N.C. Center for Creative Retirement to Celebrate Opening of Reuter Center;
September 13 Dedication Features Sampler of Center's Offerings

UNC Asheville's award-winning educational program for older adults, the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement, will celebrate the opening of its new building, Reuter Center, on Saturday, Sept. 13. The public is invited to the daylong celebration, which will include mini-classes, music and dance performances and building tours. A dedication ceremony will be held at 1:30 p.m. Speakers will include University of North Carolina President Molly Broad and UNC Asheville Chancellor Jim Mullen.

"For the 15 years since its inception, the N.C. Center for Creative Retirement's offices and classrooms were spread out in a number of UNCA's academic buildings. The Reuter Center marks the first time all programs will be brought under one roof," said NCCCR Director Ron Manheimer.

The $4.3 million center was funded through contributions from private sources, including individual donors, businesses, corporations and foundations. The Janirve Foundation of Asheville provided the largest contribution, $1.75 million. The building is named in honor of Irving J. Reuter, the late industrialist who established the Janirve Foundation.

The new center will enable NCCCR to continue expanding its programs, such as the College for Seniors, Leadership Asheville Seniors, Intergeneration Learning, the Intergenerational Computer Literacy Program, and its numerous volunteer service programs. "More than 1,800 people annually participate in NCCCR programs and the number is expected to rise dramatically as the surge of retiring Baby Boomers floods into the area. The new building, with its computer lab, art studio, technology-enhanced classrooms, large multipurpose room, cafe, meeting rooms, offices and commons areas will function as a 'student center' for older learners," Manheimer said.

UNCA's undergraduates will make use of the building as well, Manheimer said. "NCCCR has sponsored numerous intergenerational classes that bring young and old together to examine both timeless issues and major changes in American society and the world."

Reuter Center was designed by John Rogers Associates, now Rogers & Chenevert Associates, of Asheville. Cooper Construction Co. of Hendersonville was the general contractor. The 20,000-square-foot, two-story building is located just above and to the right of Justice Center on Campus Drive.

The daylong event, which is open to the public, begins at 9:30 a.m. Mini-classes, held throughout the day, will explore topics ranging from Edgar Allen Poe and tai chi to forest controversies and Middle East history. Performers include the YMI Community Jazz Band, the UNCA Senior Smooth Dancers, the College for Seniors Choir, and QuinTango. The celebration is expected to wrap up at about 4 p.m.

NCCCR is well known for integrating lifelong learning with leadership and volunteer service programs. It has been featured in the N.Y. Times, Christian Science Monitor, Parade magazine, the Wall Street Journal, the Chicago Tribune, the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Baltimore Sun, and on CNN, N.C. Public Television and National Public Radio. Its most recent award was the National Council on Aging's 2002 Jack Ossofsky Award for exemplifying how imaginative programs and bold leadership can enrich the lives of older adults. Visitors from as far away as Japan and Spain have traveled to Asheville to learn how to replicate program.

For more information about NCCCR and its celebration call 828/251-6140.

Quick Facts on the Reuter Center

• Reuter Center, located on the UNC Asheville campus, is the new home for the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement and its programs. Previously, the NCCCR offices and classrooms were spread out in a number of UNCA's academic buildings.
  
  
• Completed in the spring of 2003, the two-story, 20,000-square-foot building is located just above and to the right of Justice Center on Campus Drive. Cost of construction, current landscaping and equipment totaled $4.3 million.
  
  
• The project was funded through contributions from private sources, including individual donors, businesses, corporations and foundations. The Janirve Foundation provided the largest contribution, $1.75 million. The building is named in honor of Irving J. Reuter, the late industrialist who established the Janirve Foundation. Funds are being raised now for additional landscaping and additional furniture.
  
  
• The Reuter Center project architect was John Rogers Associates, now Rogers & Chenevert Associates, of Asheville. The general contractor was Cooper Construction of Hendersonville.
  
  
• Building highlights include:

            ** A south-facing, two-story glass atrium wall that overlooks the UNCA campus, 
             downtown Asheville and (on a clear day) the mountains beyond the city

           ** Five classrooms, including two seminar rooms; a large classroom; an art studio 
              classroom; and a computer classroom with 12 computer stations (funded by a grant from 
              the WNC offices of Smith Barney)

          ** A multipurpose Chestnut Ridge Room, which can accommodate 300 people, includes a 
             ceiling-mounted data projector and Internet ports

          ** Commons areas for informal gatherings; staff offices and meeting rooms; and a café with 
              prepared foods and a catering kitchen

          ** An outdoor terrace for cultural events and receptions

          ** Two levels of on-grade parking that accommodate 140 cars

NCCCR Programs Quick Facts

Media Contacts:

• Dr. Ron Manheimer, NCCCR executive director, 828/232-5180
• Merianne Epstein, UNCA Public Information director, 828/251-6676