The new graduates from Communication department with Chancellor Belcher. Photo by Hunter Bryn.
Western Carolina University’s biggest class graduated this weekend, May 9. Approximately a total of 1,446 students walked on the stage at the Ramsey Regional Activity Center, and according to the officials at WCU this isthe largest class to graduate in university history.
There were three commencement services spanning over two days. May 8 was the ceremony for WCU’s Graduate School and on May 9 the morning ceremony was for the college of Arts and Sciences, Education and Allied Professions, and Fine and Performing Arts and the afternoon was for the graduates in the College of Business, College of Health and Human Science, and Kimmel School of Construction Management and Technology.
The primary address during the Friday night Graduate School commencement was delivered by Alexander Macaulay. The WCU associate professor of history recently was named a recipient of the UNC system’s highest teaching honor, the Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Chancellor Belcher told the graduating students that regardless of whether they have their futures mapped out or they are uncertain what is coming next, they have the minds and skills to chart their own courses in life.
“As you look toward your future, I charge you to hold tight to your grounding at Western Carolina University and the values for which it stands, to remain firm in your commitment to excellence and high standards, to reject mediocrity and the ill-fated attitude of ‘good enough,’ and to continue learning, whether in formal settings or on your own,” he said. “As you pursue your careers and making money – as you do well – remember to do good, as well.”
A complete list of the new WCU graduates will be announced following the posting of grades from final examinations.
