Skip to main content

WCU Stories

Class of 2020 Photo

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  

David Benoit portrait

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.  

Wyatt Burnette

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

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

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.  

Mary Hill Lewis speaking at Commencement

Distance Student Overcomes Obstacles and Achieves Education Dreams

Mary Hill Lewis, a distance student who majored in birth-to-kindergarten education, spoke at the 2019 commencement ceremony about her journey, the future and what she overcame to get to this moment.   

Grace Woodard

Graduate Profile: Grace Woodard

Grace Woodard will graduate with a bachelor of fine arts degree in studio art, and a concentration in sculpture, ceramics, and papermaking. During her time at WCU, Grace has received numerous accolades including an Honors College scholarship, Friends of the Arts scholarship, Chancellor’s Academic Scholarship, and the Tara and Jim Miller Art Fund Scholarship. Her thoughtful and nuanced work has also been recognized through a project grant award, and with the “Best in Show” and the Chancellor’s Award at the 51st annual Juried Undergraduate Exhibition.  

Adam Gregory

Graduate Profiles: Adam Gregory

Adam Gregory is receiving his degree in mathematics from the College of Arts and Sciences. Entering as a freshman at WCU, Adam did not plan to study mathematics, yet today he graduates one of the department’s most outstanding students. During the last three years, Adam participated in two National Science Foundation-funded summer programs, one at the University of Texas in Tyler during the summer of 2017, and another at Rochester Institute of Technology during the summer of 2018. He credits WCU faculty with much of his success.  

Jacob Lewallen

Graduate Profile: Jacob Lewallen

A job as a manufacturing engineer is waiting for Jacob Lewallen after graduation, but he’ll have some time before he starts ― at least a couple of weeks. The College of Engineering and Technology graduate from Siler City lined up future employment by attending a WCU job fair earlier in the semester.   

Office of Web Services