Cherished
vision of the Southland, Alma Mater in the hills: Thou dost point our minds to wisdom, Till the truth our spirit thrills. Appalachian, 1915
1955
In 1899
the misty ridges of Northwestern North Carolina became home to a vision. It was a simple yet powerful vision: to change lives and thereby change the world. The way forward was as simple and powerful as the vision, education. Like a pebble thrown into Boone Creek, two
1975
brothers began a journey that continues to ripple out into the world. Students came to this school nestled in the hills to transform their lives and prepare themselves to make a difference in the world. Today, our world has changed greatly, however, this vision remains as constant as Grandfather Mountain’s vigil on the horizon. After more than a century, students still feel the pull of this unique place to transform their lives, and Appalachian has remained focused on providing students with an experience that is not only life-changing but world-changing;
Alma Mater of our hearts the joy and pride; Lead us ever, lead
us onward, Vanguard of the Hero’s side.
1995
that experience is a university education but one that is distinctively Appalachian. This experience is rooted in a long tradition of values that have guided the university along its journey. Values such as providing opportunities for the best and brightest students to achieve an excellent education while working with great
2007
faculty, being conscious of the larger world around us, caring for the environment in which we live, approaching learning with a creative spirit, and identifying and meeting the needs around us have been steady trail markers on the path to educating students who make a difference.
Today
The Appalachian Experience The Appalachian Experience encompasses everything that makes this place so extraordinary: the engaging academic environment, the dynamic and integrated arts programs, championship-winning Mountaineer athletics, and our two best natural resources - the people and the mountains. This confluence of excellence flows in and through these peaks and valleys with the energy, urgency and exuberance of a whitewater run. Students, faculty, staff and friends all come to know that this is a special place to be and that, once part of it, we never really leave it. It changes our lives and our ability to transform our world for the better. We hold it in our hearts when we are away and, with Mountaineer pride, we celebrate the difference its bright future will make in the lives of generations of students ahead. We are the Appalachian Family.
Ac a de m i c s
ARTS
at h l e t i c s
Making a difference in the world...
one student at a time
A
ppalachian’s pioneering vision to change lives and change the world is bolder than ever. True to our Mountaineer spirit, we view the 21st century
challenges facing our state, nation and world as a call to action. To meet this call, Appalachian graduates will leave our campus transformed and prepared to be critical and creative thinkers, leaders, responsible global citizens, and people who make real and powerful differences in their communities and beyond. Your support of Appalachian through the three priority areas of Academics, Arts and Athletics is critical to ensuring that the next generation of Mountaineers is prepared at the highest level and that the university is poised to expand its role as a leader and innovator in higher education— one that prepares our students to become passionate and successful alumni. Within these three priorities five strategic initiatives have great potential to positively impact the Appalachian Experience: scholarship, world focus, sustainability, entrepreneurship and health and quality of life.
s c h o l ar s h i p Supporting Student Excellence To sustain an environment of inclusive excellence, the university must provide need-based and merit-based scholarships, fellowships, and funding for undergraduate and graduate research, and co-curricular learning opportunities. Initiatives such as the Honors College, ACCESS scholarships, athletic scholarships, and endowed distinguished professorships help attract the best and brightest to our university and change lives forever.
W O R LD F OC U S Fostering Global Citizens As our students become the next generation of leaders, it is critical that they view their lives and work through a global perspective. Support for programs which combine on-campus and world travel opportunities such as study abroad and faculty led trips, exchanges, scholarships, visiting scholars, arts and cultural events, and international education can make transformational experiences available to all students.
S U S TA I N A B ILI T Y Living for a Better World Growing knowledge of the planet’s environmental, equity, and economic issues helps nurture students who make the world a better place to live. Important areas to fund are research in smaller scale technology and renewable resources, peace and justice studies, endowed professorships, the establishment of a curriculum around the economics of sustainability, a “green curriculum� for the entire campus, sustainability initiatives, and campus programs.
E N T R EP R E N E U R SHIP Cultivating the Creative Spirit No matter what area of study, students need to combine their critical, analytical, and creative thinking to address the professional challenges of the 21st century. Funding to engage students through working with entrepreneurs, promote education through research and service-learning collaborations, expand access to career opportunities, support scholarships, and create endowed professorships is key to nurturing students with a creative edge who can be thought leaders and have a positive impact through their work.
