Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵapp

From the mountains of Western North Carolina to the streets of London, the "Baddest Band in the Land" is preparing for its next international performance. Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵapp's Pride of the Mountains Marching Band has accepted an invitation to perform in the London New Year's Day Parade on Jan. 1, 2028, marking another major milestone for one of the nation's premier collegiate marching bands. The announcement was made on Aug. 13 during a surprise presentation at the conclusion of the band's 2026 preseason performance at E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The event brought together members of the Pride of the Mountains, alumni, family members and supporters as band leaders unveiled plans for the international performance. The invitation places WCU on one of the world's most visible parade stages and continues a tradition of national and international excellence for the Pride of the Mountains. "The invitation to perform in London is a tremendous honor for Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵapp and the Pride of the Mountains," said Matt Henley, director of athletic bands. "There is something incredibly powerful about knowing where you're going while still being willing to step into the unknown. That is really what this season is about. London represents another extraordinary, life-changing opportunity for our students. I couldn't be more excited about where this program is going and that we get to go there together." The Pride of the Mountains has represented WCU at some of the most prestigious events in marching band history, including the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California; two Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parades in New York City; the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland; and the Bands of America Grand National Championships. The band also received the Sudler Trophy in 2009, one of the highest honors awarded to collegiate marching bands. The London appearance will continue the band's commitment to providing transformative educational and performance opportunities while showcasing WCU on an international stage. "When our students put on that uniform, they represent much more than themselves," Henley said. "They represent Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵapp, the Catamount community, their families, the mountains of Western North Carolina and the generations of students who have worn that uniform before them. Taking that story to London is an incredible responsibility and an incredible privilege." The announcement comes as the Pride of the Mountains begins its 2026 season with a new production titled "kNOW where." The show explores the ideas of knowing where you are headed while embracing the uncertainty that accompanies new opportunities and experiences. Over the next two seasons, members of the Pride of the Mountains will prepare for the journey to London while continuing to perform throughout the region and across the country. The band's 2026 season will culminate with an appearance at the Bands of America Grand National Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana, one of the premier competitions for marching bands. For many students, the performance in London will represent years of preparation and dedication while providing an opportunity to serve as ambassadors for the university and WNC before an international audience. The London New Year's Day Parade is one of the world's largest New Year's celebrations, featuring marching bands, performers and cultural groups from around the globe. The 2028 event is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of spectators along the parade route and reach millions more through broadcast and digital coverage. For more information about how you can support the band’s trip to London, visit go.wcu.edu/londoninterest.

As faculty and staff gathered for Opening Assembly on Aug. 12, Brown celebrated a university experiencing unprecedented momentum.

For over a century, Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵapp has helped put teachers in classrooms across the region and beyond. Now, looking to address the state’s ongoing teacher shortage, WCU’s impact on education in North Carolina just grew stronger.

Alicia Littlejohn has always been fascinated with space, so when there was an opportunity to intern with NASA, she jumped at the chance.

Alumni and friends interested in obtaining information about how to support Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵapp through a planned gift have a new resource to assist them.

The new coaching balcony for video operations in the expanded E.J. Whitmire Stadium at Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵapp will be named in memory of the late Philip Preston Sr.

Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵapp's campus bookstore is getting a new name.

The Mountain Heritage Center invites you to an upcoming event at Innovation Station at 40 Depot St. in Dillsboro. The event will take place on Thursday, August 6, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm and is free and open to the public.

Just a few years ago, Rustin Muse was working the Mountain Heritage Day 5K race. Alongside his classmates in his sport management class, Muse helped develop the track, get people interested and schedule police officers for the event.

This August, Brandi Hinnant-Crawford will join the College of Education and Allied Professions faculty as the John and Deborah Bardo Distinguished Professor of Educational Leadership. Her return is a homecoming that continues a nearly decade-long tenure as a Catamount and more than 12-year career as a researcher and professor.