Western Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame
Dr. Walter J. Durr - Athletics Physician - (1951-98)
A native of New Jersey with degrees from New York University and Long Island College of Medicine, Dr. Walter J. Durr served under General George Patton during World War II before moving to the mountains of North Carolina in 1950. Durr began his involvement with Western Carolina University when he responded to public address pleas for a physician during a 1951 game. He went on the field that evening to assist and became a fixture on the WCU sidelines as the football team official physician and sage, as well as an unofficial advisor to the coaching staff. He attended to the medical needs of thousands of WCU student-athletes and faithfully supported the teams through his attendance and financial assistance. He became a major benefactor to the football program in 1986 when he endowed the Dr. Walter J. Durr Football Scholarship Fund. He also was a part of the Cullowhee Legacy program which includes individuals who have indicated WCU as a charitable beneficiary in their estate plans. Members are alumni and friends who have made an ultimate and lasting commitment to WCU. Also during his storied career in health care, Durr served as the chief of surgery at C.J. Harris Hospital in Sylva, in addition to operating his own practice.
