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The aroma of sawdust filled the air for weeks on end inside the construction management lab in Belk. Hammers were banging, drills were squealing and six different teams were looking to make their mark on the College of Engineering and Technology — while helping local dogs in the process.

One of Antonio Tyson’s greatest mentors in high school was his drama teacher. The Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ student had a lot going on at home his senior year, and through that, his drama teacher was a shoulder to lean on.

While our habits and hobbies outdoors may vary, it’s a point of pride for most in Western North Carolina that nature is never far out of reach.

Be persistent. Be studious. Try, and keep trying.

Much like the holiday season, the annual GivingTuesday national day of philanthropy is fast approaching, and the folks at Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ will be seeking financial support for Catamount student-athletes and for excellence endowments that provide enhanced academic and extracurricular experiences for all students.

Kristin Daiber, the director of the Office of Student Retention, recently received a TRIO grant from the Department of Education for $1.4 million.

A baker’s dozen Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ alumni whose graduating class years span nearly 50 years received accolades from their alma mater Saturday, Nov. 8, in recognition of their career accomplishments and contributions to their communities.

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.

A Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ 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.

Memories of family economic conditions during childhood can have a significant influence on purchasing behaviors later in life, including whether adult consumers are likely to prefer private labels or generic products over popular big-name brands.