Hurricane Helene has had an incredible impact on Western North Carolina. Much of the area is still recovering and will continue to for quite some time.
Cullowhee was lucky to be spared from the worst of the storm. While the university itself wasn’t hit hard, many of its people were. When Helene hit, WCU stopped in its tracks. Mountain Heritage Day and campus events faded from the spotlight as people quickly turned to help their neighbors.
Countless WCU students pitched in to the relief effort – traveling across WNC to help with search and rescue, supply donations, cleanup and more.
“We’re funneling volunteer efforts from students, faculty and staff,” said Provost Richard Starnes. “We’re trying to channel people’s community volunteering spirit to help our region recover from this disaster.”
Catamount Athletics led many student-athletes up to the Jackson County Airport, where Operation Airdrop was in full swing. They helped load and unload supplies from some 300 or more aircraft through the week.
Athletics also organized the “Fill the Truck” campaign Oct. 12 to raise donations for surrounding communities. By the end of the day, they’d filled nearly three full-size box trucks.
The cancellation of the 50th annual Mountain Heritage Day was a disappointment to many. Minor flooding on campus would make the event impossible, but staffing was another concern. Many who were scheduled to work Mountain Heritage Day had instead turned their focus to helping those in need.
Peter Koch, a member of the MHD programming board, said the cancellation was a disappointment to everyone involved, but it was a decision that had to be made.
Koch said that though much of the time spent planning and preparing was lost to the storm, WCU may recoup some of the planning in events later this semester and next.
The Kruger Brothers are to perform in Bardo Nov. 7. Koch says some musicians who planned to play at MHD will be in attendance.
The hurricane also led to a no-spectator football game against Wofford on Oct. 5. Catamount Athletics’ Chad Gerrety says fans took the announcement well.
Catamount football was back in-person Oct. 12 for its Heroes Day game against The Citadel.
“It really gave us the opportunity to thank people that have been so busy these last few weeks. We really wanted to do some good for the community,” Gerrety said.
Helene also had a significant impact on student life. Classes were canceled for nearly a month. WCU offered food, water, a telephone and other services in the days immediately after. Even so, many students drove home, sometimes taking far-extended routes if trying to head east.
“Some of us are worried about the future of the semester,” said freshman Luka Kutateladze. “Most of my friends dealt with it in a positive way and used it as a way to get more prepared.”
Hurricane Helene presented a difficult situation for WCU, and even more for its surrounding communities. Hard work, resilience and a little bit of Catamount spirit has surely helped WCU through this unique time.
