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WCU Stories

Elizabeth with other UP members

Daughter’s experience in WCU inclusive ed program leads parents to create endowment

A Western Carolina University initiative that brings individuals with intellectual disabilities to campus for a living and learning experience has had such a positive impact on the life of one participant that her parents have created a fund to help more young adults like their daughter move toward independent living.  

Paws with the Shetland Ponies during the 2023 Shetland Day

WCU faculty, staff add their names to ‘Fill the Western Sky’ campaign donor list

A total of 365 members of the faculty and staff at Western Carolina University have added their names to the growing list of donors making philanthropic contributions to the institution as part of its ongoing “Fill the Western Sky” comprehensive fundraising campaign.  

Susan and Rich Price

$1.25 M gift to athletics pushes ‘Fill the Western Sky’ campaign past its $100 M goal

A planned gift from a longtime Western North Carolina economic development and marketing professional and his spouse has pushed Western Carolina University’s “Fill the Western Sky” comprehensive fundraising campaign past its minimum goal of $100 million in philanthropic support.  

Terri Durbin (center) at the spring 2025 commencement at WCU

Nursing school director endows scholarship for WCU’s new master’s degree program

Western Carolina University’s new master’s degree program focusing on increasing the availability of health care in the rural Southern Appalachian Mountains is receiving a financial boost from the director of the school in which the program is housed.  

Paws rides on a float during the 2024 homecoming parade

Homecoming weekend at WCU set for Nov. 7-8 with parade, parties, alumni awards

A packed slate of weekend events is on tap as Western Carolina University rolls out the welcome mat for alumni and friends to return to campus Nov. 7-8 for Homecoming 2025, including a parade and party in the university’s adopted hometown of Sylva.  

WCU player Cord Stansberry taking a shot during a 2024 home game

Donors support Alston Awards for WCU student-athletes’ academic achievements

Supporters of Western Carolina University’s athletics program are finding new ways to back the Catamounts in today’s rapidly shifting intercollegiate sports environment, which now permits financial rewards in recognition of academic performance.  

Catamount family members at the pinning ceremony

All in the family: Legacy Pinning event celebrates generations of Catamount connections

Approximately 50 new Western Carolina University students were welcomed into the Catamount family by parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and other relatives who previously matriculated at the westernmost institution of the University of North Carolina System.  

Aerial shot of campus

Tax law changes lead donors to accelerate giving plans to WCU, other nonprofits

Esther Duncan of Naples, Florida, began the process earlier this year of creating an endowed scholarship fund at Western Carolina University in memory of her late son, a graduate of the College of Business.  

Johnny and Dawn Day

Alumni couple establish endowment for parks, rec program

A husband and wife with degrees from the Parks and Recreation Management Program at Western Carolina University have established an endowed fund to support students who are following in their footsteps at their alma mater and to equip PRM professors with additional resources.  

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