The Staff Senate Scholarship committee leads the efforts to build and maintain a sustainable annual scholarship fund through fundraising initiatives (such as Calendar and Ornament sales). This committee reviews and rewards scholarships annually to provide future-focused, transformational support for students, staff, and their families at Western.

Current Committee Chair:

Sharon Quackenbush (squackenbush@wcu.edu)

Fundraising: Create meaningful opportunities for support through annual giving, holiday ornament and calendar sales, and initiatives that showcase the impact of contributions. This year’s fundraising goal is $6,000.

Scholarship: Expand access financial support for students, recognizing excellence, and easing the burden of educational costs. The amount to be awarded for academic year 2026-2027 is $13,065.

The Staff Senate Scholarship is available for currently enrolled or accepted incoming students who are children and relatives of SHRA and EHRA non-faculty employees.  The scholarship is awarded to students each year through the University Scholarship application process, opening on October 1 of each year.  

Award preference is given to immediate family members or residents of a household (this includes spouses, partners, parents, siblings, dependents, stepchildren, and grandchildren) of SHRA and EHRA Non-Faculty employees, retirees, and deceased employees. 

Please note that the application deadline is February 1 of each year.

The WCU Staff Senate is excited to announce that the 2027 Calendar and our 2026 Ornament are now available for purchase!

Whether displayed at home, in your office, or shared as a thoughtful gift for alumni, students, faculty, or friends, our Calendars and Ornaments provide a wonderful celebration of Catamount Pride.