Former Western Carolina University Chancellor, John Bardo, visited WSU April 17 after applying for the presidential position. He is now dubbed the 13th President of WSU which will take effect July 1. [Read more...]
Dillsboro mobile app launch party
March 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Chancellor Belcher and wife Susan downloading the mobile app from the" Dillsboro Mobile Man"
Students, faculty and many in the Sylva and Dillsboro community gathered at the Jarrett House for the unveiling the new Dillsboro mobile app March 27.
“Everybody wins,” said Chancellor David O. Belcher with both fists pumping in the air. Belcher and his wife, Susan, were the first to visit Dillsboro’s new mobile website on their iphones.
“Taking them (students) out of the classroom and getting them with real world projects; that’s what our education is all about,” said Belcher in his final words. “Particularly when it makes a difference in the lives of people that we serve.”
Belcher thanked Dillsboro for letting the Catamount community, faculty and students be a part of its development.
Spokesman, Nicholas Randone, welcoming everyone to the launch party
Nicholas Randone, campaign coordinator and senior at Western Carolina University, welcomed everyone to the event and introduced the app. He acknowledged everyone who was involved with creating the app, upcoming give-a-ways, and introduced the “Dillsboro Mobile Man”.
“We’re very pleased with the turnout,” said Randone having received 65 R.S.V.P.’s. “It was a lot better than we expected!”
This mobile app was created by the computer information systems students in the College of Business. The effort of WCU’s communication, theatre and business department made this product what is today and what it will be in the future.
Aside from pictures being displayed on the mobile app, informative videos will soon be a feature. Also, when the Dillsboro Giveaway opens April 1, users can go under the Promotions category of the app and send in an e-mail registration.
“Our hopes are that the staff continues to promote Dillsboro, providing the opportunity for students to get that engaged learning,” said Randone on the future connection between WCU and Dillsboro.
See more pictures from the event:
See the video story on the event. Jon Bucec contributed to the story.
What students care about this primary election year
March 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Mark Meadows
Education and economics are the top challenges for Heath Shuler’s successor. North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District is guaranteed a new congressman to take office now that the incumbent Heath Shuler will not be in the running in the 2012 election.
In February, there was a debate held on the campus of Western Carolina University in effort to improve voter education and participation in this year’s election. Cecil Bothwell and Tom Hill, are two out of the three Democratic candidates running this year that participated in the informal discussion. They were outnumbered with a panel filled by the other four Republicans vying for the congressional seat: Spence Campbell, Mark Meadows, Vance Patterson, and Chris Petrella.
Cecil Bothwell
Topics such as oil drilling, immigration policies, job creation, and voter registration were disputed with varying answers, yet voter’s opinions resounds with an echo of “education and economics” being the most important issues for NC.
“Education is important to me because our tuition is going up, and I still have 6 more years of school,” said Colton Overcash, a sophomore at WCU.
Catherine Stiers and Heather Britt, 20-year-old, WCU students said major problems include availability of job and economic issues.
“There needs to be a restructure in the tax code, and overall there needs to to be restructure in healthcare system,” said Stiers. “Really in the end, we’re afraid we’re not going to have jobs when we graduate,” said Britt.
Vance Patterson
Stabilizing the economy, bringing economic growth and maintaining high-quality education seem to be the focus for citizens in Western NC.
The final question from the audience was: ‘Where do you stand on Amendment One?’ Supporters of Amendment One believe “marriage between one man and one woman is the only legal domestic union”. While supports of gay rights argue that the subject “rights of minority” should not be up for vote.
Watch video below to see where the congressional candidates stand on Amendment One:
Getting ready for the 13.1
March 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Photo by Valley of Lilies Half Marathon 2011
The annual Valley of Lilies Half Marathon and 5k is just around the corner and runners are gearing up for the 13.1 trek through the scenic Cullowhee Valley.
“I’ve never done a half marathon before, I’m excited to be out there with other people that I know at Western,” said 22-year-old WCU Senior, Kaykay Deardoff who is one of four students in her major signed up to run.
She has set no expectations except to do her best in the race. ”I’m nervous, but excited,” said Deardoff.
WCU’s campus is located in the heart of the Southern Appalachian Mountains and is a short drive from the Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Cherokee, setting a perfect canvas for runners.
Photo by Valley of Lilies Half Marathon 2011
Last year there were 188 participants competed in the half marathon. So far 191 people have signed up for the half marathon and 86 people for the 5k run/walk.
Sandy Terhune, Co-race Director, said that more people are still signing up with only a little over a week until the race. She thinks there may be up to 200 participants for the half.
“We have some really great shirts to give out to the runners and walkers,” added Terhune. “Our sponsors are giving out cool stuff for the participants to walk away with.”
Proceeds of the race will go to students at WCU to assist in professional presentations and travel to conferences. If you would like to participate it is not to late to sign up.
Base Camp Cullowhee Demo Day
March 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Looking for something fun to do this Saturday, March 17? Base Camp Cullowhee (BCC) has just the fun you are looking for!
For the 7th year, BCC at Western Carolina University is hosting their Kayak Demo Days. Join BCC and representatives from Pyranha, Bliss Stick, WaveSport, Fluid, Jackson, Dagger, and Liquid Logic to test out some kayaks. If you have never been in a kayak before, this is the perfect opportunity for you to paddle some of the best boats on the market, free of cost.
A hundred-yard inflatable tube race will also take place in the afternoon. So whether you want to get in a kayak or not, there are other options for your enjoyment while on the water.
Demo Day takes place at Eternity Hole on the East Fork of the Tuckaseegee River, WCU’s local freestyle spot and the alternate site for the 2013 Freestyle Kayaking World Championships.
Registation starts at 11 am, tube race at 1:30 pm, then pizza, movie, and prizes at 4:30 pm. See you on the Tuckasegee for a fun filled day of playing in kayaks and splashing around in the sun!
Click here to see pics of last years event.
For further questions contact Nick Marino or Jennifer Bennett at BCC: 828.337.3633 or jwbennett@wcu.edu
