WCU Stories      May 8, 2025

By Teresa Tate

Trevor and Ty Antonson’s childhood was filled with LEGO creations—buildings, starships, train cars and more. The twins shared a bedroom and dedicated the other to their masterpieces.

What did they build?

“Anything and everything,” they said.

One Christmas, Ty received the LEGO Millennium Falcon and stayed up all night assembling it.

“I was so jealous,” Trevor said.

This spring, the brothers’ passion for building comes full circle as they graduate from Western Carolina University. Trevor is earning a bachelor’s degree in construction management, while Ty is graduating with degrees in engineering and mathematics.

The future is looking up—literally. Trevor will begin a role with a high-end homebuilder in Charlotte, and Ty is headed to Virginia Tech for graduate studies in aerospace engineering.

The Fayetteville natives first learned about WCU through their sister, Kayden, who was pursuing a master’s degree in social work. Her experience, along with the university’s affordability and strong academic programs, drew them in. For Ty, the opportunities within the College of Engineering and Technology sealed the deal.

They roomed together for their first two years before moving to separate off-campus apartments. Still, they stayed close—playing video games on weekends, catching up over dinner, and sharing photos of their dogs: Trevor’s golden retriever, Tuck (named for the Tuckasegee River), and Ty’s miniature dachshund, Huey (named for Huey Lewis).

Trevor said his WCU experience was defined by the people, the supportive community and the beauty of the mountains. Hands-on learning in the construction management program and internships confirmed his career path in residential construction. He’ll soon start work with David Simonini Signature Homes.

“I like to start and finish something—to have the satisfaction of working through and completing it,” he said.

Trevor also found a home in Theta Xi fraternity, where he served as philanthropy chair and later chapter president. Through the organization, he traveled to cities like Atlanta and Columbus, Ohio, for leadership training.

“It was eye-opening,” he said. “I learned about myself, how to connect with different personalities, and how to lead teams more effectively.”

Ty focused his studies on mechanical engineering and applied mathematics. He hopes to work in aerospace engineering, a dream rooted in childhood and inspired by his father, a military helicopter pilot.

As president of WCU’s chapter of Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society, Ty helped organize the inaugural “Pie a Professor” fundraiser. He also represented WCU at the society’s national convention in South Dakota, where he visited Mount Rushmore.

“What I valued most at WCU were the genuine relationships I built with professors who treated me like a peer, and mentors who pushed me to grow,” Ty said. “The people I’ve met here have challenged me, supported me, and made even the toughest problems a little more bearable. Those friendships will last long after graduation.”

WCU faculty say the Antonsons will be missed.

“Trevor never shied away from raising his hand to answer questions—especially the difficult ones,” said Robert E. Steffen, associate professor of construction management. “He met deadlines, helped organize labs and even fixed lab equipment. It was apparent that Trevor wanted all the challenges we could throw at him. Moreover, he was a true pleasure to work with—always in a good mood and happy to help.”

“Ty is also an exceptional student,” said Martin Tanaka, professor of mechanical engineering and director of the engineering program. “Not only is he outstanding in the classroom, but he also has a kind heart and is willing to serve and help classmates and others. He came up with the idea for ‘Pie a Professor’ based on an event his brother had done for Theta Xi. They’ve been a great team, and we look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the years to come.”