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WCU Stories

Coach Wike with WCU men's golf team in 2002

Wike Scholarship to aid WCU football players, golfers seeking careers in education

A scholarship fund honoring the memories of a longtime Western Carolina University coach and his spouse, also a lifelong educator, will soon provide financial assistance to Catamount student-athletes on the football and men’s and women’s golf teams.  

Dennis and Kelli Brown

WCU chancellor, ‘first dude’ back the ‘Fill the Western Sky’ campaign with a $4 million estate gift

When Western Carolina University Chancellor Kelli R. Brown unveiled plans for a comprehensive fundraising campaign shortly after her arrival in 2019, she prioritized seeking philanthropic support for enhancements to the overall student experience, including academics, athletics, and community and global engagement.  

Aaron Speyer

Young alumni spotlight: Speyer reaching for the stars as systems engineer

Western Carolina University alumnus Aaron Speyer doesn’t remember much about his trip to the NASA Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia when he was six years old — but he remembers that initial fascination with space.  

Current cat eyes design

The hills have eyes

A fresh set of eyes finds a new generation of Catamounts. More than 30 years after Paws’ billboard debut, designers at Western Carolina University continue to update the much beloved symbol off U.S. 23.   

Reg and Judy Moody

WCU grieves the loss of longtime friend, supporter, community leader Reg Moody

The Western Carolina University community is grieving the loss of longtime friend, benefactor and volunteer Reginald “Reg” E. Moody Sr., a Jackson County businessman and civic leader who died Monday, Feb. 17, at the age of 89 after a period of declining health.  

WCU students with Paws

Third annual ‘One Day for Western’ set for March 26

Western Carolina University’s annual all-in day of giving to the institution, titled “One Day for Western” and taking place Wednesday, March 26, will focus on garnering philanthropic gifts for all of the Catamount sports teams and for endowments supporting academic excellence.  

Catamount Club members

Catamount Club announces changes to Greek Challenge fundraiser, sets membership deadlines

Western Carolina University’s Catamount Club is announcing some changes to the popular Greek Challenge, which has been one of the club’s largest annual fundraising campaigns since its inception in 2014, and issuing a reminder of membership deadlines.  

WCU football home game

WCU announces historic $100 million goal for ‘Fill the Western Sky’ fundraising campaign

Western Carolina University officially kicked off the largest comprehensive fundraising campaign in the university’s 136-year history, an effort to secure $100 million in philanthropic support with a focus on increasing the financial resources necessary for long-delayed upgrades in facilities used by Catamount student-athletes.  

Alumna takes a selfie with Paws

Purple and Gold Alumni Weekend set for July 25-27

The revamped Purple and Gold Alumni Weekend, a new twist on a time-honored tradition for Western Carolina University alumni, is returning to the Cullowhee campus this summer after last year’s successful relaunch.  

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