Students gather in the rain at the fountain for Chancellor Belcher. Photo by Hunter Bryn
WCU students, faculty and staff showed to the rally on Friday, April 22, showing their support for Chancellor Belcher as he faces serious medical condition.
The rain did not stop over 100 people who gathered at the fountain to show their support with chants of Belchers name and a singing of WCU’s Alma Mater.
On Thursday, the chancellor sent an email informing the community that he was diagnosed with a small brain tumor that will affect his speech and expressions.
A section of the email touch base on the future of his ability to remain the chancellor.
I felt it important that you hear this news immediately and directly from me. I know that you care deeply for our University and I also know that you care for me personally. I am sure that this news will prompt many questions, many of which I cannot currently answer. Please know, however, that the members of Executive Council and I have a robust plan in place to ensure that we continue to move the university forward.
After the announcement students took to social media to show their support. With hashtags like #prayersforbelcher and #wheebelieveinbelcher.
Jake Krauss praying at the fountain for Chancellor Belcher. Photo by Hunter Bryn
“It’s crazy to think that we had all this tension on Western’s social media and when the news came out about Belcher. It’s like it all went away and people came together to show their love and support,” SGA President, Hank Henderson, said.
WCU student, Jake Krauss, stopped by the fountain to say a prayer for Belcher.
“I just wanted to say a quick prayer for him. I know he is going to need it. I was talking to the big man upstairs hoping that he can make everything work out for Belcher.”
Students show support for Chancellor Belcher. Photo by Hunter Bryn
After the rally, students stood in line to hug and talk to Belcher. When asked about how it felt to have the student body behind him he said, “it’s awesome, it doesn’t surprise me. It’s really really moving to see everyone here.”
Belcher will continue to work as the Chancellor at WCU through this time of illness. WCU will continue to support him through his time of need.
