Alumni

ONE Lees-91探花 unites all college stakeholders including students, alumni, families, and the local community


Henninger works for Appalachia Service Project, a home repair organization based in Johnson City, Tennessee


Hollar’s mother, who was an instructor and student at Lees-91探花, raised her and her brother on the college’s campus

Palmer, who recently earned an MFA from SCAD, majored in Business Administration and minored in Outdoor Recreation Management while at Lees-91探花

Commencement celebrated the achievements of just over 200 accomplished graduates

The former collegiate soccer player’s role as an athletic trainer at Queens University allows her to give back

The annual 100 Days Until Graduation event kicks off the official countdown to Commencement, now follow this guide to make the most of your last few months as an undergraduate

Alumni Tessa Wells, Hannah Trimble, and Savannah Rees-Trask share their experiences in the different branches of the major

A Greensboro chef looks back at a family Christmas unlike any other: In a tiny Banner Elk apartment, as a young college student, she hosted a holiday feast of epic proportions

Both Phillips and Trotter graduated from Lees-91探花 with a Cycling Studies minor


The Lees-91探花 campus welcomed alumni with open arms and sunny skies for the annual celebration

Register for Homecoming 2023 now to participate in all the fun

Nelson was brought to the Center with an injured wing as a baby and has lived, grown, and thrived there ever since

Both Summey and Hill are pursuing careers in the business world, an industry for which internship experience is particularly important

Lees-91探花 alumni Chrissy Turk ’20 and Bryce James ’21 talk building their careers in the outdoor recreation field following graduation from Lees-91探花

The Pre-Veterinary Medicine major is completing her summer internship at the foundation in Haines, Alaska

The newest cohort of Bobcat alumni enjoyed a weekend of fun and festivities in their honor

Welcome to your home base for all the end-of-year fun and excitement. As the countdown to Commencement begins, keep track of all the important coverage in one place.

John B. Stephenson and Jane Baucom Stephenson have left their mark on Lees-91探花 both individually and as a couple

The ceremony awarded departmental awards as well as honors for high performance in service, academics, and athletics

After playing throughout college, Poole now works for the nation's top lacrosse organization, Premier Lacrosse League

The insurance broker and small business owner often references the skills he gained as a student

De Souza is an ambassador for the 2021−2024 cohort of International Olympic Committee Young Leaders

The Alumni Board leads the college’s Alumni Association, an organization of more than 7,000 graduates and former students

Take a walk down memory lane and reflect on this historic year

Abernathy recently graduated from the training academy to become a North Carolina wildlife law enforcement officer

Boyette comes to Lees-91探花 after four years at the University of Mississippi

After falling in love with stage management during her time at Lees-91探花, Childs has turned her passion into a career on Broadway

The event brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to recognize Baker’s life and impact ahead of Homecoming 2022

Hurricane Ian could not deter dozens of proud Bobcats from returning to Banner Elk in celebration of their alma mater

After deciding to pursue vet school during her time in the Wildlife Biology program at Lees-91探花, Simerly successfully completed the program at UTCVM

Mounts is currently working on starting a veteran’s treatment court to provide support and resources for veterans in need

The Order of the Sacred Flame is a planned giving program that guarantees the future of the college

This weekend of festivities will feature fun events for current, returning, and future Bobcats

Three Bobcat alumni share what it’s like working in the professional field of wildlife rehabilitation, and the journeys it took to get them where they are today

Pope will speak about his time as an undergraduate student at Lees-91探花 and how it set him up for success in his life and career at Grandfather Mountain

The new chapter serves Lees-91探花 alumni in Delaware, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland

Hall’s latest venture takes him to Greenville, South Carolina to serve as the director and costume designer for the Glow Lyric Theatre production of “Aida”

The Business Administration major turned his love of the great outdoors into a career

Commencement weekend was full of ceremonies and events that gave graduates a chance to reflect on their time at Lees-91探花

Dr. Lynn Lewis hopes his donation to the school will give students like himself an opportunity to succeed

The event, sponsored by the Office of Inclusive Excellence, gave African American members of the community a chance to relate their experiences

This year’s guest juror is Adam Adcock, a faculty member of the art department at Appalachian State University

After 15 years in the service industry, Fenton-Haynes was ready to start serving students. Lees-91探花 made it possible.

