91�ȱ���

 91�ȱ��� Stories      February 7, 2019

Western Carolina University students, faculty and staff gave their hearts to 91�ȱ��� – so to speak — during the Friday, Feb. 1, kickoff of “I Love 91�ȱ���” 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 91�ȱ���” T-shirts and eco-friendly straws, distributed by members of the Student Alumni Association, “I Love 91�ȱ���” faculty and staff Giving Champions, and Division of Advancement staff. But event attendees also gave something back: statements of why they love 91�ȱ��� 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 91�ȱ��� 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 91�ȱ���’s Department of Intercultural Affairs, was all smiles when describing her love for 91�ȱ���. “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 91�ȱ��� was “the tuition, the NC Promise” and additional financial incentives, she said. But it’s more than that keeping her here. “91�ȱ��� is family, love, friends, home,” she said she wrote on her “I Love 91�ȱ���” heart.

Students weren’t the only ones sharing their “love stories” with 91�ȱ���. Alumna Dianne Harris, business officer for the UC, has worked for 91�ȱ��� 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 91�ȱ���? “It’s awesome,” she said.

Throughout February, 91�ȱ��� students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends can show their love for 91�ȱ���  with social media posts, hand-written notes on paper hearts and financial contributions to help 91�ȱ��� students. Each gift that is made to 91�ȱ��� during “I Love 91�ȱ���” 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 91�ȱ��� 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 91�ȱ��� 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 91�ȱ��� during the monthlong effort.

“The pride and support that our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends have for Western Carolina University 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 91�ȱ���’ 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 91�ȱ���” 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 91�ȱ���: Pride of the Mountains Marching Band, athletics, academic support and scholarships.

Additionally, each 91�ȱ��� 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 91�ȱ���. 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 91�ȱ���” month, call 828-227-7124 or visit .