As we close out the month of October, I am excited today to premiere a new episode of The Road to Morganton which not only includes a progress report on the new campus but also features some incredible NCSSM alumni who are leaders in business, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy.

Every day I am inspired by the stories of our diverse graduates who have given back to our state in myriad and meaningful ways. In a recent survey, 68% of alumni reported that they have served in a leadership role in their community. The survey also showed that NCSSM alumni are high-wage earners and most are employed in North Carolina, contributing over $1.3 billion in economic activity through earnings and spending in the state each year.

Unlike other UNC system institutions, NCSSM operates tuition-free as a public high school, offering an elite education at no cost to qualified NC students from Manteo to Murphy regardless of financial means. The ongoing contributions of alumni serve as a constant reminder that we are building something very special that will make a profound impact on so many lives. Expanding NCSSM to serve even more students is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and completion of the Morganton campus is at a critical juncture.

We face the urgent need to complete construction of an innovative facility that will become a landmark in western North Carolina. Though we have stretched the project funding to maximize $73 million of state investment and nearly $10 million in generous private support, we still need roughly $10 million to complete construction of the campus and deliver an institution of the quality we have promised to the state of North Carolina – an institution that will, once again, set us apart as innovative leaders in education on the global stage.

In just a few days we will kick off our monthlong celebration of our champions – all those who continue to make contributions of all sizes to our new campus. More than 150 families, businesses, and foundations are already part of our Donor Recognition Society, and I hope you will join us in this transformative work. You can reinvest or make your first gift at any time by contacting our team or using the online giving portal. An investment in the NCSSM-Morganton campus is an investment in a brighter future for all.

Vice Chancellor and Chief Campus Officer for NCSSM-Morganton

Visit https://elc.ncssm.edu to register and learn about this year's speakers. Questions?

Contact: elc@ncssm.edu.

So beginning Oct. 30 and continuing each weekday through Nov. 10, the Durham campus will display a United States flag in Bryan Lobby in honor of one of our eight veterans: Charles Hale Durant, Don Burnette, Will Cook, Bob Gotwals, Michael Mitchell, Mike Wester, Edward Williams, and Charley Mangum. At the end of each day, the flag displayed will be taken down to be given to the veteran honored that day (along with a bracket kit for home display) as a community expression of thanks.

Morganton

Rescheduled Date: December 8, 2020

This half-day summit aims to inform you as to what your Chamber, along with our collaborative economic development partners with local government & education, are doing to craft the future of Catawba County. Register to engage and be a part of the solution to address the most critical issues facing business. Read more...