Catamount Club – Donor Spotlight

A founding member of the baby boomer generation, hometown of Shelby, N.C., educated at the best university for me at WCU. Was a resident of Lincolnton most of my adulthood, taught various subjects in several schools over a 37-year period and was honored to do so. Has now returned to Cullowhee for my 'Senior years,' and am loving the new adventures. Life is a grand adventure if we strive to always make it one.

“WCU is special to me because it enabled me to gain a college degree, which allowed me to pursue my chosen career of teaching. Also, the friendly atmosphere of the campus during my four years went a long way toward helping me feel at home in Cullowhee. The lifelong friendships I formed in those four years, as well as new friends I have made through Western events over the years continue to keep Western and Cullowhee as my special place in the world."

“Over the 57 years I have been a Catamount, there have been quite a few moments, starting with the upset victory over Elon where we were behind 20-0 with eight minutes left in the game, and we came back to win, 21 - 20. Watching Henry Logan play basketball anytime – he was awesome! Being in Greensboro when our basketball team won the Southern Conference Championship and in Chattanooga when the women won. The game where Brad Hoover led the Catamounts to a glorious and overwhelming upset over ASU; so many of the victories of our baseball team as well as our track teams; so many more. The Catamounts – no matter what sport they are playing – they are my team and will always have my support!”

“Having been a teacher for 37 years, I witnessed firsthand the positive differences athletic scholarships can make in the lives of some students who might not be able to receive a four-year college education without those funds. In some cases, being involved in athletics encourages students to be better students and better citizens; plus I have been told by many friends who were athletes that participating on athletic teams teaches many life lessons that might not be grasped any other way and those can help young people with greater success in their future."

“Everything, the atmosphere, the anticipation, the friendships – old and new, it is always a great day to be in Cullowhee and even more so when the Cats are competing."

“I cannot imagine many things we could do to have a greater impact on the direction our world takes in the future than to help young people in many ways, one of which is through scholarship donations to further their education thereby preparing them for their future career. As a teacher, I will forever remember Christa McAuliffe's words as she prepared for the Challenger flight when she said 'I touch the future, I teach.' Well, I touch the future when I donate money for scholarships, and that truly gives me one of the greatest feelings in my life, that I might help improve the lives of others through my donation."

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