�ǿմ�ý

 �ǿմ�ý Stories      February 7, 2019

�ǿմ�ý students, faculty and staff gave their hearts to �ǿմ�ý – so to speak — during the Friday, Feb. 1, kickoff of “I Love �ǿմ�ý” month in the A.K. Hinds University Center.

More than 900 participants gathered on the second floor of the UC from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for free cookies, hot chocolate, “I Love �ǿմ�ý” T-shirts and eco-friendly straws, distributed by members of the Student Alumni Association, “I Love �ǿմ�ý” faculty and staff Giving Champions, and Division of Advancement staff. But event attendees also gave something back: statements of why they love �ǿմ�ý written on paper hearts, which will be displayed throughout campus during the monthlong initiative.

“I absolutely love Western,” said David Rhode, a junior from Hendersonville and a new member of the Student Government Association. “Western has given me great opportunities. I love �ǿմ�ý because of the community, the people and the culture. Home is where the heart is, and Western Carolina certainly has my heart.”

Monyae Joyner, a freshman from Greensboro who is active in �ǿմ�ý’s Department of Intercultural Affairs, was all smiles when describing her love for �ǿմ�ý. “If I hadn’t come to Western, I probably wouldn’t have met the friends I have today, and I love them with all my heart,” Joyner said. “It’s a great school, beautiful campus, beautiful scenery. I just love it overall.”

Joyner is majoring in biology with a concentration in predentistry. What brought her to �ǿմ�ý was “the tuition, the NC Promise” and additional financial incentives, she said. But it’s more than that keeping her here. “�ǿմ�ý is family, love, friends, home,” she said she wrote on her “I Love �ǿմ�ý” heart.

Students weren’t the only ones sharing their “love stories” with �ǿմ�ý. Alumna Dianne Harris, business officer for the UC, has worked for �ǿմ�ý for 36 years. “It’s been my home away from home,” said Harris, who grew up in Jackson County. “When I first came here, I got to know the students so well. Always in the past, I had heard ‘Oh, those students, they’re partying all the time. They’re doing this, they’re doing that, they’re ruining this town.’ I got to realize no, they’re not. They’re the best part of this town.’’

So what did she write on her paper heart about �ǿմ�ý? “It’s awesome,” she said.

Throughout February, �ǿմ�ý students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends can show their love for �ǿմ�ý  with social media posts, hand-written notes on paper hearts and financial contributions to help �ǿմ�ý students. Each gift that is made to �ǿմ�ý during “I Love �ǿմ�ý” month will go toward completion of “Lead the Way: A Campaign Inspired by the Belcher Years,” which now stands at $58.7 million.

A special giving challenge issued by four �ǿմ�ý alumni — Brad Bradshaw (class of 1976), Wes Elingburg (1978), Ken Hughes (1974) and Dale Sims (1978) — could help boost funds raised this month. Elingburg is the current chair of the �ǿմ�ý Foundation Board, and Bradshaw, Hughes and Sims are all past chairs. They will make a combined donation of $100,000 if 1,000 people make a gift to �ǿմ�ý during the monthlong effort.

“The pride and support that our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends have for �ǿմ�ý really shines during February,” said Lori Lewis, vice chancellor for advancement. “This year is extra special because the generous gifts that are made during ‘I Love �ǿմ�ý’ month will get us that much closer to our campaign goal of $60 million. Every gift counts, and we are truly grateful for those who lead with love.”

This year’s “I Love �ǿմ�ý” month also features four focus areas for donors looking to support specific areas within the university. Each week will highlight one of four “Points of Pride” at �ǿմ�ý: Pride of the Mountains Marching Band, athletics, academic support and scholarships.

Additionally, each �ǿմ�ý college and division has a “Giving Champion,” a faculty or staff volunteer who has committed to encouraging his or her colleagues to give back to �ǿմ�ý. The goal for this year’s faculty and staff participation is 50 percent. The college or division that has the highest participation rate wins a trophy and bragging rights for the year. The trophy will be awarded March 1 in a celebration at the Grandroom of the UC.

To make a donation during “I Love �ǿմ�ý” month, call 828-227-7124 or visit .