Memorial scholarship established to assist nontraditional art students at WCU
Zachary J. Schneider, a resident of Asheville who graduated from WCU in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in art, died Aug. 17, 2024, from complications related to cancer treatment. Donated photo
Nontraditional students working to earn a degree in an art-related major at Western Carolina University soon will have financial assistance to help them pursue their passion, thanks to a memorial scholarship fund established by the family of a recent WCU graduate who earned his degree after the age of 30.
Zachary J. Schneider, a resident of Asheville who graduated from WCU in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in art, died Aug. 17, 2024, from complications related to cancer treatment. Family and friends are making gifts and pledges totaling $25,000 to create the Zachary J. Schneider Endowed Scholarship in his honor.
When fully funded, the endowment will provide support to students in WCU’s School of Art and Design, with a preference to undergraduates aged 30 or older who are majoring in art, art education or art history.
“Zack was a nontraditional student. He was 32 years old when he applied to WCU,” said his father, David Schneider. “He was thrilled to apply for and be selected for a scholarship his last year at WCU. The scholarship was specifically for students over 30. It gave him a sense of pride and accomplishment as well as much-needed financial support. It’s important to us to provide this opportunity to more later-in-life nontraditional students.”
Raised on North Carolina’s coast in Jacksonville, Zack Schneider was known as a lifelong learner and creative individual. His passion for the arts and his love of learning led him to earn multiple degrees from Coastal Carolina Community College before continuing his education at WCU.
During his time in Cullowhee, he participated in many gallery shows and contributed as an exhibit assistant at the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center.
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Family members described him as someone who deeply believed in the transformative power of artistic expression.
“Art was always Zack’s anchor, where he felt comfortable and where he could immerse himself with a deep dive when he needed a reset. Art gave Zack a welcoming community and a place where he could connect with and support others. Art and creativity brought out the best in Zack,” his mother, Patsy Schneider, said.
“We hope this scholarship will provide someone with not only the opportunity to explore their creative talent and develop their technique, but also provide them an opportunity to be part of a community where they can contribute and grow,” she said.
Schneider initially discovered WCU through friends who attended the university.
“He fell in love with the area when he visited the mountains,” his sister, Hannah Schneider, said. “After a short break from school after attending CCCC, he felt compelled to return and earn his bachelor’s degree. WCU checked all his boxes – small campus, beautiful mountains, eclectic community, strong arts program – and the furthest point west in North Carolina from Jacksonville.”
After earning his degree from WCU in 2023, Zack Schneider moved to Asheville, where he was employed at a department store while pursuing his artistic endeavors.
Less than a year after he graduated, doctors discovered a cancerous mass in his chest in February 2024. He received chemotherapy for three months but became ill in June after completing his last treatment. He was admitted to the hospital in July with pneumonia and bleomycin toxicity, both complications from chemotherapy. He remained hospitalized until his death in August at the age of 37.
His family decided to establish a scholarship fund in his memory to continue his legacy by supporting similar nontraditional students in their creative pursuits.
“Zachary really blossomed at WCU. It’s where he hit his stride, feeling like he was part of a creative community that he loved. He made friends, supported other students and grew his artistic interests and technical skills. Zach loved working in his studio space at WCU, walking the campus and being part of the WCU art community. He was so proud to be a WCU student and alumnus,” Hannah Schneider said.
Faculty and staff in WCU’s School of Art and Design expressed sadness at the news of Zach Schneider’s death and appreciation for the scholarship fund in his memory.
“Zach was one of my most enthusiastic painting and drawing students,” said Ron Laboray, director of the School of Art and Design. “He would visit my studio every week with enthusiasm and interest, excited about new processes and techniques. Zach stood out among the painting students as someone with a confidence in class critique, and he spoke about other students’ work with complexity and empathy. He was one of those students that would benefit the entire group with his commitment to his studio and dynamic but gentle personality. I know he inspired many of his peers to make better work.”
Beth Moore, administrative support associate for the School of Art and Design, said that Schneider will be missed.
“Zachary was an enthusiastic student who went out of his way to help others. He stopped by my office frequently to discuss a variety of topics, and he always had a smile and a nice word,” Moore said.
Laboray called the Zachary J. Schneider Endowed Scholarship a valuable addition to the School of Art and Design’s student scholarship program.
“The impact the scholarship will have on nontraditional art students like Zack is noteworthy. Nontraditional students often have families or are starting again in a new career,” he said. “The value of scholarship support enables students to feel prepared for learning and provides the ability to be focused on mastering skills. Scholarship support can provide room to breathe and learn and the option to buy those supplies that were out of reach.”
The creation of the Zachary J. Schneider Endowed Scholarship Fund comes as WCU approaches the public launch of its “Fill the Western Sky” comprehensive fundraising campaign, an effort to raise a minimum of $75 million for the university’s academic, student engagement and athletics programs.
For more information about the “Fill the Western Sky” campaign or to make a contribution, visit WesternSky.wcu.edu, call 828.227.7124 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
To make a contribution to the Schneider Scholarship Fund, visit give.wcu.edu/Zachary.