HE A LT H & Q U A LI T Y O F LI F E Enhancing Lives and Communities Appalachian has always looked toward identifying the needs of those around us, and preparing students who can meet those needs. A strengthened focus on the health sciences joins many other areas to meet the challenge of making stronger and healthier communities. Help is needed to support the new College of Health Sciences, premier research and student support in selected fields, arts and cultural programing and athletics.
Scholarship A C A DEMICS
A RT S
SUPPORTING STUDENT EXCELLENCE c a m pa i g n . a p p s tat e . e d u
A T HLE T ICS
not only “Appalachian fueled my academic endeavors but also allowed for personal development and the realization of leadership capabilities I didn’t know I had.
”
Ivan Penado Class of 2011 Ecology & Environmental Biology major Durham, NC
R ec og n i z i ng an d D e v e l o p i n g Stu d e nt P o t e nt i a l As a high school student, Ivan Penado wasn’t really the type to join clubs or participate in extracurricular activities, but you would never guess that if you met him today. In fact, he never thought he would go to college — the expenses associated with higher education made college completely out of reach and beyond any serious consideration. But a field trip, paired with a call encouraging him to apply for an ACCESS scholarship, changed his life.
M A K I N G A DI F F E R E N CE . . . A speech pathologist for the Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County school system and mother of two, Maria Vernon works to ensure that Appalachian becomes a home for generations of students in the future. After receiving a scholarship that provided assistance for her Appalachian education, she knew that she would always give back. “Receiving scholarship assistance as a student instilled in me a desire to give back to the university because I had been given so much as a student,” says Maria.
I just knew “Appalachian was the place for me. I felt like the campus was home, and it has been ever since.
”
Maria Vernon ’99, ’01 Chair, Reich College of Education Advancement Board Winston-Salem, NC
World Focus A C A DEMICS
A RT S
FOSTERING GLOBAL CITIZENS c a m pa i g n . a p p s tat e . e d u
A T HLE T ICS
PA SSIO N MEE T S S U CCESS
I really appreciate “how the professors here put in the extra effort to reach out to their students.
”
Ieesha Griffin Class of 2014 Cell/Molecular Biology major (pre-med) Charlotte, NC
Ieesha Griffin has a plan. A pre-med student majoring in Cell/Molecular Biology, she is preparing now for overseas travel to Japan to study the language, Judo, and medical system. “It is my dream to be able to one day be fluent in Japanese,” says Ieesha, “and after medical school, obtain a residency or even practice in Japan.” With a strong emphasis on international learning, Appalachian offers Ieesha, who is minoring in Japanese, the opportunity to combine a passion for helping others, a love of science and enthusiasm for Japanese culture. “I felt a strong pull on my heart for Appalachian,” Ieesha says, “and it is a decision that I will never regret. I really appreciate how the professors here put in the extra effort to reach out to their students. After all, as individuals we can’t get but so far on our own.”
M A K I N G A DI F F E R E N CE . . . While an undergraduate, Brad Sparks served as an Appalachian Student Ambassador and was among the first group of student scholars to participate in the William R. Holland Fellows for Business Study in Asia program, helping establish Appalachian’s long and close relationship with Fudan University. Now a director with the accounting firm KPMG LLP in Los Angeles, Brad credits his international experiences at Appalachian as crucial to preparing him for his current role as a Director for Corporate Responsibility. Brad, along with his friends and fellow alumni, Kris Wilke Byrnes and Kirk West, set up a scholarship specifically targeted to students interested in traveling abroad.
experiences abroad made “meMywant to give back to the university and help students today participate in the same types of programs that were so valuable to me.
”
Brad Sparks ’97, ’98 Co-founder, Bullock/Sparks Explore Yosef Scholarship El Segundo, CA
Sustainability A C A DEMICS
A RT S
LIVING FOR A BETTER WORLD c a m pa i g n . a p p s tat e . e d u
A T HLE T ICS
“
Working on Appalachian’s Solar Homestead has been a life-changing experience that I know will give me an edge in the job market.
