App State Catawba Valley Alumni Chapter

📣 That’s what we’re talking about!!!!!

Our Department of Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum has been named the 2026 recipient of the Hickory Development Award — one of the inaugural Hickory Champion Awards.

This recognition highlights the department’s leadership in launching two innovative programs at App State’s Hickory campus:
K–9 STEM Education Program
Part-time, night-time Elementary Education Program

Together, these programs are expanding access, supporting working educators, and strengthening the teacher pipeline across North Carolina.

We’re proud of the faculty and staff whose vision and dedication are making a lasting impact in our region.

Click the link in the comments to read more!

App State Elementary and Middle Grades Education

Come join the App State Catawba Valley Alumni Chapter and the App State Asheville Alumni Chapter! Register here 👇 👇 👇

https://www.alumni.appstate.edu/s/1727/c20/Interior.aspx?sid=1727&gid=2&pgid=7866&cid=17721&ecid=17721&crid=0&calpgid=578&calcid=1551

Hit the trails with the Asheville and Catawba Valley Alumni Chapters for a fun-filled day of hiking, biking and a riverside hangout on Saturday, July 18.

Meet up with fellow Mountaineers at 12:45 p.m. in the parking lot of the Catawba Falls Trail. The hike along the Catawba Falls Trail will take about two hours, so be sure to bring sunscreen and water.

Afterward, we'll head over to Foothills Watershed, where our group will have a reserved space by the river so you can enjoy a full BBQ menu. Plus, your first round of drinks is on us, and kids get free dessert! This event is also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your pup along. Don’t forget to bring lawn chairs and a beach towel to make the most of the riverside hangout.

For the bike enthusiasts in the group, Foothills Watershed also offers a kiddie pump track, dirt jumps and numerous bike trails to explore.

We can't wait to see you there!

Hit the trails with the Asheville and Catawba Valley Alumni Chapters for a fun-filled day of hiking, biking and a riverside hangout on Saturday, July 18.

Meet up with fellow Mountaineers at 12:45 p.m. in the parking lot of the Catawba Falls Trail. The hike along the Catawba Falls Trail will take about two hours, so be sure to bring sunscreen and water.

Afterward, we'll head over to Foothills Watershed, where our group will have a reserved space by the river so you can enjoy a full BBQ menu. Plus, your first round of drinks is on us, and kids get free dessert! This event is also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your pup along. Don’t forget to bring lawn chairs and a beach towel to make the most of the riverside hangout.

For the bike enthusiasts in the group, Foothills Watershed also offers a kiddie pump track, dirt jumps and numerous bike trails to explore.

We can't wait to see you there!

App State Alumni! could use our help!!! And you can get a nice little hike in on this beautiful weekend!

The edible garden could use a watering this weekend! There are 17 gallons of water at the garden. The shortest hike is about 1 mile (Greenway to Yellow)! Use the map! The blue X marks the spot!

If you are able, make sure to take pictures and tag us so we can share!

Your help is much appreciated!

🚨 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐋𝐄 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 🚨

We now have kickoff times and network designations for six games, including the first three in September!

📰 >> goapp.st/2026FBTimes

What a fantastic night!!!

Lee Ann Luman here…

I had the privilege of meeting these young people tonight at our local Hickory FC game! They will begin working Monday as camp counselors at the Valley Haven Camp and Retreat just outside of Hickory. Nate and Joni Horne, both 🖤App State grads💛, manage this camp.

These are the faces of young people who will have a positive impact in the lives of those attending elementary, middle, and high school summer camps, Valley Haven Summer Camp invests in under-served youth in the Catawba Valley Region at no charge.

Last week, our chapter came together at North Hickory Market to network and to donate summer snacks for the campers and counselors. Thank you to those who donated. 🤩

YOU have another opportunity to make a difference in summer camp memories at Valley Haven!

Bring individually wrapped snacks to our Monday night event at City Walk as we gather for the 2026 Mountaineer Spring Tour. 5:30-7:30 PM

Our board members will be receiving these snacks on the camp’s behalf and will deliver them next week.

Be sure you register for this free event! ⤵️

https://www.alumni.appstate.edu/s/1727/c20/Interior.aspx?sid=1727&gid=2&pgid=7717&cid=17481&ecid=17481&crid=0&calpgid=578&calcid=1551