WCU Bardo Arts Center on Oct. 26 was full of students, parents and faculty in a celebration of success and hard work.
This year WCU’s Chancellor’s list ceremony recognized the students who had a 3.8 or higher GPA in spring 2021. Over 200 students came to the ceremony with their parents and invited 27 faculty members.
“I am so impressed by our students here at Western. The fact that they have a 3.8 GPA, and all the extracurricular activities they are involved with is just amazing. They are doing amazing work here,” Chancellor Brown said during the reception.
The event was hosted by The Division of Student Success in collaboration with the Office of the Provost and the Office of the Chancellor.
Students that received the honor in fall 2020 were unable to celebrate their accomplishments as the event was cancelled due to COVID.
The event began with remarks from the Chancellor Dr. Kelli Brown and Provost Dr. Richard Starnes. Following that was a keynote speech from Dr. Catherine Carter, the 2021 recipient of the UNC Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Carter is a professor in the English Department. She teaches creative writing and English Education. She is also an accomplished poet, having written three poetry books. You can read her full bio here.
Carter discussed how important teaching is, especially to the students at the celebration. She also discussed how important it is to overcome obstacles and even if you can’t beat them, you still have value.
“I hope you will be really proud of what you have accomplished, and I hope you remember to appreciate the people who went through your bookbags and gave you tools you need to accomplish this. I also hope you will remember that you are more than what you have accomplished. If a time comes when you can’t accomplish what you think you should, you remember that you have intrinsic worth,” Carter said.
Penny Vermeulen, a recreational therapy major, has been a Western student since June of 2020. Vermeulen said she is going to take Dr. Carter’s speech to heart and appreciate everything she has accomplished. Her favorite part of the event was talking with Dr. Karen Kandl, an anatomy and physiology professor. Kandl was invited to the ceremony by Vermeulen.
After Dr. Carter’s speech, Chancellor Brown gave her charge to the students to continue their hard work and successes.
“Students, congratulations for your hard work over this last semester and the honor that you are receiving today. I challenge each of you to make it your goal to be recognized for this honor again next spring,” said Chancellor Brown.
The event ended with a reception during which students picked up their Chancellor’s list certificates and enjoyed refreshments.
Michael Allen, a senior biology major with a pre-med concentration and a minor in psychology, has been selected to the Chancellor’s list every semester he has been at Western.
“It’s a lot of work and dedication but I know it’s what I need to do so I keep pushing,” Allen said.
Allen loved the social side of the event.
“I really love meeting different people and meeting new connections around campus,” he added.
The next Chancellor’s list ceremony will honor students for fall 2021. A date has not been set.
The full Chancellor’s list can be found here.
