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WCU Stories

Zapps at WCU athletics banquet

Couple who met at WCU orientation make ‘Fill the Western Sky’ leadership gift to athletics

Back in 2012, Western Carolina University graduates Jonathan Zapp and Brittany Bennefield provided a different interpretation of their alma mater’s status as “an engaged institution” when they had their engagement photographs taken on campus with Paws, the Catamount mascot.  

Groundbreaking ceremony

WCU holds groundbreaking for renovations to E.J. Whitmire Stadium

A long-awaited $37 million upgrade to renovate the west side stands of Western Carolina University’s aging E.J. Whitmire Stadium is now underway with an official groundbreaking ceremony held Thursday, June 12, in the shadows of the construction zone.  

Chancellor Brown and the Darnells

Mountain Heritage Awards now accepting nominations

Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Mountain Heritage Awards, honoring individuals and organizations whose work preserves, interprets, and celebrates the rich cultural traditions and history of Southern Appalachia.   

WCU College of Business students

College of Business launches two new graduate certificates for fall semester

Western Carolina University’s College of Business is proud to announce the launch of two new fully online graduate certificate programs in innovation leadership and entrepreneurship, beginning fall 2025.  

Drew Marx with his dormclaw

Construction management student invents ‘Dormclaw’

Drew Marx just wanted somewhere to hang his backpack in his room at Western Carolina University when he came up with the idea for the Dormclaw, a compact, hook-like device that fits into the unused slots of standard college bed frames.  

WCU student works on engineering machine

College of Engineering to offer ACE Machining Bootcamps this summer

Western Carolina University’s College of Engineering and Technology will offer two America’s Cutting Edge Machining Bootcamps this summer, completely free of charge.   

Chancellor Brown christens

EMS holds christening event for new ambulance

The Western Carolina University Emergency Medical Service is among the oldest collegiate EMS services in the country. This year marks the service’s 60-year anniversary, which WCU health services director Pam Buchanan hopes will be a time of celebration.  

Hank Henderson and son Benny

Alumnus Hank Henderson applies WCU guidance to job, pays it forward

Hank Henderson likens his place of work to where he went to college.   

NCSL student members

Student legislature takes home “best delegation” at Raleigh general assembly

Western Carolina University’s chapter of the North Carolina Student Legislature was less than a year old when it took home the statewide title of “best delegation” this April.   

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