Catawba College Joins Forces for Electric Vehicle Showcase at Football Tailgate
Catawba College recently participated in a vibrant celebration of National Drive Electric Month in Winston-Salem, aligning with the NC Clean Energy Technology Center to host an electric vehicle (EV) display and tailgate event. This gathering, set against the backdrop of the NC State University vs. Wake Forest University football game, highlighted Catawba’s dedication to sustainable transportation and community involvement.
The showcase, strategically placed at the home entrance, featured a variety of electric vehicles, including Catawba’s own fleet of red, white, and blue Ford F-150 Lightnings. These vehicles powered a tailgate spread of burgers and fries, demonstrating the practicality of electric trucks. Key participants from Catawba included Markiian Ivaniv ’27, Dr. Lee Ball, Noah Upchurch, Robbie Shinn, and Public Safety Officer Jim Fulton.
The event also offered a reunion for Catawba alumnus Brian Kaelo ’25, now a master’s student in biology at Wake Forest University. Kaelo expressed a sense of nostalgia and connection, stating, “It was great to see everyone. I still have a strong relationship with Catawba. Seeing them at Wake Forest felt like home.”
Kaelo noted the enthusiasm at the event, as attendees engaged with the concept of electric vehicles. “The tailgate and the game were great. Catawba brought many electric vehicles from different departments around campus. Students asked questions about the EVs, and Noah Upchurch explained how they worked. I never feel alone when seeing and working with people I know who share the same interests,” he shared.
Jim Fulton, a familiar figure at campus events, showcased how EVs are integrated into daily campus operations. “We have an electric Mustang [Mach-e] and our newest addition, the Ford Lightning,” Fulton commented. “They are great for everyday use and never get below 60% charge. While we are charging them, we use our electric golf carts.”
Fulton was impressed by the performance of the EVs during the trip to Winston-Salem. “I was pretty amazed how the EVs made it to and from Winston Salem, powered air fryers and grills to cook food all day and still had enough charge for 4-6 more hours of use,” he remarked. “The event itself was great. The fellowship and community of everyone interested in EVs was incredibly interesting to experience.”
The display served as an educational platform for students and guests. Dr. Lee Ball, Vice President of Sustainability and Executive Director of Catawba’s Center for the Environment, highlighted this impact. “Representing Catawba College and promoting sustainable transportation during the Wake Forest tailgate had a tremendous impact on the students,” Ball noted. “They were extremely curious about the electric vehicles on display, and they had plenty of good questions. They couldn’t believe the versatility and battery capacity of the Ford Lightnings. People just need to see EVs up close so that they can better imagine themselves in one.”
The event was made possible through the efforts of Shelly Parker, Paige Starnes, and Heather Brutz of the NC Clean Energy Technology Center, whose invitation and hospitality were greatly appreciated by the Catawba community.
As Catawba College continues to champion sustainability and collaboration, this event exemplified their commitment to spreading positive and impactful initiatives, both on campus and beyond.
Original Story at catawba.edu