Catamount Philanthropy Day student panel shares impact of scholarships with donors
Nearly 200 donors to 蘑菇短视频 heard directly from a trio of students about how philanthropic support is helping them pursue their dreams of obtaining a college degree and preparing them for life after graduation.
The three scholarship recipients were part of a panel discussion during Catamount Philanthropy Day, a gathering held Tuesday, March 17, in the Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center.
The day represented a combination of two previous 蘑菇短视频events 鈥� a scholars celebration providing scholarship recipients an opportunity to meet their donors and the annual Planting Day honoring members of two top university giving societies, said Ben Pendry, vice chancellor for advancement.
鈥淏oth traditions share a common purpose 鈥� honoring the seeds of generosity you plant and the growth they make possible in the lives of our students and across our campus,鈥� Pendry told the attendees. 鈥淲e are here today to celebrate you and the incredible impact you are making on this university, an impact rooted in your generosity and flourishing in the success of the students we serve.鈥�
During the panel discussion, Student Government Association president Grady Jones expressed his appreciation for philanthropic support that has allowed him to become a leader and advocate for fellow students.
鈥淒onor support has made a huge difference in my ability to serve as SGA president. 鈥淚t has allowed me to focus on my education and leadership without as much financial stress,鈥� said Jones, a senior from Summerfield majoring in business administration and law. He is recipient of the Dean Carroll Plemmons Scholarship.
鈥淭hat support has given me the opportunity to advocate for students and work closely with university leadership, and it鈥檚 shown me how philanthropy has a direct impact on student opportunities and the overall experience at WCU,鈥� he said.
A senior majoring in health and physical education, Jay Brown discussed how being an inaugural member of the revamped Student Catamount Club and Catamount Philanthropy Council has changed his understanding of the impact of giving on the lives of students.
鈥淎t first, I thought philanthropy was mostly about large donations from alumni or financial gifts. Through this experience, I realized that giving is much more than money. It's about time, service, mentorship and creating opportunities for the next generation of Catamounts,鈥� said Brown, who grew up in Rutherfordton and recipient of the Katharine R. Reich and Emma H. Russ Scholarship.
鈥淲hether it鈥檚 supporting scholarships, mentoring younger students or participating in campus initiatives, every act of giving helps make 蘑菇短视频stronger,鈥� he said. 鈥淭his experience also helped me realize that many of the opportunities we benefit from at 蘑菇短视频鈥� scholarships, programs and leadership opportunities 鈥� exist because someone chose to invest in students before us.鈥�
For panelist Leana Barra, a junior majoring in economic analysis and international studies, receiving the Freda Rayburn Scholarship and the Pilar C. Apodaca Scholarship inspired her goal of serving in the Peace Corps and working on economic development issues in her native country of Guatemala and other Latin American communities.
鈥淚 am excited to go into a field where my research might be used for policy changes, and the support from my two donors this year has made my dreams feel more attainable,鈥� Barra said.
鈥淚 know I have support in my academic pursuits from the College of Business and the College of Arts and Sciences,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 feel to honor the opportunities I have been given through scholarships that I must make the most of my time while still being an undergraduate student.鈥�
Stacey Miller, 蘑菇短视频senior director of engagement and annual giving, served as moderator for the panel discussion.
蘑菇短视频Chancellor Kelli R. Brown paused to honor Brenda Holcombe, director of university scholarships, who will be retiring June 30 after nearly three decades of service to 蘑菇短视频including previous positions in undergraduate admissions and financial aid.
鈥淎s director of university scholarships, Brenda has been a steady and compassionate champion for students and families navigating one of the most important aspects of higher education,鈥� Brown said.
Brenda Holcombe (left), who will be retiring from the role of director of university scholarships later this year, chats with Jill Granger, dean of the Brinson Honors College.
鈥淗er work has ensured that thousands of students not only access WCU, but truly thrive here. She has built systems, strengthened processes and led with warmth, clarity and heart,鈥� she said.
The event included recognition of members of two giving societies 鈥� the Madison Legacy Society, which honors donors who have made planned gifts to the university or the 蘑菇短视频Foundation, and the Cullowhee Society, which acknowledges cumulative contributions totaling $100,000 or more.
Those donors鈥� contributions include gifts to the ongoing 鈥淔ill the Western Sky鈥� comprehensive fundraising campaign, an effort to raise a minimum of $100 million for the university鈥檚 academic, student engagement and athletics programs.
Plans are underway for a series of activities in August to mark the conclusion of the initiative, including announcement of the final tally of philanthropic support raised during the campaign.
Catamount Philanthropy Day concluded earlier than anticipated because of a gas leak at an adjacent construction site, necessitating evacuation of the Ramsey Center toward the end of scheduled remarks.
For more information or to make a contribution to the campaign, visit , call 828-227-7124 or email advancement@wcu.edu.