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WCU Stories

Debra Burke

Burke receives $235K grant to continue agricultural mediation programs

The North Carolina Agricultural Mediation Program and the Farm Agricultural Resources and Mediation of Virginia have been two mainstays at Western Carolina University for a while now.   

Members of the Catamount Philanthropy Council display their prize-winning banner from Homecoming 2024.

Catamount Philanthropy Council provides student face for donors, alumni

While thousands of Western Carolina University students benefit annually from the generosity of those who make philanthropic gifts to the institution, a small group is actively working to help increase donations to WCU by providing a student face for friends and alumni.  

Ashlyn Hannon

WCU junior named first Thompson Scholar

Ashlyn Hannon hasn’t been across the pond before, much less anywhere else outside of the country. But thanks to a generous gift from a pair of Western Carolina University donors, she’ll be hopping on a flight in just a few short weeks.   

machine shop at wcu

College of Engineering and Technology awarded $524,000 grant from IACMI to fund machining education

Western Carolina University’s College of Engineering and Technology recently received a $524,000 grant from the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation to fund a computer numerical control (CNC) machining program.  

Sarah Parsons works on bee pollinator garden

Sarah Parsons continues campus pollinators work with UNC MRI grant

While insects have gotten a bad rap as “creepy crawlies” to be squished or stepped on, humanity is highly dependent on them. Many insects are integral to pollination, which is crucial to the survival of plant ecosystems and crops that keep people fed.   

Andrew Bobilya

Andrew J. Bobilya receives 2024 Dr. Betty van der Smissen Distinguished Researcher Award

Andrew J. Bobilya, director of Western Carolina University’s experiential and outdoor education master’s program, is the recipient of the 2024 Dr. Betty van der Smissen Distinguished Researcher Award.   

Leaves from the moon tree

Out of this world: ‘Moon Tree’ arrives on WCU campus

Amy Fagan, an associate professor in Western Carolina University’s Department of Geosciences and Natural Resources, knows she’s a bit of a space addict.  

WCU nursing students

WCU School of Nursing awarded grant to jumpstart workshop series

Western Carolina University School of Nursing director and associate professor Terrica Durbin understands the need for nurses — and so do local patrons. The WCU School of Nursing was awarded a $40,562 grant by the Mountain Area Health Education Center in Asheville.   

Daisy and Flora Myers

Hunter Library staff create website for families to find unclaimed photos

Years ago, residents and tourists brought their film for developing at Sherrill’s Photography Studio in Waynesville. Sometimes, the person who dropped off the film did not return to pick up their photographs and the only clue to their identity was their last name written on the unclaimed envelope.   

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