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WCU Stories

2024 alumni award winners

Nominations are open for annual alumni awards

The Western Carolina University Alumni Association has issued a call for nominations for honors presented annually to university alumni in recognition of their accomplishments after graduating – the Professional Achievement Award, Academic Achievement Award and a new award for graduates of the last decade.  

Donors and student athletes during the gala

Athletics Gala shines spotlight on Catamount student-athletes, impact of supporters

More than 150 citizens of Catamount Nation rallied Saturday, April 12, in Asheville to celebrate the accomplishments of student-athletes who have represented Western Carolina University during the 2024-2025 sports seasons.   

WCU alumni perform a song at last year's reunion

African American Alumni Society endows new scholarship fund

An endeavor by members of Western Carolina University’s African American Alumni Society to create a new student scholarship fund at their alma mater has crossed the $25,000 threshold necessary to start providing financial assistance on an annual basis.  

Campus entrance

UNC Board of Governors appoints Nora Lynn Finch, Tate Apodaca to Board of Trustees

The University of North Carolina Board of Governors has unanimously approved the appointment of two new members to the Western Carolina University Board of Trustees: Tate Apodaca and Nora Lynn Finch. Additionally, the Board approved the second full terms of chair Casey Cooper and Timothy “Jake” Robinson.  

Kinley Cook

Alumna Kinley Cook brings passion to job as park guide

As a park guide at Catoctin Mountain Park in Maryland, Kinley Cook’s passion for the outdoors radiates to her visitors. She gets them excited about where they’re at, whether it be by way of the park’s history or showing them a salamander that’s sitting under a random rock along its trail.   

WCU One Day for Western event

Gifts from all 50 states help WCU hit ‘One Day for Western’ goal of 1,200 donors

The final numbers are in for the third annual “One Day for Western,” an all-in day of giving designed to help generate additional financial support for multiple priorities at Western Carolina University.  

Monica Henson and her family

$100k Gift from alumna to support English majors and student media organizations

Future students majoring in English studies and participating in student media organizations at Western Carolina University will be eligible for financial assistance made possible by a planned gift of $100,000 from a WCU alumna who has enjoyed a lengthy career in the education profession.  

Ballparks and Brews from 2024

Play ball! WCU pitches new ‘Ballparks and Brews Tour’ for alumni, friends

The Western Carolina University Office of Alumni Engagement is stepping up to the plate and taking a swing at a new summer event designed to bring together members of the Catamount family at baseball stadiums across North and South Carolina.  

Julian Manrique

WCU alumnus Julian Manrique shines as law school grad, attorney

After taking some challenging chemistry classes, Julian Manrique decided to reconsider his major. He was a biology major with a concentration in pre-dental, but following some thinking, the curious Western Carolina University student switched over to business administration and law.  

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