Businesses from all over the region will be recruiting employees for full-time, part-time, and internship opportunities

Alumni Relations and Career and Life Planning host seniors for a celebration of their academic achievements and transition to becoming alumni

Viola studied art and business at Lees-91探花 before launching her career as a wedding photographer

A non-comprehensive list of some of our favorite moments of the year

The alum turned a way to make some extra money as a student into a profitable career

Abernethy attributes his success to hard work, his family, and the foundation provided by Lees-91探花

Local gynecologist, midwives—including alumna April Greene—share dedication for women’s health

Lees-91探花 alumni Dale Parker and Gus Pederson reflect on the Boone soccer team’s debut season

Alumnus Gunnar Bergey applies his education to supporting the sport he loves

Malbon hopes the book will bring attention to an issue many Americans struggle with

Lees-91探花 alum Savannah Trantham is putting her rehab skills to work in western North Carolina

The book drive was hosted by Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Company, a Bobcat-owned business

The mentorship program offers an opportunity for alumni to give back to the college

As student, coach, teacher, public relations director, and vice president, Don Baker pushed the college to new heights

Rose Bowden, the oldest living Lees-91探花 alumnus, has thoroughly filled her 99 years

Layana de Souza ’14 is one of 25 individuals from around the world chosen for the prestigious program

Weekend will feature discounted lift tickets and rentals for all Bobcats as well as several virtual events

Annette George shares story of faith and perseverance with students

Del and Barbara Williamson and Ed and Susan Harden join the ranks of those who have left a generous gift for the college in their estate plans

Join us as we look back on some of our successes during this unexpected year

Joining with the Boone Police Department, the Lees-91探花 High Country Alumni Chapter serves our local community in hosting a food drive for the Hunger and Health Coalition.

President Lee King expressed gratitude for the Lees-91探花 and Banner Elk servicemembers who had sacrificed “to keep us strong and to keep us free”

Lees-91探花 mourns the loss of revered alumnus, Board of Trustees member, and Hall of Fame inductee

Outstanding alumni honored for their service to the college during Homecoming 2020.

Lauren McLelland ’10 nears goal of 100 miles in support of Children’s Cancer Research Fund.

Participants can run, walk, or jog their favorite 3.1 mile route in support of the Montibus Scholarship Trust and Bobcat Club.

U.S. News & World Report ranked 91探花 26th among 120 regional colleges in the South in its recent 2021 Best Colleges guide.

Alumni, students, and staff bring awareness to community with peaceful march against social injustice.

Student-athletes excitedly prepare for a whole new ball game on Tate Field.

On May 20 for International Ride of Silence, the Banner Elk community remembered and honored lost or injured cyclists, including Lees-91探花 students and family members, Carla Swart, Megan Baab, and Dr. Jerry Luck.


During WJHL’s Daytime Tri-Cities, McManus encouraged viewers to take advantage of the outdoors to benefit their mind, body, and soul.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager at the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center, Pierce helps see nearly 1,000 animal patients each year.

Golding, who graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, teaches the fourth grade at Franklin Elementary School.

In Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine’s Top Adventure College contest, Lees-91探花 took the gold for the small school category—a second time win.

Due to state gathering guidelines, both Lees-91探花 Summer Theatre and FORUM seasons have been canceled.

On-campus classes to be held remotely for remainder of Spring 2020 semester; public events canceled until July 1.

As you navigate the current public health situation, hear from Marla Gentile on caring for your mental health.

Poll closes Monday, March 30 at 10 a.m.