”
Chelsea Royall Class of 2012 Graduate Student, Building Science Greensboro, NC
Tak i n g Su s ta i nab l e L i v i ng to a N e w L e v e l Chelsea Royall was an undergraduate student majoring in Interior Design, when she was given the chance to work on a design for an ultra-efficient home that integrates renewable resources and innovative technology. The daughter of two alumni, Chelsea always wanted to attend Appalachian, but she never dreamed that an opportunity she received in undergraduate school would lead her to apply to Appalachian’s Building Science graduate program, and eventually become a member of the construction documents management team for a fully self-contained, solar home.
M A K I N G A DI F F E R E N CE . . . Tommy Ausherman exemplifies the “Three E’s” of sustainability: Environment, Economics and Equity. His company builds solar-powered trikes that can travel 30-50 miles on about 10 cents worth of electricity. He works to make his products economically accessible while also sourcing materials locally. Tommy and his co-founders at FFR Trikes also use their company and technology to raise funds and awareness for charities, including a 2010 ride to help build a school in Sri Lanka. Tommy describes his dual degrees in Business and Appropriate Technology as a perfect fit for him.
Growing up, I loved “anything that involved building. My professors at Appalachian supported my ideas and made my business venture possible.
”
Tommy Ausherman ’11 Co-founder, FFR Trikes Fletcher, NC
Entrepreneurship A C A DEMICS
A RT S
CULTIVATING THE CREATIVE SPIRIT c a m pa i g n . a p p s tat e . e d u
A T HLE T ICS
How lucky I am “ to have professors take so much interest in helping me succeed.
”
Devin Lattin Class of 2012 Marketing and General Business Management double-major Asheville, NC
PA SSIO N MEE T S S U CCESS Honors College student Devin Lattin used earnings from the two jobs he worked while carrying a full class load to purchase stocks. When the opportunity arose to purchase a business near campus, he sold his stocks, bought a small hot-dog shop and put his experience in food services to work. Three months later, he had earned back his initial investment. While this might sound astounding, his colleagues in Food Services who voted him “Student Employee of the Year” are not surprised.
M A K I N G A DI F F E R E N CE . . . Clark Whittington has turned his love for art into a business that shares the work of nearly 400 artists from ten countries with anyone who has $5 and can operate an old-fashioned cigarette machine. Clark combined a BS in graphic design with a marketing minor and a creative spirit, and now he makes access to art fun and affordable for thousands of people in the United States and abroad. His business, Artists in Cellophane, packages small, original works of art into boxes that fit into re-purposed cigarette vending machines. The machines dispense original artworks in exchange for a $5 token. The idea came to him while working in an office. “I sketched out an idea, and when I got my hands on a banned cigarette machine, I created the first Art-o-Mat®.” Clark credits his art and business professors with taking an interest in his success as a student.
environment “atThe Appalachian opened my heart and my mind.
”
Clark Whittington ’88 Chief Operator Artists in Cellophane Concord, NC
Health & Quality of Life A C A DEMICS
A RT S
ENHANCING LIVES AND COMMUNITIES c a m pa i g n . a p p s tat e . e d u
A T HLE T ICS
The success of “ Richard Sparks is a testament to where Appalachian can take me.
”
Delvon Blue Class of 2012 Psychology and Health Care Management double major Winston-Salem, NC
i n s p i r e d to s ucc e e d Delvon Blue wants to help address restricted health care access for minority populations in North Carolina. A student in the Honors College, Delvon appreciates the challenging academic environment, mentorship and internships that are preparing him for medical school. When he discovered a story about Richard Sparks, one of Appalachian’s many passionate and successful alumni who is making health care more accessible in Western North Carolina, he was inspired to pursue a degree in health care management.
M A K I N G A DI F F E R E N CE . . . Richard Sparks began his career as an assistant administrator at Watauga Hospital Inc. in 1978. He became administrator in 1989 and president and CEO in 1990. During his tenure, the medical facility has expanded to include the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, the Sanger Cardiology Clinic, Mallard Kidney Dialysis Center and the Paul Broyhill Wellness Center. Since graduating, he has worked tirelessly to help Appalachian
Appalachian State “University gifted me with knowledge and a sense of purpose, and I want others to have the kinds of opportunities I have had.
”
strengthen its academic programs. He has mentored and provided internships to students interested in a health care careers and was instrumental in the establishment of Appalachian’s new College of Health Sciences.
Richard Sparks ’76, ‘78 President and CEO, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System Boone, NC
is imperative that “ItEvery Mountaineer move now to claim a bold vision for Appalachian. This is our university. We are changing lives and changing the world.
