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WCU Stories

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.  

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.  

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