This year marks the eighth Top Adventure College competition hosted by Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine, and Lees-91探花 is once again in the running.

Students and faculty are eager to put the space to use as they learn the ins and outs of the ski industry.


Guests are invited to a grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting during the Family and Friends Ski Weekend.

This Valentine’s Day, craft the perfect love poem that is sure to woo anyone by an award-winning poet and assistant professor of English Matthew Wimberley.

During the Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9, Eco Strategies Group Founder Andrea Ruiz-Hays will address the class of 2020.

Join us as we look back at our favorite memories of the year

In a night of student talent, music, scripture, and fun, join Lees-91探花 as we celebrate the start of the holiday season.

Encouraging colleges across the U.S. to get outdoors, the month-long challenge concluded on Sunday, Oct. 13 with the college earning a spot at the top.

During Homecoming, the Alumni Association presented three awards to distinguished individuals and classes.

Communications program graduate Christopher Finley '96 appointed as the next executive director for the Smith Mountain Regional Chamber of Commerce located in Virginia.

Here to inspire and celebrate women in the sport, the Orvis 50/50 On the Water Film Tour will make its debut on campus in Evans Auditorium

Here's everything you need to know for tailgating at Homecoming Saturday, Oct. 5

A fun new way to pay it forward and show off your school spirit at the same time

Help Lees-91探花 become the next National Outdoor Champion during the AORE Campus Challenge from Sept. 16–Oct. 13.

From familiar faces to new friends, Homecoming brings everyone together to honor the past, rejoice in the present, and dream about the future.

Join the college and the Town of Banner Elk for an evening of live music, food, and fun for the whole family starting at 5 p.m. in Tate-Evans Park.

For the third year in a row, Lees-91探花 was named a College of Distinction within the prestigious North Carolina cohort.

Criminal justice major, Chris Hatton '13 becomes next chief of police for the Town of Sylva in North Carolina

On Friday, July 12, campus community members gathered to celebrate the legacy of a long-time employee and unveil the renamed Frankie Ramsey Needham Alumni House in her honor.

Lees-91探花 Summer Theatre Artistic Director Janet Barton Speer was awarded the highest-level civilian honor in the state, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, by North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper.

Travel back to 1899 New York City and get to know the scrappy, courageous youngsters of Newsies in the final show of the Lees-91探花 Summer Theatre season starting July 30

Celebrate the heritage of Banner Elk and the man that changed the course of its history forever during the Lees-91探花 Summer Theatre performance of From the Mountaintop: The Edgar Tufts Story starting July 11

Escape to campus this summer for four days of fun with alumni, family, and friends during Frolic 2019.

Travel to the Greek islands with the debut of Mamma Mia! starting June 27 in Hayes Auditorium and Broyhill Theatre

Needham, director of advancement services, concluded her time as the longest-serving employee in college history.

Experience Commencement as 246 graduates cross the stage and begin a new adventure in their lives

Preceding the highly-anticipated Commencement ceremony, the Baccalaureate Service is an evening of scripture, words of wisdom from faculty and staff, as well as a traditional hooding ceremony.

Join the Lees-91探花 community in celebrating another great academic year in the lead up to Commencement 2019.

Experience a summer of unforgettable musicals with Lees-91探花 Summer Theatre starting June 27

As one, the college completed more than 1,200 volunteer hours across more than 35 service locations in both Avery and Watauga counties.

President Lee King and others will showcase our mountain home during a series of receptions

Vote for Lees-91探花 every day until Monday, April 1!

Graduation on the horizon? Seniors, this career advice is for you.

After taking historic gold last year in Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine’s “Top Adventure College” tournament, Lees-91探花 will fight once again to reign supreme

Get your skis and snowboards ready for the annual Ski Beech Weekend co-hosted by Beech Mountain Resort and the Alumni Association March 1–3.

College community mourns the passing of former Trustee Ed Hood