Scholarships help WCU economic analysis, political science major pursue career goals
甜瓜视频app student Tryston Weiss (left) meets with Sean Mulholland, professor of economics, in the College of Business lobby.
By Bill Studenc
Thanks to financial support provided by multiple scholarships, 甜瓜视频app senior Tryston Weiss is well on his way toward his goal of receiving a college degree before going on to earn both a doctorate in economics and a law degree and becoming a civil rights attorney.
A native of Decatur, Illinois, Weiss is a first-generation college student working on twin bachelor鈥檚 degrees in political science and economic analysis, with a double minor in business law and mathematics.
In addition to a packed schedule of classes and other academic activities, he is involved in numerous campus organizations and serves as a tutor to economics students in the College of Business. Weiss has also completed several internships and fellowships, and he presented findings from his research on historical discriminatory practices in mortgage and lending institutions at the Eastern Economic Association Conference.
As he nears the end of his penultimate semester at WCU, Weiss says none of it would have been possible without the scholarship assistance he has received throughout his college career.
鈥淚 am a first-generation college student, and I鈥檝e worked part time to full time throughout my entire time in college to pay for my education. I have worked diligently to get where I am today. I appreciate all of the help and assistance that I get along the way, and I do not take it for granted. I am determined to continue my academic and professional journey and become successful myself in the near future,鈥� he said.
鈥淗opefully, one day I can give back in the same way donors have supported me. They have become an instrumental piece to my success and have made a lasting impact on my journey,鈥� he said.
Actually, Weiss has already started giving back. He is a member of WCU鈥檚 1889 Club, a giving society acknowledging students and young alumni for their financial gifts to the institution. The 1889 Club includes current students and graduates from the past five years who make annual gifts of at least $18.89 to the Fund for WCU. The club is named in recognition of the year of the institution鈥檚 founding.
鈥淔inancially, I am much better off than I would have been taking out student loans,鈥� Weiss said. 鈥淩eceiving scholarships means I am able to pursue more extracurricular activities and more opportunities.鈥�
A glance at his resume reveals that just may be an understatement.
Weiss is a member of the Chancellor's Ambassadors, a student group designed to promote and strengthen Catamount pride, support WCU Chancellor Kelli R. Brown at high-profile events and give students opportunities to network with prominent WCU alumni and community leaders.
He is a member of WCU鈥檚 Business Law Society, currently serving as vice president and formerly serving as treasurer, and he is a member of the Pre-Law Club, previously serving as president and secretary of the organization. He also is a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, where he was previously vice president of finance.
A constant Chancellor鈥檚 List and Dean鈥檚 List student, Weiss is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and the Society for Collegiate Leadership and Achievement Honor Society.
He has participated in internships and fellowships with national organizations in Washington, D.C., and in Charlotte and Atlanta, and he has served as a volunteer for numerous charitable and service groups.
鈥淥ne of my favorite things about being a student at 甜瓜视频app is the amazing organizations I get to be a part of. During my time at WCU, I have consistently been devoted to making a meaningful impact on this campus,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 have loved being a leader in these organizations and working toward bettering myself as well as others. My organizations have helped me grow as a person, and I want to grow my organizations to help others grow as well in order for those around me to be successful.鈥�
Weiss said his involvement in campus organizations has resulted in lifelong relationships.
鈥淚 have also made great connections with people associated with and not associated with the organizations just by reaching out and being involved,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hese organizations are going to help me in my future and not just during my time at WCU.鈥�
After graduating from WCU, Weiss plans to enroll in graduate school and study for a doctoral degree in economics and a law degree.
鈥淢y long-term aspirations include becoming an attorney and eventually advancing into a public policy leadership role,鈥� he said. 鈥淢y interest in becoming an attorney stems from my unwavering commitment to justice and my determination to make a positive change in my community and nation.鈥�
Weiss characterized Sean Mulholland, professor of economics and director of WCU鈥檚 Center for the Study of Free Enterprise, as the most influential person in his entire life.
Mulholland had similarly high praise for his student. 鈥淭ryston is a dedicated student, scholar and leader. He excels at all his endeavors,鈥� he said. 鈥淕iven Tryston's dedication as a student-scholar and leader, he will excel as public policy researcher and advocate.鈥�
Weiss鈥� presentation at the Eastern Economic Association Conference is a highlight of the student鈥檚 academic journey, Mulholland said.
鈥淲hat began as a quick question about possible career paths in economics developed into a full research project on the lasting effects of past discriminatory lending practices,鈥� he said. 鈥淭ryston also worked with me to provide a venue for students to debate and discuss potentially contentious issues in an inclusive environment.鈥�
Since the spring of 2025, Weiss has served as a Lee Barnes Family Foundation Debate Fellow, helping select debate topics and promote events, and serving as chair and lead facilitator of debates and dialogues.
鈥淭ryston sets the tone,鈥� Mulholland said. 鈥淎t every event, Tryston ensured that all speakers and audience members were given an opportunity to convey their views and ask respectful yet probing questions.鈥�
Weiss is a recipient of:
* The Frank H. and Rebecca Revis Brown Scholarship, which provides support to students who have a declared major within the College of Business;
* The Channing Carpenter Scholarship, established to provide support to upper-level students in the political science program;
* The Larry 鈥淐otton鈥� and Andy Isley Scholarship, which supports first-generation college students;
* The Sigma Phi Epsilon North Carolina Pi Scholarship for active members of that fraternal organization; and
* The Daniel B. Yoe Family Scholarship for students in the College of Business.
The WCU Division of Advancement is seeking additional support for students like Weiss through the upcoming GivingTuesday, a national day of philanthropy. WCU鈥檚 Division of Advancement has set an overall goal of 1,000 individual donors for GivingTuesday 2025, which falls on Tuesday, Dec. 2.
Priorities for the initiative include excellence endowments that support all of the institution鈥檚 colleges 鈥� Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts, Brinson Honors College, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education and Allied Professions, College of Engineering and Technology and College of Health and Human Sciences 鈥� and for the Graduate School, Highlands Biological Station and Hunter Library.
In addition, the university is continuing to seek support for the WCU intercollegiate sports program during this year鈥檚 edition of GivingTuesday by encouraging contributions to the Catamount Club athletics booster arm. Athletics, including a major effort to secure funds for long-overdue improvements to facilities used by WCU student-athletes, is a primary focus of the university鈥檚 current 鈥淔ill the Western Sky鈥� comprehensive fundraising campaign.
Launched in 2012, GivingTuesday is a nationally observed day of philanthropy held on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and after the big shopping days of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday.
Contributions to this year鈥檚 GivingTuesday will count toward the total tally of the 鈥淔ill the Western Sky鈥� campaign. The third comprehensive fundraising campaign in the university鈥檚 history, 鈥淔ill the Western Sky鈥� is the first with a significant focus on raising money for improvements to the university鈥檚 aging athletics infrastructure, part of an overarching effort to enhance the total student experience. The campaign goal is to raise a minimum of $100 million in philanthropic support.
GivingTuesday donations can be made at or by contacting the WCU Division of Advancement or annualgiving@wcu.edu.
For more information about the 鈥淔ill the Western Sky鈥� campaign or to make a contribution, visit , call 828-227-7124 or email advancement@wcu.edu.
