Western Carolina University Welcomes Large Freshman Class While Raising Money for Athletic Upgrades

As Western Carolina University (WCU) prepares to welcome a large freshman class to its Catamount campus, the university is simultaneously raising money for some much-needed upgrades to its aging athletic facilities and venues. With a combined estimated cost for all the upgrades of $130 million, WCU Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Mike Byers indicated that priority will go to the field house, stadium, and Camp Gym replacement, for which the university hopes to have an initial $60 million in hand.

Raising Money for Athletic Upgrades

Due to the large budget required to update and/or replace the list of WCU’s facilities and venues, the university has discussed various money-raising efforts that could provide the necessary funds. The first effort that students have already agreed to is a fee increase of $91 per year, allowing WCU to borrow $30 million. Additionally, fundraising efforts are targeting an additional $30 million for the project.

University Relying on State Investment and Online Gambling

In addition to student fees and fundraising contributions, WCU is hoping for state investment to provide the money needed to adequately improve its athletic facilities and venues. According to Byers, board members have requested for WCU to find the funding for the upgrades elsewhere, which could come from online gambling tax revenues. As the university awaits the results from these money-raising efforts, Byers has instructed architects to begin proper blueprinting in the event that the funding comes through.

Conclusion

Overall, the university is working hard to create a better campus experience for its Catamounts by way of fundraising and investments in order to bring the aging athletic facilities to the modern era. With expected completion times for projects running two and a half years, upcoming freshmen and students of WCU have something excellent to look forward to in the near future.

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