Class of 2021

Commencement

The Spring Class of 2021 graduates are teachers, nurses, scientists, artists and innovators in their own right. They leave Cullowhee changed, with their dreams ahead of them and the knowledge that they, in turn, can change the world. For these graduates this isn't the end, it's only the beginning.

Ceremonies and Livestreams

All ceremonies will be available via livestream on Western Carolina University's Youtube channel and on this page. Livestreams will start 30 minutes prior to the ceremony for a pre-show highlighting students and their time at WCU. Livestream videos will be switched out on this page once each ceremony is complete.
View the full playlist of ceremonies on youtube

Graduate Profiles

Meet just a few members of the Class of 2021 who have found their calling, made an impact, built a community and pushed boundaries during their time at WCU.

Kristin Washington at a river with her graduation cap on

Portraits and Perspectives

For these graduates, excellence goes beyond the classroom. Explore their perspectives as they reflect back on their time at WCU.

Olivia Swalm

As a transfer student, Olivia found her passion in the emergency medical care program and was honored for her academic prowess and community outreach.

Grayson Epperson

He entered WCU in 2018 as the newbie from Lincolnton, who knew no one on campus. He leaves it, when he graduates, as G-Ray, the late-night host of his own radio show with an international following.

Tracy Hewitt

In returning to school to receive her Elementary Education Masters of Arts in Education with a concentration in STEM, graduate student introduces STEM to her third grade students.

Dawson Spencer

Campus leadership, public service point the way for Dawson Spencer, who graduates with degrees in political science and criminal justice and continues his educational journey at WCU, with a master’s degree in public affairs.

Thomas Golden

Thomas Golden finds himself in a far different place than he originally imagined, but leaves WCU a better place through his involvement.

Lyndan Jones

To Lyndan Jones, graduating with a double major in Communications and Spanish is just the start of something much more extensive.

Kimberly Sanders

Now a two-time graduate of WCU, Kimberly Sanders is teaching her kindergarten students engineering strategies to solve real-world problems.

Jazz Click

As a non-traditional student, Jazz Click found his way to WCU through the L.E.A.R.N.™ program, and credits the research he's done there in landing him a career after graduation.

Congratulations Graduates!

Meet the Graduates

Screenshot from a video of two people speaking on zoom.

Thank You - Letters from Students

In addition to our students' determination and hard work, it took a strong community to help them reach this moment. Faculty, staff, friends, family, and mentors provided support in their educational endeavors and personal lives. As the WCU Class of 2021 prepares to close this chapter of their undergraduate experience, a few took a moment to share their appreciation and thanks to those who have helped them along the way.

Kelley Stancil

Connecting with people is what resides at the core of theatre for Kelley Stancil, who graduates with a degree in Musical Theatre from the School of Stage and Screen. What she believes this last year has taught her and her classmates is resilience.

Four Years in Review - Class of 2021

It's been a wild ride! Take a look back at the past four years on campus as we celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2021.

#wcu2021

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*Preliminary numbers only. Final numbers will be reported after grades post.

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