The Student Ambassador program is made possible this year with funding from HomeTrust Bank and the HCC Foundation.
The student ambassador activities are varied and include conducting recruitment activities such as campus tours, participating in special campus events, making presentations at local high schools, speaking to community businesses, and assisting during registration. In addition, ambassadors are active in making contact with the college’s alumni. Hatherlee is enrolled in the Associate in Arts program. He is from Canton and graduated from Pisgah High School. He works as part of the dietary staff of Silver Bluff Nursing Home. After graduating from HCC, he plans to continue his education to pursue a Bachelor’s degree. Hatherlee is a musician and enjoys exercising, writing, playing sports, and reading.
According to Arts and Humanities instructor Terri Godfrey, “Justin seems to be very focused on his education. He is perceptive, mature, and well spoken.”
O’Brien is a Fish and Wildlife Management student. He is from Asheville and graduated from AC Reynolds High School. He spent the summer working as a camp counselor at Falling Creek Camp. O’Brien is very active at HCC and was an ambassador last year. He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the Fish and Wildlife Club. He is also the Student Government Association Unity Programmer. Natural Resources instructor Bob Pinkston says, “Patrick has been one of the most mature students I have had the pleasure of teaching at HCC. His academic efforts have always been outstanding. I have the highest respect for him.” Walch is also a Fish and Wildlife Management student. He is from Germanton, North Carolina and graduated from South Stokes High School.
He plans to use his degree to help people and manage wildlife and forests. Walch is treasurer of the HCC Wildlife Club. After graduation, he plans to work in natural resources dealing with invasive species. Natural Resources instructor Shannon Rabby says, “Cory is level-headed, mature, and enthusiastic.”
The student ambassador program offers potential students and members of the community a first-hand perspective of the college and student life. In addition, the ambassadors learn a lot along the way.
(Photo Cutline: ) Photo by Debra Davis. HomeTrust Bank and the HCC Foundation are sponsoring Haywood Community College’s Student Ambassador program for the 2009-2010 academic year. Pictured left to right are John Tench, Vice President of HomeTrust Bank; Justin Hatherlee, HCC Student Ambassador; Cory Walch, HCC Student Ambassador; and Dr. Rose Johnson, HCC President. Not pictured is HCC Student Ambassador Patrick O’Brien.
About HomeTrust Bank
HomeTrust Bank is an FDIC-insured, mutually owned bank with an 82-year history of serving families and businesses in Western North Carolina. HomeTrust Bank offers a variety of home loans, consumer loans, Better-Than-Free checking accounts, Online Banking, and a broad range of investment options to help families build a secure financial future. The Bank also offers a full array of financial products designed especially for businesses.
HomeTrust Bank, along with Tryon Federal Bank, Shelby Savings Bank, Home Savings Bank and Rutherford County Bank, comprise the HomeTrust Banking Partnership. By combining their resources in Partnership, each member institution has expanded their ability to provide new products and services, more convenient locations, and greater support for their local communities while preserving their hometown banking traditions.
Together, the HomeTrust Banking Partnership has assets of over $1.4 billion and is the largest mutual bank headquartered in North Carolina and the 2nd largest in the Southeast.
HomeTrust Bank has offices in Buncombe, Henderson, and Haywood Counties. Tryon Federal Bank, Shelby Savings Bank, Home Savings Bank and Rutherford County Bank have offices in Polk, Cleveland, Rockingham and Rutherford Counties, respectively.
