| March 10, 2027 | TBA | |
| March 17, 2027 | Bethany Chaney | Campbell Folk School |
| March 24, 2027 | Topher Stephens | Birding & Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust |
| March 31, 2027 | Dr. Jim Costa | Pollinators |