N.C. Poet Laureate Joseph Bathanti, an alumnus of WWC’s MFA Program for Writers, delivered the main address.

The 2013 Commencement, beginning at 10 a.m., has been moved to DeVries Gymnasium because of a steady rain.

The bookstore is open 1-4 p.m. on Saturday after commencement. Summer hours begin Monday, May 20, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Congratulations to campus electrician Dylan Suter ’09, who passed his Limited Electrical Contractor’s exam.

Read on for summer hours.

In a partnership with the North Carolina Forest Service during the 2012-2013 academic year, Linden Blaisus ‘11 and the Landscaping Crew conducted an assessment of the vegetation composition, function and value of the urban forest on center campus. Analyses of these data provide insight into the value of the center campus trees: their monetary worth, carbon sequestration/storage, structure and ecosystem function. These analyses will be used to guide future management decisions with the goal of improving human health, environmental quality, and aesthetic value.

Forestry Crew won the 16th annual softball game last weekend, beating the Farm Crew 30-11. Forestry led off batting, scoring one run to the Farm’s three in the first inning. The next several were close, until Forestry pulled ahead with four runs in the fourth inning, nine in the fifth, and six in the sixth. [...]

This Sunday, May 19, I will be doing a 50-mile bike ride as part of Laurey Masterton’s (of Laurey’s Catering) JOYride–a Livestrong fundraiser.

WWC is receiving a $2.1 million grant to enhance its art department with the addition of studio craft and material arts.

The College has been awarded a $2.1 million grant by the Windgate Charitable Foundation to enhance its art department with the addition of studio craft and material arts, working with partners to make western North Carolina a recognized center for craft study.