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WCU Stories

Sarah Matesz

Student spotlight: ABSN student Sarah Matesz overcomes Helene’s challenges

Sarah Matesz’s heart rate rose about as fast as the flood water that submerged her feet. She was frantically moving her belongings to the second floor of her cabin, which was perched on the side of the mountain some 20 minutes away from Burnsville.  

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.  

Brent Kisner

The Carlyle Letters Online find new home at Hunter Library

Thomas and Jane Welsh Carlyle have been significant figures to several scholars throughout the last century and some change. Western Carolina University English professor Brent Kisner is no exception.  

Highlands couple

Power of Giving

A Highlands couple’s estate gift of $10 million will support global engagement, the School of Art and Design and the Honors College.  

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.  

WCU students on the fall break trip

Service through adventure: Base Camp Cullowhee’s latest and greatest student expedition

On any given day, you’re as likely to find Western Carolina University students on campus as you are up a granite cliff face or on the rapids of a raging river. In the engineering lab as often as on the trail.   

Matt Henley

Keeping Time

In his 20 years with the university across multiple roles, Matt Henley and WCU’s musicians have seen tremendous accomplishments.  

Ali Schreiber

Catamounts Take the NFL

WCU alumni work behind the scenes to ensure top notch fan experience on game day.  

Julie Spiro Donaldson

Loving Jackson County

Julie Spiro Donaldson ’99 believes there’s no amount of effort too small to give, and it’s with that belief in mind that she’s changed Jackson County.  

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