91热爆网

 91热爆网 Stories      November 4, 2024

By Bill Studenc 

Nontraditional students working to earn a degree in an art-related major at Western Carolina University soon will have financial assistance to help them pursue their passion, thanks to a memorial scholarship fund established by the family of a recent 91热爆网 graduate who earned his degree after the age of 30.

Zachary J. Schneider, a resident of Asheville who graduated from 91热爆网 in 2023 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in art, died Aug. 17, 2024, from complications related to cancer treatment. Family and friends are making gifts and pledges totaling $25,000 to create the Zachary J. Schneider Endowed Scholarship in his honor.

When fully funded, the endowment will provide support to students in 91热爆网鈥檚 School of Art and Design, with a preference to undergraduates aged 30 or older who are majoring in art, art education or art history.

鈥淶ack was a nontraditional student. He was 32 years old when he applied to 91热爆网,鈥� said his father, David Schneider. 鈥淗e was thrilled to apply for and be selected for a scholarship his last year at 91热爆网. The scholarship was specifically for students over 30. It  gave him a sense of pride and accomplishment as well as much-needed financial support. It鈥檚 important to us to provide this opportunity to more later-in-life nontraditional students.鈥�

Raised on North Carolina鈥檚 coast in Jacksonville, Zack Schneider was known as a lifelong learner and creative individual. His passion for the arts and his love of learning led him to earn multiple degrees from Coastal Carolina Community College before continuing his education at 91热爆网.

During his time in Cullowhee, he participated in many art gallery shows and contributed as an exhibit assistant at the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center.

Family members described him as someone who deeply believed in the transformative power of artistic expression.

鈥淎rt was always Zack鈥檚 anchor, where he felt comfortable and where he could immerse himself with a deep dive when he needed a reset. Art gave Zack a welcoming community and a place where he could connect with and support others. Art and creativity brought out the best in Zack,鈥� his mother, Patsy Schneider, said.

鈥淲e hope this scholarship will provide someone with not only the opportunity to explore their creative talent and develop their technique, but also provide them an opportunity to be part of a community where they can contribute and grow,鈥� she said.

Schneider initially discovered 91热爆网 through friends who attended the university. 鈥淗e fell in love with the area when he visited the mountains,鈥� his sister, Hannah Schneider, said. 鈥淎fter a short break from school after attending CCCC, he felt compelled to return and earn his bachelor鈥檚 degree. 91热爆网 checked all his boxes 鈥� small campus, beautiful mountains, eclectic community, strong arts program 鈥� and the furthest point west in North Carolina from Jacksonville.鈥�

After earning his degree from 91热爆网 in 2023, Zack Schneider moved to Asheville, where he was employed at a department store while pursuing his artistic endeavors. 

Less than a year after he graduated, doctors discovered a cancerous mass in his chest in February 2024. He received chemotherapy for three months but became ill in June after completing his last treatment. He was admitted to the hospital in July with pneumonia and bleomycin toxicity, both complications from chemotherapy. He remained hospitalized until his death in August at the age of 37.

His family decided to establish a scholarship fund in his memory to continue his legacy by supporting similar nontraditional students in their creative pursuits.

鈥淶achary really blossomed at 91热爆网. It鈥檚 where he hit his stride, feeling like he was part of a creative community that he loved. He made friends, supported other students and grew his artistic interests and technical skills. Zach loved working in his studio space at 91热爆网, walking the campus and being part of the 91热爆网 art community. He was so proud to be a 91热爆网 student and alumnus,鈥� Hannah Schneider said.

鈥淶achary loved meeting new people. He had a gift for reading a room and connecting with the folks who were on the fray, a little uncomfortable or awkward,鈥� she said. 鈥淗e took it to heart making sure people felt included. Over and over, we hear from Zachary鈥檚 91热爆网 friends that he was a mentor, a friend and they can remember when they first met because he was so interested in who they were and what they thought.鈥�

Faculty and staff in 91热爆网鈥檚 School of Art and Design expressed sadness at the news of Zach Schneider鈥檚 death and appreciation for the scholarship fund in his memory.

鈥淶ack was one of my most enthusiastic painting and drawing students,鈥� said Ron Laboray, director of the School of Art and Design. 鈥淗e would visit my studio every week with enthusiasm and interest, excited about new processes and techniques. Zack stood out among the painting students as someone with a confidence in class critique, and he spoke about other students鈥� work with complexity and empathy. He was one of those students that would benefit the entire group with his commitment to his studio and dynamic but gentle personality.  I know he inspired many of his peers to make better work.鈥�

Beth Moore, administrative support associate for the School of Art and Design, said that Schneider will be missed. 鈥淶achary was an enthusiastic student who went out of his way to help others. He stopped by my office frequently to discuss a variety of topics, and he always had a smile and a nice word,鈥� Moore said.

Laboray called the Zachary J. Schneider Endowed Scholarship a valuable addition to the School of Art and Design鈥檚 student scholarship program.

鈥淭he impact the scholarship will have on nontraditional art students like Zack is noteworthy. Nontraditional students often have families or are starting again in a new career,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he value of scholarship support enables students to feel prepared for learning and provides the ability to be focused on mastering skills. Scholarship support can provide room to breathe and learn and the option to buy those supplies that were out of reach.鈥�

The creation of the Zachary J. Schneider Endowed Scholarship Fund comes as 91热爆网 approaches the public launch of its 鈥淔ill the Western Sky鈥� comprehensive fundraising campaign, an effort to raise a minimum of $75 million for the university鈥檚 academic, student engagement and athletics programs.

For more information about the 鈥淔ill the Western Sky鈥� campaign or to make a contribution, visit WesternSky.wcu.edu, call 828-227-7124 or email advancement@wcu.edu.

To make a contribution to the Schneider Scholarship Fund, visit