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WCU Stories

Class of 2025

First-generation college students reflect on journey to commencement

When Madison Coup takes her walk across the stage, she’s going to relish in it. But on that walk, she’s going to be looking for a couple faces in the crowd: her parents’.   

Senior toast at WCU

Senior Toast honors philanthropy of soon-to-be graduates

Western Carolina University Chancellor Kelli R. Brown recently saluted more than 50 WCU seniors who have gotten an early start on building a legacy of philanthropy by making financial gifts to the university before they have received their diplomas.  

WCU military student

WCU earns 2025-2026 Military Friendly® school designation

Western Carolina University has earned the 2025-2026 Military Friendly® School designation and the Military Spouse Friendly® School designation.  

Patricia Bricker

Bricker gets new WNC Community of Practice off the ground

An ice storm shifted the first Western North Carolina Elementary STEM Community of Practice meeting to Zoom last minute, but Patricia Bricker’s project didn’t freeze up.  

The Hodges

Alumnus divides gift to create scholarship honoring educator wife, support athletics upgrades

Western Carolina University alumnus and Asheville resident Stephen Hodge had a bit of difficulty deciding whether to direct a recent financial contribution for his alma mater to support academics or athletics. So, the banking executive who grew up in Rutherfordton reached the conclusion to do both.  

Grady and Karina

Student spotlight: Jones, Rodriguez look forward to term as president, vice president

Western Carolina University junior Grady Jones was probably a bit more nervous than his peers when he was taking a geography quiz back in February.   

2025 winners

University faculty, staff award winners announced for ‘25

Once again, Western Carolina University was recognized as a top place to work. So great in fact, that WCU was ranked No. 3 of 498 on Forbes’ America’s Best Midsize Employers.  

Drake Barlow at softball game at WCU

A whole lot of heart: WCU softball bat boy defies odds, cheers on Catamounts

Drake Barlow walks up to home plate with the most swagger out of anyone on game days. He sports a sick pair of shades, some Catamount gear and a toothy grin that coaches across the Southern Conference have come to know.   

Maddie

WCU to introduce Maddie, the virtual engagement officer

There’s a new member of the Division of Advancement team at Western Carolina University, and her name is Maddie.   

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