The campus and surrounding community paused to reflect on the institution’s growth from a one-room schoolhouse with 18 students to a comprehensive regional university with an enrollment of more than 10,100.

WCU Chancellor David O. Belcher began the celebration with a touch of formality, reminding the crowd of the many changes that have occurred at the institution over the years – including names ranging from the Cullowhee Academy through Western Carolina Teachers College to its current moniker as part of the University of North Carolina system.

“The year 2014 will be a year of events, exhibits, reflections and anticipation of the next 125 years of educating eager minds in the heart of a mountain paradise – a region rich in culture, art, music and innovation,” Belcher said. “It’s going to be a great year. It will be a year for the history books, and certainly one in which you will want to be involved.”

For a complete list of events, click on www.celebrate125.wcu.edu.