Western Wednesdays

Former WCU volleyball player Ali Schreiber never expected sales to become her career. But when one of her professors recognized a natural talent for it, she decided to give it a shot. On this episode of Western Wednesdays, Ali shares how her experience at Western helped take her from the volleyball court to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where she now works as a premium sales manager.

In this episode of Western Wednesdays, we sit down with Faviola Olvera, a two-time Western Carolina University alumna whose undergraduate and graduate experiences helped shape a career centered on serving others. As the leader of the Community Care Clinic in Highlands, Faviola works to improve access to healthcare and strengthen her community. She also remains deeply connected to WCU through her service on the Alumni Association Board, helping create opportunities for future Catamounts while giving back to the university that helped launch her journey.

Josh Paris, a WCU College of Business alumnus and General Manager of Old Town Club, joins Western Wednesdays to discuss his career journey, leadership philosophy, and commitment to supporting future Catamounts through philanthropy, board service, and internship opportunities.

From Cullowhee to the global stage, Becca Campbell turned her Western experience into a launchpad. A SOCON champion and English major, she shares how her time at WCU shaped her path, what it took to take the leap overseas, and how she found her place in professional soccer in Germany.

From their days at Western to building a thriving business, David and Lisa Hill have turned passion into purpose. As the owners of Southern Hill Farms in Clermont, Florida, they share how they got their start in farming, the journey that led to their success, and why staying connected to WCU—and giving back—remains such an important part of their story.

From Catamount student‑athlete to championship coach and educator, Miranda Stamper’s Western journey comes full circle. Now a PE teacher and the driving force behind the Lady Braves basketball program, she reflects on how her time at WCU shaped her path and how she’s passing those lessons on to the next generation of student‑athletes.

Frank and Becky Brown’s Western story is rooted in Cullowhee and continues through a lifetime of service. From meeting while working in Cherokee to their enduring commitment to WCU, their connection to this place and its people runs deep. Join us as they reflect on where they started and why giving back to Western still matters so much.

This episode highlights Dawson Spencer, a two-time Western Carolina University graduate who now serves the state through his work with the NC Department of Public Safety. During his time at WCU, Dawson made an indelible impact as both a passionate tour guide and as SGA President, helping lead the university community through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic as the primary voice for students. His commitment to service, leadership, and the Catamount community continues to shine in his professional life today.

This episode shines a spotlight on Steve White, a proud WCU alumnus whose dedication to Catamount athletics has spanned decades. After serving many years as Western Carolina’s Sports Information Director, Steve remains a beloved and influential figure across campus. Whether behind the scenes or cheering from the sidelines, no one embodies the spirit and passion of WCU athletics quite like Steve White.

We close out the 2025 season with Celina Woods, a distinguished 1985 graduate of Western Carolina University, award-winning attorney, and passionate advocate for children. With nearly 20 WCU graduates in her family, Celina’s story is one of deep legacy, leadership, and lifelong commitment to service. As a member of the Alumni Board of Directors, she continues to give back to the university that helped shape her path.