Western Carolina University

Current Participants

Michael Kozicki
Michael is a second-year participant from Tucker, Georgia, concentrating in early childhood education. His interests include art, going to the lake house, looking at the mountains and playing basketball. Currently, Michael works at the Kneedler Child Development center. After graduation Michael would like to work at day care in Georgia and live in community housing with a roommate who helps with cooking.

 

 

 

 

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Austin Holloway
Austin is a second-year participant from Winston-Salem, NC. She is learning about children and strategies for speaking in front of large groups of people. Her interests include acting, dancing, singing and playing sports. Austin is currently working in the Curriculum Materials collection at the Hunter Library. After she graduates, Austin wants to get an apartment with a roommate and work for a day care or after school program.

 

 

 

 

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Maleek Gilliam

"Leek" Gilliam is a second year University Participant from Asheville, North Carolina. An avid sports enthusiast his studies are concentrated on athletic injuries and personal fitness. Personal interest includes traveling, attending family reunions, Broadway musicals and watching high school or university football games. As a Catamount he takes great pride in his role as an assistant trainer for the football team and looks forward to the games on Campus where he is on the sideline cheering and providing hydration. Leek gained retail experiences while interning at the Catamount Store on WCU's campus. Post-graduation Leek currently plans to work as a personal trainer assistant in Charlotte, North Carolina and develop a modeling career. Additionally he will experience some phases of mortuary science for part time employment.

 

 

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Kenneth Kelty
Kenneth is a second-year participant from Raleigh, NC. His academic interests include cultural & international studies, criminal justice and interior design. His interests include craftwork, hanging out with friends and international travel. Currently Kenneth has an office work internship. After graduation, Kenneth wants to work as an office assistant at a design firm in New York City.

 

 

 

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UP Program Alumni

 

Anna Joyner
Anna is a UP Program graduate from Candler, NC. At WCU she studied childcare and worked at the Kneedler Child Development Center. Upon graduating she was hired to work at Fun Depot. Her interests include cheerleading, using the i-Pad, and swimming.

 

 

 

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David Maennle
David is a UP Program graduate from Andrews, NC. At WCU he studied emergency care and worked with the athletic department and facilities management. Upon graduating, David was employed by Graham County Emergency Services where he interned during his final semester at college. His interests include karaoke and exercise. David still strives to own a log home, a Ford pickup truck with a dog box, and a blue tick hound.

 

 

 

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Alexa Kurrimbukus
Alexa is a UP Program graduate from Warne, NC. While at WCU her academic concentration was criminal justice. In her final year, Alexa interned with the WCU campus police and with the Waynesville Police Depertment. She currently lives independently, with a roommate, in Waynesville, North Carolina. Her interests include reading, dancing, cheerleading, and writing.

 

 

 

 

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Aaron Hoefs
Aaron is from Maggie Valley, N.C.. He was a participant in the UP Program at WCU from 2010-2012.  His interests included attending sporting events, participating in religious organizations and hanging out with friends. He enjoyed classes, like American Sign Language and Inclusion and Recreation for People with Disabilities, that helped him advocate for others. He has worked as an office assistant in the Department of Human Services. In fall 2011, he helped with campus tours in the Office of Admission. Aaron lives independently in Waynesville, North Carolina.

 

 

 

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Anna Grace Davis
Anna Grace is from Hayesville, N.C. She was a UP Program participant from 2010-1012. Anna concentrated in performing arts. Her interests included cheerleading, dance, swimming and participating in religious organizations. She has worked in Hunter Library, the Catamount clothing store, student mail services and facilities management. Anna Grace actively seeks employment in retail and food services.

 

 

 

 

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Corey Hambrick
Corey is from Sylva, N.C. He was a participant in the UP Program from 2010-2012 where he concentrated in landscaping and recreation. His interests included attending sporting events, hiking and playing basketball.  He worked with facilities management, the campus greenhouse and the campus recreation center. Corey currently works at McDonalds and continues to focus on independent living.

 

 

 

 

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Elizabeth Pritchett
Elizabeth is from from Arden, N.C.. She was a UP participant from 2010-2012 where she concentrated in special education and birth to kindergarten education. Her interests included cheerleading, swimming and attending sporting events. Elizabeth loved taking education prep classes and became CPR certified. She worked in the Kneedler Child Development Center for a year and the Cullowhee United Methodist Church preschool program. Elizabeth currently lives in an apartment with two friends from WCU and actively seeks day care center employment.

 

 

 

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Michael Beasley
Michael is from Waynesville, N.C. He was a participant in the UP Program at WCU from 2007 through 2009. During the school year, he works as a consultant and mentor in the UP Program. Michael talks to the participants about how their day is going, sees if he can he helps them in any way, or helps them if they are having any problems. In the summer, he works with the Special Education Program on the Severe Disabilities Grant. Michael enjoys watching NASCAR races and going to football games. He enjoys his job and hopes to continue working with the UP Program and the Severe Disabilities Grant as long as he can.

 

 

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Gary Small
Gary is from Waynesville, NC. He was a participant in the program from 2008 through 2010. He lived in Norton Residence Hall and met a lot of friends. Overall, Gary had a great college experience. His favorite part of being at WCU was taking classes and meeting new people. Gary loved his communication class. He thinks that others should participate in the UP Program in order to gain new experiences and have fun. Gary enjoys watching movies and playing golf, Nintendo Wii and Playstation 2. He also likes to play "putt-putt" and volunteer as a firefighter for Lake Logan Fire Department.