In this episode, we chat with Hylah Birenbaum, Executive Director of the HCC Foundation about the upcoming year of events to celebrate and recognize HCC's 60 Years of Impact.

Haywood Community College is celebrating 60 years of impact in Haywood County in the 2025-2026 academic year. To acknowledge this milestone, HCC will host a special event and conduct various recognitions throughout the year.

The kick-off celebration event will occur on Thursday, September 18, from 2:00-5:00pm in the Hemlock building on campus. This event will feature presentations recognizing our past and looking forward, a viewing of college artifacts and treasured images, the 60 Years of Impact video premiere, light refreshments, and the unveiling of the Art Trail. The Campus Development team has installed beautiful banners on campus and is working towards a momentous goal of planting 60 trees or plants during the academic year. Plantings have already begun, beautifying campus and providing additional educational opportunities for students.

In this chat, we talked with Elan from the Student Life team. She shares the upcoming calendar of events with us and all the amazing things students have to look forward to this semester. From some tried-and-true favorites to a few new things in store, there is always a reason to get out and involved at HCC!

April is Community College Month! As we wrap up the month, we sat down with one of our instructors and alum to chat about the meaning of being part of the community college system and mission.

Haywood Community College is excited to bring back the Car Show to campus in Clyde, NC! Join us on Saturday, April 26 from 9am - 1pm for a fantastic event featuring vehicles of all varieties, food trucks, and more! Danielle Harris is featured in this podcast episode. She is HCC's Director of Enrollment Management, a car enthusiast, and an integral part of the Car Show planning committee. Have a listen about her car passions and the event itself. See you out there!

Join members of the college and community for a unique conference for Western North Carolina. The WNC Environmental Summit will be held on Friday, March 21 from9-2 on the main campus featuring a variety of presentations, panels, and youth activities. We hope to see you at the event where you can interact with like-minded attendees, presenters, and amazing student showcases.

Innovate for Impact, a Tools and Technology fundraiser, will be held on Thursday, March 13. This gala will support student financial needs in various programs for items such as computers, books, and specialty tools needed for their course and as they enter the workforce.

This elegant evening will feature displays and demonstrations from each program area. Ticket price includes heavy appetizers, buffet dinner, beverages, cash bar, live music, and a silent auction.

In this episode of Bobcat Chat, we spoke with Nick Cerda, one of our Success Coaches who has been an integral part in HCC’s adult learner outreach. We’ll chat about resources available to students and how our team can help students overcome barriers they may face.

Spring is a great time for events to kick off the new calendar year and semester at HCC! The Student Life team has a slate of events that can’t be missed. From re-scheduled kickball to a new bingo event, there is something for everyone planned. The team has also created recurring events to keep you engaged throughout the semester like Donuts and Democracy and Wellness Wednesdays. Be sure to have a listen to this podcast for more details about the fun we have planned for you! And as always – you can visit our website or follow our social channels to stay up to date on events throughout the semester. See you out there Bobcats!