WCU Stories      September 17, 2024

By Julia Duvall

Western Carolina University student Aaron Hoyle-Rivera, a senior from Shelby studying psychology, criminal justice and criminology, hit the ground running when he came to campus in fall 2022.

“When I was a junior in high school at Cleveland Early College, my guidance counselor, who is a WCU alum, told me about WCU,” Hoyle-Rivera said. “I went on YouTube and saw some of the videos from WCU and I was very interested. The culture and values really resonated with me. I took a tour and knew Cullowhee was where I belonged and couldn’t wait to get involved in campus life.”

Hoyle-Rivera knew that he wanted to get as involved with student organizations as he could. He particularly wanted to be part of the Student Government Association, as he had been involved with both the Cleveland Early College and Cleveland Community College associations.

“During my senior year of high school, I watched Western’s 99th session of SGA where Estefany Gordillo-Rivas was sworn in as president,” Hoyle-Rivera said. “I was very impressed with the professionalism and the school support, so I knew I wanted to be part of such a noble organization.”

Hoyle-Rivera started in SGA as a senator, before eventually becoming president in April 2024. During that time, he learned how to write resolutions. He also spoke with different student groups and participated on several committees.

“I was then appointed as campus outreach committee chair and worked on some initiatives, including a marketing one that has been implemented,” he said. “I knew after serving on that committee I wanted to run for president.

Hoyle-Rivera ran against C.J. Mitchell for the 2023-2024 presidency and lost, but that did not stop him from running again for the 2024-2025 seat.

There was a runoff when neither candidate won the majority vote. Hoyle-Rivera eventually won by one vote. He was sworn into office in April.

In addition to Hoyle-Rivera’s SGA duties, he is also a member of WCU’s Board of Trustees, a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and has served on various committees. He also works part-time in leadership at Chick-Fil-A in Waynesville.

Asked how he manages all his responsibilities while double majoring in two different programs, Hoyle-Rivera said he takes every opportunity he can because his parents did not have that luxury when they were his age.

“My dad is from Jacksonville, Florida, and my mother is from Mexico. I am a first-generation college student and I am the first family member on my mom’s side to be born in the U.S.,” Hoyle-Rivera said. “I have heard about the different things my parents experienced and the sacrifices they made for me to have these opportunities, so everything I do is for them and my future family. I am able to support myself and I want other students to know you can work and go to school; it is just about managing your time well and being disciplined.”

Hoyle-Rivera is grateful for the support he has received from faculty, staff, students and fellow members of the Board of Trustees.

“Because of NC Promise, I am able to attend school without sacrificing quality education and experiences,” Hoyle-Rivera said. “I am able to work part-time and be involved in all of these campus organizations. I am very thankful for the opportunities I have gotten because of WCU and every time I crest Catamount Gap, it feels like the first time I saw campus peeking through the trees. It is a feeling of home, a feeling of belonging.”