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The stadium is stunning, a beautiful geometric design built from contrasting woods that highlight the warmth and strength of the handcrafted structure. Sited in a public green space, surrounded by grass and trees, the small-scale model invites passersby to step inside and imagine its power — exactly what its builder had in mind.

Late Western Carolina University Chancellor Myron Coulter, who led the university from 1984 to 1994, was looking to create a symbol worthy of representing the institution when he proposed the construction of what is now known as the Alumni Tower. The 66-foot-tall brick structure was built on the lawn of A.K. Hinds University Center in 1989, WCU’s centennial year, and officially presented to the university as a gift from the WCU Alumni Association on Homecoming day that October.

The past ten years at Western Carolina University have been transformational, to say the least. Our student population has consistently grown; our campus has evolved to support the future, and all members of our Catamount family have experienced many life-changing moments here at WCU. After taking a moment to reflect back, we now look to the future. Not only for our university but also for our students, faculty, staff, and community that call Western Carolina University home.

Realizing that it was time to come up with a more effective way to reach additional students, Kim Gorman, director of Western Carolina University’s Counseling and Psychological Services, and her staff decided to meet students where they were – on YouTube.

Students are home for the holidays and campus is quiet. It is easy to find parking and there is no line of cars waiting to enter the traffic circle to access N.C. Highway 107. The hum of big machinery busy with campus construction has replaced the tick-tick-tick of the metronome from the Pride of the Mountains drum line rehearsing around campus. And so, it seems the perfect time to reflect on the past year as it slips seamlessly into the year ahead.

Amanda Muse is one of very few female snare drum players who perform at the highest levels of marching band. After overcoming stereotypes and physical challenges, Amanda uses her talent to inspire a new generation of musicians. The Pride of the Mountains Marching Band has given her the opportunity to share her gift with thousands of younger drummers. It has also given her the ride of a lifetime while performing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and at the Bands of America Grand Nationals competition in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Through cash gifts, pledges and an estate gift totaling $50,000, Acting Provost Carol Burton has established a scholarship fund designed to help international students, especially those from Jamaica, earn graduate degrees at WCU.