Earlier this week I spent the day in Lander, Wyoming for a full day Board of Directors meeting for the Wyoming Catholic College. It was a very productive day, as well as enjoyable. The board is made up of a very dedicated group of individuals who are committed to a very unique endeavor in the world of higher, Catholic Education.
Most Catholic educational institutions focus on forming the student wholly,
in mind, body and spirit. WCC has a truly unique approach. A liberal arts
degree that uses the Great Books to offer the very best in Western thought.
All students take the same courses, including four years of theology, Latin,
and a public speaking and writing course.
They are taught to think and communicate – not just how to get a job. Their Outdoor Leadership Program uses the beauty of God’s country — the Wind River Range, Tetons, etc — to teach valuable life skills in the areas of leadership, self-confidence, and problem solving.
Finally, the spiritual environment is authentically and faithfully Catholic in every respect. From daily Mass and adoration, to practicums in prayer, to the full time Chaplain on campus, students are able to celebrate their Faith as an integrated part of their time at WCC.
Life at WCC is different than most four-year colleges. Students are expected to
really focus on their education, and act accordingly. They have a dress
code, rules of behavior, limited access to distractions such as cell phones
and television. But still, these students have great joy in their hearts:
they have dances, coffee shop time, poetry readings and so on.
I had the opportunity to spend time with a group of students earlier during the Spring semester, and I found them very well rounded, joyful, polite, and very well-spoken. This coming semester the school welcomes its fourth freshman class, meaning this Spring they will celebrate their first commencement exercises!
FACTS for next year:
121 Students (8 from WY)
37 states represented
Tuition/Room/Board: $23,000 (a bargain really)
15 full time faculty
Financial support from all 50 states
+PDE
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