�
Chancellor Kenneth E. Peacock
Support the Appalachian Experience To preserve and enhance the Appalachian Experience, we have embarked on a comprehensive $200 million campaign. These funds will strengthen the Academics, Arts and Athletics experience for students, faculty and staff through scholarships, programs and facilities.
ARTS
$13.2 million
A TH L E TI CS A CA DE M I CS
$136.8 million
$50 million
T HE A PPA L ACHI A N F U N D Among the university-wide goals, of paramount importance is the Appalachian Fund, which supports areas across the university. Whether it’s funding scholarships so that students can attend Appalachian, or making sure our faculty and classroom opportunities empower our graduates as 21st century professionals, a gift of any size to the Appalachian
A C A DEMICS
$136.8 million
At Appalachian, we are passionate about our academic mission and committed to providing a transformational Appalachian Experience for our students. Challenging academic
Fund provides immediate assistance to areas across campus.
environments produce graduates that
Every gift to the Appalachian Fund has the power to enrich
of an increasingly complex world as
the Appalachian Experience and make a real difference in the
critical thinkers, compassionate citizens,
lives of our students. If you make only one gift to Appalachian,
creative leaders and innovative problem
giving to the Appalachian Fund ensures it will go where it is
solvers. Such academic preparation
most needed. If you’re supporting other areas, please consider
requires support for student
an annual gift to the Appalachian Fund to support our
scholarships, faculty development,
students, faculty and staff. There truly is no better investment.
special programs and facilities.
are prepared to meet the demands
A RT S
$13.2 million
The arts enrich our lives. Vital to the development of creative and critical potential, the arts enhance our ability to experience, interpret, understand, record and shape culture, and have significant positive impact on our local and regional economy. Appalachian recognizes the rich traditions that have developed a local base of artists and artisans who live and work in the area. The university complements these offerings by presenting national and international visual and performing arts exhibits and events for our university and community. Many of these events are offered for free, or for ticket prices that are drastically reduced from standard market rates. Private support is crucial to maintaining quality arts programming that showcase the best possible artists and build the audiences of tomorrow who see the world with multiple dimensions, thanks to the power and excitement of the arts.
A T HLE T ICS
$50 million Appalachian boasts one of the nation’s premier all-around athletic programs. While three-straight NCAA Division I football national championships and the heralded 2007 victory over Michigan — the nation’s all-time winningest program — have put the university in the national spotlight, Mountaineer Athletics has more to brag about than just its gridiron success. Appalachian is the only school to ever win the Southern Conference’s Commissioner’s and Germann Cups, which recognize the league’s top men’s and women’s all-sports programs, in the same year. The university has now accomplished this feat an astounding eight times. As they manage the rigors of training and competition on the fields and courts, our student-athletes also excel in the classroom. On average, over 35 percent of Appalachian’s student-athletes are recognized on the academic honor roll with a minimum grade point average of 3.25. The skills they learn from their experiences in the classroom and on the playing fields prepare them to make a difference in the world when they graduate. Investing in our champions makes it possible for these students to prepare for a bright future while excelling at the sports they love and bringing national recognition to the university.
If not now, when? As proud graduates of this fine university, we have gained so much by being members of the Appalachian Family. Virtually every great experience we have had in our lives can be traced back to the experience we had in Boone, with the friends that we made here, and the friends that we have gained over time as a result of our connection with Appalachian. Now more than ever, we who have gained so much from Appalachian must come together to build an investment opportunity for others. It will take all of us — alumni, friends, family, students, faculty and staff — doing everything we can to support Appalachian to provide the resources necessary so this fine institution can continue to provide the quality education we have all come to expect. You are part of the Appalachian Family. Together, we will continue to grow our university both in substance and in reputation, and make Appalachian even better than it now is. Brad ‘75 & Carole Wilson ‘75 Co-chairs of the Campaign for Appalachian
Ca m pa i g n St e e r i n g C o m m i tt e e George G. Beasley ’58 Avery B. Hall ’93 Martha Ann Murray Walter V. Murray Don Phillips ‘72 Pat Phillips Helen A. Powers Alice G. Roess Bonnie Schaefer Jamie Schaefer Michael Steinback Cathy Steinback J. Douglas Williams ’83 J. Bradley Wilson ’75 Carole P. Wilson ’75