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WCU Stories

Alexis Moser dressed in graduation regalia in front of the alumni tower

Brinson Honors College graduate gains national fellowship award

“The ability to personally impact a child, paired with my love for all things language, is what truly inspired me to pursue a career in speech-language pathology,” said Alexis Moser, a recent graduate of Brinson Honors College.   

Tom Belt

Former scholar Thomas Belt honored with doctorate of humane letters

The WCU Board of Trustees awarded Cherokee scholar Thomas Belt with its highest honorary degree, doctorate of humane letters, as part of its commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 15.  

commencement update text on a purple background

WCU to have in-person commencement ceremonies this spring

After a series of virtual commencement ceremonies due to COVID-19 in 2020, WCU will resume modified, in-person commencement activities this spring.  

Annie Vasquez

Annie Vasquez: The Value of People

Annie Vasquez, a graduating senior studying Spanish, was drawn to Western Carolina University by its close-knit community and the importance the university places on every student. She knew that becoming a Catamount would mean that she would be more than just a number in a system, rather she would be valued as a person.  

Jordan Strickland

Jordan Strickland: Balancing Act

A calming influence on her teammates, Student-Athlete Jordan Strickland successfully balanced coursework, competition and her health.  

Carlos Dotson

Carlos Dotson: Unlimited Potential

When Carlos Dotson found out that he had a chance to play Division 1 basketball, his entire life changed After being cut from his high school basketball team, Carlos focused in on his game and his studies so that he could have a chance to better his life by receiving a college degree.  

Emily Zipay playing soccer

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

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 Graduate

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.  

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