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The Blue Banner

The Student Voice of UNC Asheville

The Blue Banner

The Student Voice of UNC Asheville

The Blue Banner

A bear cub hangs out on the UNCA quad.
Bear With Us: Living Safely in Asheville’s Bear Country
Dylan Machi, Multimedia Co-Editor, [email protected] September 10, 2025

It’s not every day you walk across campus and see a mama bear and her two cubs hanging out in the middle of the quad, but that’s exactly what happened this week at UNC Asheville. Students stopped in their tracks, phones came out and for a few minutes...

Students and staff alike attending Rockypalooza, one of many major events organized by the student involvement groups.
Two new student involvement groups are being introduced to UNCA
Anthony Frederick, Arts & Features Writer, [email protected] September 11, 2025

Whether it’s managing clubs or putting together student events, a lot of work goes on behind the scenes to make sure UNC Asheville students...

Moon Stracener, Alexa Kaley, Jason Braswell and more Run Club members start their first track workout.
New Run Club unites students through fitness
Adam Hetland, Multimedia Co-Editor, [email protected] September 10, 2025

UNC Asheville freshman Ginny Watts creates Run Club, fostering community and promoting health and wellness. “My favorite part of the club...

Members of UNCA Wesley during an intense game of Cards Against Humanity in Highsmith.
Belonging and bonding through religion and queerness
Ashton Harrison, Arts & Features Writer, [email protected] September 10, 2025

The United Methodist Campus Ministry at The University of North Carolina Asheville creates a safe space for students of all backgrounds to come...

Leon Perez, owner of Don Pastel’s Bakery and Mexican Store, prepares pan dulce in Asheville, North Carolina.
At the table: How food brings Hispanic identities together
Francis Ordonez, Arts & Features Writer, [email protected] September 8, 2025

Many college students far from home search for ways to reconnect with their cultural roots. One way is food, whether it be cooking it themselves...

Manning Stewart shows off the largemouth bass he caught in Lake James.
First-year Manning Stewart hopes to get students hooked on upcoming fishing club
Anthony Frederick, Arts & Features Writer, [email protected] September 5, 2025

With over 60 clubs and organizations, it’s no secret that UNC Asheville students love to get involved. Just a week into classes, first-year...

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Neythan Lipa, a recruiter at the Asheville Army Recruiting Station, speaks with Reyii Rivera, a recruit, about joining the Army in Asheville, North Carolina.
From civilian to Soldier: Asheville U.S. Army recruiters turn conversations into commitments
Francis Ordonez, Arts & Features Writers, [email protected] September 4, 2025

As they weigh college and career options, U.S. Army recruiters show students how the military can offer many opportunities and benefits while...

Decorative Background
Jason Miller poses for his first day of kindergarten.
Don’t ask me about graduation
A reflection on leaving the UNC Asheville community and relationships built over the last four years
Jason Miller, Arts & Features Editor, [email protected] April 28, 2025

Don't ask me about graduation. Or rather, don't ask any senior about graduation. I'd avoid the topic entirely unless you want to ruin their day. Over...

This matters: the institutional response to covert abuse
This matters: the institutional response to covert abuse
Heather Fisher, Arts & Features Writer, [email protected] April 2, 2025

Most people don’t see what survival mode looks like in a college student. It doesn’t always look like breakdowns or missed assignments. Often,...

Jan Málek outkicked his component for the win at the Duel in the Valley meet, Aug. 29.
Jan Málek announced Runner of the Week for UNC Asheville
Isabel Richardson, Sports Editor, [email protected] September 11, 2025

The Big South Conference crowned UNC Asheville’s Jan Málek its Runner of the Week this Wednesday, Sept. 3, following his victory at the Duel...

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The UNCA quad during the Weeks of Welcome
International students feel Asheville is welcoming
Maxence Dumez, News Writer, [email protected] August 29, 2025

Introduction The first week of the fall semester can be felt and described as a new fresh start for all incoming students. Whether they are from the state of North Carolina, other states, or abroad, each freshman looks forward to adapting into a more...

A customer holds their freshly-used Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm.
Luxe lips: a Summer Fridays makeup review
Alexandrea Thomson, Arts & Features Writer, [email protected] April 23, 2025

Many a trendy lip balm has found its way into our bags, promising hydration and a hint of color. But let’s be honest, most of them leave lips feeling either too sticky or barely moisturized. Enter Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm, the beauty...

Asheville residents gather in Pack Square on Feb. 8 to protest ICE and the rise in deportation.
The myth of the perfect activist
Lindsey Toman, Assistant News Editor, [email protected] April 23, 2025

Being a young activist in the modern era oftentimes feels like living under a microscope. You're expected to speak up, organize and resist as...

Inhaler rocks a sold-out Orange Peel show with memorable alt-rock songs
Inhaler rocks a sold-out Orange Peel show with memorable alt-rock songs
Mavie Marcos, Arts & Features Writer, [email protected] March 17, 2025

Eager concertgoers packed tightly into the Orange Peel on Monday night while waiting for Irish rock band Inhaler. With a sold-out crowd and an...

Unlock holistic wellness: how yoga and acupuncture harmonize mind, body and emotions for optimal health
Unlock holistic wellness: how yoga and acupuncture harmonize mind, body and emotions for optimal health
Heather Fisher, Arts & Features writer, [email protected] February 26, 2025

Yoga is a disciplined, moving meditation. Combining yoga with acupuncture enhances healing.  "The needles tell your body how to heal itself,"...

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