Student-Athlete Emily Zipay Reaches the Culmination of Her Athletic Career with Southern Conference Presidential Scholarship

For Western Carolina women's soccer senior Emily Zipay, being awarded the Southern Conference Presidential Scholarship by the SoCon's Graduate Scholar Committee is the culmination of her career as a student-athlete. The scholarships given by the SoCon, each worth $2,000, are awarded to student-athletes about to receive their undergraduate degrees who intend to pursue advanced degrees in graduate or professional school. The student-athletes are evaluated on three criteria: academics, athletics, and community service.  

E'Quince Smith: Leaving A Legacy

E'Quince Smith believes that making an impact on Western Carolina University is just as important as the degree he will receive when he graduates.  

Cherokee Graduation Ceremony

Western Carolina University's Cherokee Center has a long tradition of celebrating members of graduating classes with ties to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. It's more than a symbolic gesture. The Cherokee Center is, and has been, involved and invested in the educational careers of Qualla Boundary residents and Native Americans for more than four decades now.  

Intercultural Affairs Graduation Celebration

The Department of Intercultural Affairs developed this graduation celebration as a way to honor students from underrepresented populations and their contributions to the Western Carolina University community. They provide students with a tangible symbol to wear during WCU's graduation and keep with them after graduation as a reminder of their time at WCU and the support that they have available for their future endeavors. Any student who wishes to celebrate their graduation with ICA is welcomed to participate.  

Spring Class of 2020

While we won't be able to celebrate the Class of 2020 crossing the stage this spring (but can't wait to on the rescheduled commencement date), we still wanted to highlight this major life milestone, recognize their hard work, and celebrate their bright futures. Meet just a few of our graduates...  

Meet the Graduates  

Organizing a Future

First-generation senior David Benoit is graduating with a double major in political science and international studies. “I told upcoming freshman to say yes to everything, try everything at least once. Go to every organization, every meeting, at least one time, so you really know what you like and what you might not be fond of,” Benoit said. That’s what he did.  

Working at Super Bowl 54 Cements Wyatt Burnette’s Decision to Pursue Broadcast Engineering

It was Friday, Jan. 24, when Western Carolina University senior Wyatt Burnette received a call from one of his mentors, former WCU assistant professor Gabe Nucci. Nucci informed him of a valuable freelance opportunity providing postproduction support at Super Bowl 54 in Miami Gardens, Florida.  

Sara Mears

Those “I Voted” stickers Sara Mears’ parents wore after casting their ballots each election during her childhood really stuck with her, and now she hopes to persuade others that voting is the best way to show one’s citizenship.  

See Her Story  

Jason McMillan: Student-Athlete Overcomes Adversity

With each Western Carolina University commencement, the Cherokee Center honors the members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and those with close ties to the Qualla Boundary who earn a degree, with an occasion in the spirit of community and individual achievement.