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WCU Stories

Phil and Connie Haire

WCU mourns loss of longtime supporter, former legislator Phil Haire

The Western Carolina University community is mourning the loss of longtime friend, advocate and donor Phil Haire, who died Tuesday, Oct. 8, at the age of 88 after a period of declining health.  

Alex Fields and Travis Frazier

Sense of community inspires WCU staff member to establish annual scholarship fund

The sense of community discovered by staff member Alexandra M. Fields upon her arrival at Western Carolina University seven years ago inspired her to establish an annual scholarship fund to help attract future students from her hometown to WCU.  

saddler2

Retired engineer who got his start at WCU creates new scholarship fund

A retired engineer who got started on his career path at WCU decades before the institution launched its own engineering degree has established a new scholarship to provide financial support to future students in the program.  

Wesley Cogdill

Gardner-Webb’s Wesley Cogdill appointed director of Catamount Club

Wesley Cogdill, executive director of the Bulldog Club at Gardner-Webb University, has been appointed associate athletics director and director of the Catamount Club.  

fac staff giving kickoff

Faculty members on campaign steering committee encourage colleague involvement

The “Fill the Western Sky” campaign, which will have its public launch this fall, is an effort to raise a minimum of $75 million in philanthropic support for WCU’s academic, student engagement and athletics programs.  

cat eyes club sendoff

WCU alumni help recruit future students through new Cat Eyes Club

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions has expanded its team of recruiters by more than 60 additional members thanks to the newly formed Cat Eyes Club.  

asp europe

1889 Impact Grants application process open Sept. 1-30

The Division of Advancement and the WCU Foundation are seeking applications from faculty and staff interested in obtaining funding for projects through the fourth annual 1889 Impact Grants Program.  

crawford campaign 1

Retired accounting executive named Foundation Board chair, makes additional $500K gift to WCU

With his retirement in June from national accounting firm Forvis Mazars LLP, effective July 1, Mike Crawford is chairing the WCU Foundation Board of Directors.  

fiscal year 24

WCU donors shatter fundraising record with more than $35.8 million in FY24

The WCU Foundation received more than $35.8 million in gifts and pledges during the recently concluded 2024 fiscal year. That represents $23.2 million more in commitments over the previous fiscal year’s $12.6 million.  

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