Filter & Search Search by keyword March 5, 2026 • 9:00am Sunni Ryan ’17 Leads RYSE Sunni Ryan ’17 leads a nonprofit supporting refugee youth through education, reflecting on how Watauga shaped her leadership and community focus. February 20, 2026 • 9:00am Ploener Builds Coaching Business Becca Ploener ’20 founded a coaching and kayaking business that uses outdoor experiences to build resilience, confidence, and personal growth. January 25, 2026 • 9:00am Hydzik ’19 Practices Rural Medicine Mariah Hydzik ’19 provides holistic care in rural family medicine, reflecting on how Watauga inspired curiosity and shaped her path in healthcare. January 5, 2026 • 9:00am Velmani ’22 Begins Law Path Abhaya Velmani ’22 begins law school after service with AmeriCorps, crediting Watauga for shaping leadership, curiosity, and commitment to justice. January 1, 2026 • 9:00am Student Accomplishments: 2025–26 Watauga Residential College students excelled in 2025–26 through research, internships, awards, and leadership, showcasing academic and community impact. December 10, 2025 • 9:00am Lewis ’96 Guides Spiritual Practice Michael Lewis ’96 works as a psychotherapist, professor, and guide, reflecting on how Watauga shaped his lifelong exploration of learning and human experience. March 13, 2025 • 2:46pm Phillips ’20 Featured on WFDD Hannah Phillips ’20 is featured on North Carolina public radio WFDD for her work as a health educator addressing rising overdose calls among minors. January 17, 2025 • 9:00am Divine ’22 Awarded STEM Medal 2022 graduate Savannah Divine was awarded the Jane Grimson Medal of Excellence as Research Ireland’s top-ranked STEM scholar. January 1, 2025 • 9:00am Student Accomplishments: 2024-25 Explore Watauga Residential College student accomplishments from 2024–25, highlighting achievements in research, service, internships, and academic honors. November 25, 2024 • 9:00am Ilya Wang ’20 Co-Opens Asian Market Ilya Wang ’20 is co-owner of a new Asian market in Boone, bringing diverse products and fresh cultural offerings to the local community. March 3, 2024 • 9:00am Augustine ’23 Published in Journal Rebekah Augustine ’23 published her thesis in the Journal of International Relations & Foreign Policy. February 13, 2024 • 9:00am Mary Bowman ’23 on Outdoorosity Mary Bowman ’23 was featured on the Appalachian Outdoorosity podcast. January 1, 2024 • 9:00am Student Accomplishments: 2023–24 Discover Watauga Residential College student accomplishments from 2023–24, featuring honors, research, leadership, and professional achievements. August 22, 2023 • 1:58pm Remembering Elizabeth Young Elizabeth Young, a Boone nonprofit leader, is remembered across Watauga County for her work with Hunger & Health Coalition and dedication to community service. April 3, 2023 • 8:40am 50th Anniversary Celebration Celebrate 50 years of Watauga Residential College with events, stories, and opportunities for alumni and friends to reconnect and honor the program’s legacy.
